Anritsu VNA Setup Instructions & Driver Details

Model Supported : MS4642B, MS4644B, MS4647B on firmware version 2021.6.3.2

Measurement Mode Supported :
  • S-parameters: CW, Pulsed and mmWave
  • 1-tone: CW and Pulsed
  • 2-tones: CW with Option 51 or 61 or 62


Installing VISA layer

IQSTAR instrument scanner can communicate with the instruments trough the software VISA layer. On the remote computer, several visa dll's can be installed, depending on the GPIB controller (Ni or Keysight) installed.

For example, “Agilent IO Library Suites” from Agilent or/and “Measurement and Automation” from National Instruments can be installed.

Download NI-VISA and/or Download Keysigth IO Libraries Suite. Once the standalone installer has been downloaded, launch the executable and follow the onscreen prompts to complete the installation.

• If “Measurement and Automation” from National Instruments is only installed on the computer, the NI “visa64.dll” is linked to the primary VISA interface. This dll will be used when plugging a NI GPIB-USB key or a NI GPIB card.

• If “Agilent IO Library Suites” from Agilent is only installed on the computer, both Agilent “visa64.dll” and “agvisa64.dll” will address the same software in order to communicate with the instruments. This dll will be used when plugging an Agilent USB GPIB key or Agilent GPIB card.

• If “Agilent IO Library Suites” is installed on top of the “Measurement and Automation” in order to enable both Agilent and NI USB-GPIB keys, the Agilent software installer will ask if the original NI “visa64.dll” has to be replaced by the Agilent “visa64.dll”.
  • If the Agilent “visa64.dll” erases and replaces the NI “visa64.dll”, both “visa64.dll” and “agvisa64.dll” will address the same software in order to communicate with the instruments. In this configuration, NI key or NI card cannot be used anymore.
  • If the Agilent “visa64.dll” does not erase and does not replace the NI “visa64.dll”, the “agvisa64.dll” will be used to drive the Agilent card or Agilent key, while the “visa64.dll” will be used to drive the NI card or NI key.

Anritsu VectorStar driver options



  • Force Identification As : In order to evaluate the instrument model and options, IQSTAR queries *IDN? during bench initialization, then IQSTAR will adapt the instrument driver in function of the instrument model. This option is used to force a model version in order to adapt instrument driver behavior.
  • Use a Pulsed TestSet Unit : This option must be checked if a pulsed TestSet is connected to the VNA.
  • Use a Custom External Pulse Modulator : This option must must be checked if an external pulse modulator is used.
  • VNA & RF Source Attenuators : Thoses options are used to select and force a user defined attenuation.
  • Use External Trigger input in CW mode : This option is used to set the trigger to external and aplly a delay when trigged, used for WBF synchronous mode only. For more details, see Getting Started : "Overview on the Pulsed Measurement Techniques".
  • Use an Ext Combiner (allows 2 sources output for 2-Tones) : Outputs tones on each ports (one source per port), and require an external combiner.
  • MMWave interface : If a millimeter wave TestSet is used, select the appropriate module here.
  • Advanced Settings : Allow the VNA to operate in Full Frequency Range : If the correct external hardware is used, check this option to allow the VNA to work on both lower and upper frequency range (Rear and front panels). If not using internal couplers, two sets of two couplers should be used, one set for the front jumper, one set for the rear jumpers.


Know issues and topics to consider before starting any measurement :

  • Any measurement should have frequencies declared as a linear sweep for S-Parameters. If not, the Single (per point) measurement mode will not be available. Frequencies segment are not available in S-Parameters measurements.
  • Using external couplers, it is not possible to have a frequency sweep both under and upper 2.5GHz without having two sets of couplers.
  • During 2-Tones measurements, the calibration verification will not be available if the use of frequency segments is needed (as in 99% of the 2 tones tests). With no Direct AccessLoop option, this measurement is not supported.
  • This VNA series does not manage automatically its attenuators. If a low power range is needed, the attenuation must be set before performing any calibration and never be changed afterward. If another attenuation is needed, a new calibration must be performed.
  • NBF measurements are not supported (Wideband filter only - WBF - both synchronous and asynchronous).
  • In pulsed mode (observed using the SM6628 pulsed TestSet), setting a new power value can take up to 2 seconds. In that case, it is recommanded to put a consequent command value delay on the Power Meter and the VNA to be certain to measure after the power change.