Expanding the Capabilities of General-Purpose VNAs for Frequency Translating Device Characterization Below 10 MHz

In this paper, the authors report on a useful technique for accurately characterizing frequency translating devices below the 10-MHz starting frequency point of general-purpose vector network analyzers (VNAs). A procedure based on a four reciprocal mixers setup is proposed here to overcome this physical boundary. The complete system setup and measurement technique is explained in detail and precise considerations are mentioned for the correct follow-up of the procedure. The presented technique has been used here to characterize a frequency generation and upconverter payload used in actual space-borne global navigation satellite systems. Characterization results obtained by following the proposed technique are compared with experimental data obtained with a low-frequency VNA able to nominally operate below 10 MHz.