Optical test set for microwave fiber-optic network analysis

Presented is an optical test set which can be used with any vector network analyzer for measuring microwave transmission and reflection scattering parameters of fiber-optic components. Measurement configurations and operating characteristics are discussed. Calibration of the network analyzer, which is performed using fiber-optic offset shorts, matched load, and thru-calibration standards, is discussed; reflection error terms are computed, and de-embedded relations are given for transmission and reflection measurements. A frequency-response normalization is presented as an alternative means of de-embedding reflection magnitude and phase. Accuracy limitations are addressed in terms of connector repeatability, calibration repeatability, accuracy of the calibration standards, test-set dynamic range, and resolution. S matrices measured at 2.0 GHz are presented to illustrate the utility of characterizing fiber-optic components in terms of microwave performance when designing a microwave fiber-optic network