in some applications network parameters vary over time in a manner that precludes the use of conventional swept frequency network analyzers . swept measurements incur penalty both in terms of acquisition time , and in terms of registration between measurements taken at the beginning and at the end of a sweep . disclosed is an architecture and method for real - time analysis of network parameters . example applications are presented , ranging from thermal drift of amplifiers , to microwave imaging of moving objects , to characterizing materials on conveyors , to characterizing plasma buildup , and many more .