Calibration of a time-domain network analyzer: a new approach

Author

Ferrari, Philippe ; Angénieux, Gilbert

Author_Institution

LAHC-UFR SFA, Savoie Univ., Le Bourget du Lac, France

Volume

49

Issue

1

fYear

2000

fDate

2/1/2000 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

178

Lastpage

187

Abstract

This paper deals with the calibration of time-domain network analyzers operating in the bandwidth dc-20 GHz. After identification and experimental estimation of the error sources, an approach based on a standard TRL (thru-reflect-line) calibration procedure, adapted to bidirectional (two generators and two samplers) time-domain measurement systems for the correction of systematic errors, is developed. Optimal conditions for the minimization of random errors are also carried out. Next, the measurement system dynamic range and repeatability are accurately characterized. Finally, experimental results obtained on coaxial attenuators and a mismatched lossy microstrip line demonstrate the accuracy of the method

Keywords

calibration; error correction; measurement errors; microwave reflectometry; network analysers; time-domain reflectometry; bidirectional time-domain measurement systems; calibration; coaxial attenuators; dynamic range; error identification; error sources; microwave measurements; minimization of random errors; mismatched lossy microstrip line; optimal conditions; repeatability; systematic errors correction; thru-reflect-line procedure; time drifts; time-domain network analyzer; time-domain reflectometry; Attenuators; Bandwidth; Calibration; Coaxial components; Dynamic range; Error correction; Estimation error; Measurement standards; Standards development; Time domain analysis;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9456

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/19.836331

Filename

836331