LRR-a self-calibration technique for the calibration of vector network analyzers

A new self-calibration procedure, the LRR method, for the calibration of vector network analyzers is presented. The calibration circuits consist of partly unknown standards, where L symbolizes a line element and R represents a symmetrical reflection standard. In contrast to the thru reflect line (TRL) method, which needs a line-standard with a different length than the other calibration standards, the calibration circuits of the LRR method are all of equal mechanical length. This is advantageous because the connectors of the vector network analyzer do not, thus, have to be placed at different distances from each other during calibration. In addition, the complexity of the test fixture can be reduced. The robust functionality of the LRR method is confirmed by measurements.