Instrumentation and calibration for a miniature RF E-field probe

An amplification system for a miniature field probe is described and a complete noise analysis of the probe amplification system is presented. Unlike previous studies, this analysis does not assume that the amplifier is ideal and noiseless with an infinite input impedance. Theoretical findings are verified with experimental results. A simple calibration procedure using an X-band slotted waveguide is presented that uses less power and space than conventional techniques requiring antenna measurements in an anechoic chamber. Measurement results show a relatively small field perturbation due to the probe and a region in the waveguide where the field is relatively uniform and suitable for calibration