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A New Calibration Method for Achieving High Insertion-Loss Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer

Published

Author(s)

Jeffrey Jargon, Dylan Williams

Abstract

We present a new calibration method for achieving high insertion-loss measurements with a vector network analyzer (VNA). The method requires a characterized attenuator and other additional hardware, including an amplifier, an isolator, two directional couplers, and two attenuators. With this setup, we measure wave-parameters rather than scattering-parameters. This technique enables us to shift the dynamic range of our measurements while decreasing uncertainties due to the noise floor of the VNA. With hardware available in our laboratory, we can measure values of insertion-loss up to 150 dB.
Proceedings Title
91st ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium
Conference Dates
June 15, 2018
Conference Location
Philadelphia, PA, US

Keywords

attenuator, calibration, directional coupler, insertion loss, isolator, measurement, uncertainty, vector network analyzer

Citation

Jargon, J. and Williams, D. (2018), A New Calibration Method for Achieving High Insertion-Loss Measurements with a Vector Network Analyzer, 91st ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium, Philadelphia, PA, US, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=925365 (Accessed April 24, 2024)
Created June 14, 2018, Updated April 12, 2022