Affordability
The host computer is planned to provide the display, control interface, and measurement processing. This approach is intended to reduce non-RF hardware and direct development resources toward the microwave signal path.
An affordable high-frequency VNA in development
26 GHz VNA.
Within reach.
RFhex is developing an affordable vector network analyzer with a target range up to 26 GHz for serious RF work on your own bench.
RFhex // VNA 26
INTERACTIVE CONCEPT
CH1 · S11 LOG MAG10.000 MHz → 26.000 GHz
M114.62 GHz−18.7 dB
IFBW 1 kHz401 ptsILLUSTRATIVE DATA
PORT 1
PORT 2
↗ The RFhex instrument interface is a development concept with illustrative measurement data
ANTENNASFILTERSAMPLIFIERSRF FRONT ENDSRF SIGNAL PATHS
01ACCESS TO RF MEASUREMENT
Your RF goals
should not be limited
by instrument cost.
We wanted to build something meaningful in RF. The hardest part was not finding the passion or doing the work. It was gaining access to the measurement equipment we needed.
For independent engineers, startups, and small teams, the limiting factor is often the cost of a capable vector network analyzer or repeated access to a suitably equipped laboratory. That cost can slow iteration and place essential RF measurements beyond the available budget.
RFhex is developing an affordable, host-connected, two-port vector network analyzer with a frequency target up to 26 GHz. The goal is to bring calibrated S-parameter measurement closer to the engineers and teams developing antennas, filters, cables, amplifiers, and RF front ends. Final specifications and performance data will be published after prototype verification.
IN DEVELOPMENT FORINDEPENDENT
RF BENCHES// 26 GHz TARGET
RF BENCHES// 26 GHz TARGET
02DESIGN PRIORITIES
Three product
development priorities.
The RFhex development program is centered on accessible hardware, documented verification, and practical RF measurement workflows. Each performance target will be evaluated through calibrated testing and published results.
Credibility
RFhex performance targets will be evaluated against calibrated laboratory VNAs using documented fixtures, calibration procedures, reference devices, and repeatable test conditions. Results will be published as development progresses.
Performance
The planned two-port architecture targets repeatable S-parameter measurement up to 26 GHz. Directivity, noise floor, trace stability, and dynamic range will be reported after calibrated prototype testing.
03TARGET RANGE
Choose the band.
Plan the measurement.
Use the interactive range control to explore planned RFhex coverage from 10 MHz to 26 GHz and the RF measurement applications associated with each frequency band.
10 MHz26 GHz
IMPEDANCE VIEW // CONCEPT UI SWEEPING
FREQUENCY
EXAMPLE WORK
RANGE
04PLANNED MEASUREMENT WORK
From hardware
to evidence.
01
ANTENNAS
Tune resonance and matching.
Measure S11, return loss, and impedance to evaluate antenna resonance and matching networks.
02
FILTERS AND CABLES
See loss across the sweep.
Measure S21 and S11 across frequency to examine insertion loss, return loss, passbands, rejection, and cable response.
03
RF FRONT ENDS
Compare every revision.
Compare S-parameter data across prototype revisions to evaluate signal paths, amplifiers, and RF front-end assemblies.
05WHO IT'S FOR
For independent benches
and established laboratories.
Independent builders
Evaluate antennas, filters, cables, and microwave hardware with S-parameter measurements from an independent development bench.
01RF engineers
Use local VNA access to support prototype measurements and iterative RF hardware development.
02Teams and labs
Add measurement capacity across startup, research, and development teams while reserving shared laboratory instruments for specialized work.
0306BLOG
BLOG
Read product development updates and practical perspectives on vector network analysis, S-parameter measurement, calibration, and high-frequency RF hardware.
Developing an affordable VNA with a 26 GHz target
An overview of the RFhex architecture, intended measurement applications, and development goals for an affordable two-port vector network analyzer.
Read article ↗07FAQ
Frequently asked
questions.
Review technical details about the planned RFhex vector network analyzer architecture, two-port calibration methods, open-source software, target frequency range, and development schedule.
01How is RFhex being designed for frequency coverage up to 26 GHz while controlling cost?
RFhex is being designed as a compact, host-connected vector network analyzer rather than a conventional benchtop instrument. The host computer is planned to provide the display, control interface, measurement processing, and calibration calculations. This reduces the need for an internal computer and display. The planned RF architecture uses direct conversion, a fractional-N synthesizer, a shared local oscillator, directional couplers, mixers, and RF switching. The 26 GHz frequency range and final pricing remain development targets that will be confirmed through prototype testing.
02What measurement architecture is planned for RFhex?
The planned RFhex front end uses directional couplers rather than a resistive bridge, together with a dedicated intermediate-frequency chain and RF switching. RFhex is also being developed to support full two-port error correction. A selectable IF bandwidth down to 10 Hz is a development target. Directivity, noise floor, trace stability, and dynamic range will be published after calibrated prototype testing.
03Which vector network analyzer calibration methods will RFhex support?
RFhex is being developed to support full two-port SOLT calibration using compatible 3.5 mm calibration standards. Planned workflows also include TRL calibration for suitable test coupons and unknown-thru calibration for non-insertable devices. Compatibility with third-party calibration kits and final method support will be verified during prototype testing.
04Which RFhex software components are planned to be open source?
RFhex plans to release the instrument control layer, Python package, and Touchstone export support as open-source software. A documented interface for the correction engine is also planned. Final licensing, API details, and compatibility commitments will be published before release.
05When will RFhex be available?
Engineering samples are currently targeted for Q2 2027. This schedule may change as prototype validation progresses. Wishlist members will receive development updates and notice of sample availability and pricing. Joining the wishlist is free and does not create a purchase commitment.
DEVELOPMENT STATUSDevelopment
Development
is underway.
Follow the RFhex development program for prototype updates, calibration work, measured results, and progress toward the 26 GHz frequency target.
RFHEX NEWSLETTER // PRODUCT WISHLIST08 / DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
Bench
notes.
Choose the newsletter for RF engineering articles and development notes, the wishlist for product milestones and availability updates, or both.
The RFhex instrument and software interface visuals are development concepts. Final product specifications and appearance may change.