Operation and calibration of VNA-based large signal RF I-V waveform measurements system without using a harmonic phase reference standard

A new approach is presented that allows a Vector Network Analyzer to be operated as a Large Signal Network Analyzer without the need for a harmonic phase reference generator. The mode of operation exploits the architecture of a Rohde and Schwarz ZVA-67, which incorporates internal signal and local oscillator sources based on direct digital synthesis [1]. This unique capability leads to a Vector Network Analyzer based Large Signal Network Analyzer configuration that provides for time coherent receivers. This feature combined with a modified calibration procedure, allows the instrument, to provide error corrected RF current and voltage waveform measurements, requiring only the internal signal sources and an external phase (time) meter [2-5]. This approach simplifies the Large Signal Network Analyzer architecture and removes the complexities and bandwidth limitations introduced when employing a harmonic phase reference generator.