An RF Network Analyzer Verification Process Using a Short Length of Precision Transmission Line

In most network analysis measurements, systematic errors such as directivity, crosstalk, port match and frequency response are the most significant sources of measurement uncertainty. The accuracy of an RF network analyzer is therefore specified in terms of these sources of error before and after calibration. Verification standards whose characteristics are known independent of the calibration process are used to verify that the system is performing to the stated specifications. This presentation discusses the verification process that was used to verify the HP 8753 RF network analyzer system performance. It also describes a verification method that uses a short length of precision transmission line as the verification standard.