Measuring a ferrite core using an impedance analyser

Following our previous discussions, this episode shows you how to accurately measure the impedance of a ferrite core sleeve. An impedance analyser is always preferred, but a low cost vector network analyser might just do the job.

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For those who are amateur radio operators you might have a antenna analyzer. That can also be used to measure the impedance of ferrite cores. The RigExpert AA-3000 I use works up to 3GHz, does Smith charts and R X graphs. Can measure SWR, |Z|, R, X, C, L (series and parallel models), RL, Phase at a single frequency. At my work bench I am lucky enough to have a Keysight impedance analyzer that goes to 1GHz but in the field I just use my RigExpert antenna analyzer. Great for when I'm at a group event in the field and someone wants their ferrite cores tested that they use as chokes on their coax cable.