# devices.picotech:PicoVNA


Driver for PicoVNA Vector Network Analyzer instruments.


Usage

``` python
devices.picotech:PicoVNA(
    interface,
    reset=False,
    **kwargs,
)
```


Provides control and data acquisition capabilities for PicoVNA instruments using the VISA communication protocol.


## Methods

| Name | Description |
|----|----|
| [__init__()](#__init__) | Initialize the PicoVNA instrument. |
| [configureSweep()](#configureSweep) | Change the sweep settings in the given channel. |
| [getComplexData()](#getComplexData) | Transfer mesurement data from the VNA. |
| [getSourcePower()](#getSourcePower) | Read the VNA output power. |
| [readSweepParams()](#readSweepParams) | Read the sweep parameters from the VNA. |
| [reset()](#reset) | Reset the VNA using the SYST:FPRESET command. |
| [setSourcePower()](#setSourcePower) | Configure the VNA output power (setpoint between +5 and -30dbm). |
| [startSweep()](#startSweep) | Activate the VNA output and enable manual triggering. |

------------------------------------------------------------------------


### \_\_init\_\_()


Initialize the PicoVNA instrument.


Usage

``` python
__init__(
    interface,
    reset=False,
    **kwargs,
)
```


#### Parameters


`interface: str`  
VISA resource name or interface identifier.

`reset: bool = ``False`  
If True, reset the instrument during initialization. Default is False.

`**kwargs`  
Additional arguments to pass to the VisaDevice constructor. If not provided, default values are set for write_termination, read_termination, and timeout.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### configureSweep()


Change the sweep settings in the given channel.


Usage

``` python
configureSweep(
    fStart,
    fEnd,
    fPoints,
    if_bw,
    average=None,
)
```


Frequency units are in Hz. 'MIN'/'MAX' arguments can be used insted of actual numbers, and use the highest/lowest setting the VNA is cappable of.


#### Parameters


`fStart: int`  
The frequency on which the sweep starts.

`fEnd: int`  
The frequency on which the sweep end.

`fPoints: int or MIN / MAX`  
The number of points per sweep.

`if_bw: int`  
The bandwidth of the digital IF filter. A lower value usually means a slower, but more accurate mesurement.

`average: int = None`  
The number of averages which make up the final values. Default is None.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### getComplexData()


Transfer mesurement data from the VNA.


Usage

``` python
getComplexData(
    param,
    precision="double",
)
```


#### Parameters


`param: str`  
The parameter to retrieve from the VNA.

`precision: (single, double, ascii) = ``"single"`  
Precision of the data transfer. 'single' and 'double' precisions are transferd as binary data, and achive much faster transfer speeds. 'ascii' is only implemented as a fallback method, as it is much easier to debug. Default is 'double'.


#### Returns


`numpy.ndarray`  
The measured data from the specified channel.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### getSourcePower()


Read the VNA output power.


Usage

``` python
getSourcePower()
```


#### Returns


`float`  
Power in dbm.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### readSweepParams()


Read the sweep parameters from the VNA.


Usage

``` python
readSweepParams()
```


Frequencies are returned in Hz.


#### Returns


`fStart: int`  
The frequency at which the sweep starts.

`fStop: int`  
The frequency at which the sweep stops.

`fPoints: int`  
The number of points in the sweep.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### reset()


Reset the VNA using the SYST:FPRESET command.


Usage

``` python
reset()
```


Note that this does not reset the data transfer format! Use \*RST for this


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### setSourcePower()


Configure the VNA output power (setpoint between +5 and -30dbm).


Usage

``` python
setSourcePower(
    power,
    channel=1,
)
```


#### Parameters


`power: int`  
Power in dbm.

`channel: int = ``1`  
Channel number. Default is 1.


------------------------------------------------------------------------


### startSweep()


Activate the VNA output and enable manual triggering.


Usage

``` python
startSweep()
```


The VNA activates the output, disables the continuous trigger and therefore enables manual triggering. Any currently running sweeps are aborted.