DDS-Based Signal Generator Network Analysis

"the problem is how do i use them in the design"? How do you know that you need them?

If you don't know how to "design" this thing, then you need some more training before you can "design" anything.

Network Analyzer Basics | Hardware Design Articles | EEWeb

1,. All real life Network Analyzers are wideband general purpose devices, like 50kHz to 800 MHz. You program The DDS as required.

2,. You forgot to let us know, what kind of measurements are needed: 1, 2, or more ports?

3,. What would you do with Evaluation Boards? Admiring the artistry? You would need a fully equipped lab to do something meaningful with them.

4,. A good design is a group effort in real life.

5,. You do not appear to be qualified even to lay out the PC board to the multi GHz requirements.

6,. If it is schoolwork, pick a small part at much lower frequencies.

7,. Otherwise, go out and buy a good one. That is, after learning what parameters are required.

Your question is interesting... But indicates that you are trying to persue an activity which is pretty tough to do as you already place the first question: "do I need to buy the evaluation boards" for the chips? As an RF engineer I think the answer is "yes" to give you a headstart and to stop you from "re-inventing the wheel" - others already have sorted out much of the HW trouble especially in the PCB design. (The related SW trouble is big enough!) Consider also that modern chips are so small that there is an issue to mount them easily to a PCB and evalboards can be mounted to a largen PCB which you can design as an amateur..

But there are other means - you can try to get some ready made units - so see equipment surplus shops - they sell a bit aged "HP vector voltmeters" and signal generators - some times at considerable prices and these can do the job of a vector analyzer - we did that ages ago.

Or look for a low cost ready made unit at http://sdr-kits.netVNWA3_Description.html

Also other units from china are available...

http://www.edn.com/electronics-blogs/anablog/4309708/-400-1-3GHz-vector-network-analyzer-and-a-couple-of-tiny-oscilloscopes

Or look in the ARRL magazine - I think I can remember a design some time ago.

There is kit available under www.funkamateur.de Netzwerkanalysator FA-NWT. The frequency range might differ from your requirements but this has already a PCB Ordering Code BX060-USB. It is currently not visible in their web shop. Some where in my PC I have the related articles which are - naturally - in German.

But these hints shall just give you some ideas to proceed with the project.