Verification of System Specifications of a High Performance Network Analyzer

The usual way in which a microwave measurement system is specified provides a statement of accuracy under stated conditions. Independently calibrated parts are employed to verify that the system is performing to specification at specific points. This contribution discusses the specification of a network analyser in terms of the effective characteristics of the measurement ports after calibration. It is then possible to calculate the accuracy of measurement possible for a given calibration technique and device under test and to devise a technique for the verification of the specification of the measurement port characteristics.