nanoVNA and RF Test Demo Board Kits for all MTT-S and AP-S Chapters

The MTT-S and AP-S Administrative Committees recently approved a new joint initiative to provide more tangible support to all MTT-S, AP-S, joint MTT-S/AP-S, and their Student-Branch Chapters (hereafter, “Chapters”) worldwide, with educational materials to support students and young professionals in their career development, as well as to inspire greater interest and opportunity for hands-on learning in the areas of RF, microwave, and antenna engineering.

The first phase of this new initiative consists of financial support for all MTT-S and AP-S Chapters in good standing to acquire one or more low-cost portable “nanoVNAs”, which are open-source, handheld, touchscreen, 2-port vector network analyzers available in different configurations and for various frequency ranges (e.g. 10 kHz to 1.5 GHz). This support will also include the acquisition of RF test demo boards that include basic RF components and devices, which may be measured using the nanoVNA (see examples pictured below).

To minimize issues related to shipping, export, and import, Chapters will acquire the kits locally through retailers such as Amazon.com. There will be three mechanisms for financial support to cover the cost of kits based on the number required:

1. MTT-S and AP-S will proactively and automatically issue a supplement of US $100 to each corresponding Chapter’s annual funding request, which is intended to offset the cost of acquiring one kit (any additional costs will be borne by the Chapter).
2. Chapters may request reimbursement for the purchase of up to 2 additional kits, up to US $100 each, at the following link (proof of purchase required). Once approved, they may seek reimbursement from MTT-S or AP-S through their normal channels for Chapter expenses.
3. Chapters may seek reimbursement on behalf of local educational institutions for projects requiring between 3 and 15 kits (e.g. for the purpose of developing a microwave- or antenna-engineering course), up to US $100 each, at the following link (justification required). Once approved, they may seek reimbursement from MTT-S or AP-S through their normal channels for Chapter expenses.

Financial support for this initiative is limited to 2024 and may be withdrawn at any time.