LA Techniques is pleased to announce the appointment of John Kitchen as Sales and Marketing Manager following the retirement of Chris Lester. Chris has worked very hard, and successfully, for the past 10 years for LA Techniques and we are extremely grateful to him. John brings to the company a wealth of knowledge and experience in both components and test equipment and we are delighted to have John on board. John can be contacted at john.kitchen@latechniques.com

LA was founded ten years ago this month. Initially, the product range comprised data driver amplifiers and other digital and analogue components directed towards high speed, high quality, telecoms applications. A range of innovative low cost PRBS generators was then added. The last two years saw the introduction of low cost vector network analysers following the same traditions of innovation and attention to detail. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers and representatives in both the telecoms and T&M fields for their business and we look forward to serving them in the years to come.

Applications Note LAP03 describes calibration procedures for the LA19-13-02 Vector Network Analyser including use of the Iss2 calibration kits which enable a full calibration to be carried out with a single kit when the DUT is non-insertable. It also describes the measurement uncertainties. LAP03 can be downloaded from the Literature section of this website.

We are pleased to announce a software upgrade for the LA19-13-02 Vector Network Analyser which adds features and enhancements including:

1. Non-insertable DUT calibration needing only one calibration kit plus a characterised "through" connection.
2. Increase to six limit lines with overlapping allowing upto 11 segments to be created per channel and ability to save and recall from calibration file.
3. Graphics files can be saved in various formats including .gif, .tif, .png and .jpg
4. Limit lines alarm facility with audible signal and status panel indicator showing failing parameter and channel.
5. Zo conversion facility.

Users are recommended to upgrade by going to the Products page and downloading the LA19-13-02 v1.6 software (see installation instructions) and new User Manual. For further information about the characterised "through" connection, please consult your local representative...

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Setup Electronica as our exclusive representative in Spain for our test and measurement products. Setup Electronica brings many years of experience in test equipment and we are delighted that they have joined our team.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of TRIO Smartcal as our exclusive distributors in Australia. TRIO Smartcal bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience in test equipment supported by four offices and we are delighted to welcome them on board.

Significant software upgrades are now available for both the LA19-13-01 and LA19-13-02 VNAs. The key features are:

• The introduction of frequency interpolation which allows the frequency span to be changed within the calibration start/stop frequencies without loss of calibration.
• The ability to change the active display channel by left-clicking on a marker.
• Provision of .dll file for LA19-13-02 and update of LA19-13-01.
• Updated Programming and User's Manuals.
  
  The new software can be downloaded from the Products page.

To increase the flexibility of the LA19-13-01 VNA we have introduced a .dll file for users wishing to develop their own control interface. Download the latest version (v1.31) of the User Interface software from the Products page and the .dll file will install. The Programming Manual is available as a separate download.

The new LA19-13-02 PC-controlled Vector Network Analyser offers a full range of features at an affordable price. Covering the frequency band 3 MHz to 3 GHz, it is a full S-parameter test set with 80 dB dynamic range, four display channels and utilities such as de-embedding, time domain mode and AM-PM measurement.

Download a data sheet from our products section

We are pleased to announce the signing of a Distribution Agreement with Aspen Electronics Ltd., covering the sale of the LA19-13 series of Low Cost Vector Network Analysers in Great Britain and Norther Ireland. Aspen Electronics Ltd have been supplying Test Equipment to the RF/Microwave industry for over 30 years and we are confident that they will help our customers to realise the full potential of these unique products.

For further information visit www.aspen-electronics.com

We are pleased to announce the appointment of EMCO Elektronik GmbH as our representatives in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. EMCO have over 15 years' experience in the field and we delighted to have them on board.

The calibration and measurement uncertainties of the LA19-13-01 Vector Network Analyser are assessed in a new document prepared jointly by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory and LA Techniques Ltd., The Note also contains applications information. The basic message of the Technical Note is that the achievable accuracy of the instrument when used with LA’s economy calibration kit is excellent for many applications.

Download a copy from our literature section.

LA Techniques announces the LA19-13-01 low-cost VNA which breaks the price barrier to RF vector network analysis. The instrument, which is PC-driven, operates over the frequency range 3-3000 MHz with resolution down to 100 Hz and 80 dB dynamic range. The control software is rich in features and offers a range of display and memory options including functions such as time domain, P1dB and AM-PM measurements.

Download a data sheet from our products section.