A new noise parameter measurement method for microwave devices

This paper proposes a new method for noise parameter measurement of microwave devices. Instead of measuring the noise figure, the optimum source impedance Γ_opt is determined by measuring the noise powers corresponding to cold impedances, then the minimum noise figure F_min (or minimum effective noise temperature T_min ) and noise conductance G_n are determined by connecting a calibrated hot noise source. Measurements corresponding to the largest possible range of the source impedance coefficient are possible (0⩽Γ⩽1), which is not the case for the classical method. Automatic tuner and isolators used in the classical method are no longer necessary. Using our method, the noise measurement system cost will be reduced and the measurement time will also be minimized