A synthetic calibration technique for broadband applications using focusing antenna setups

This contribution describes a new calibration procedure, which is advantageous for broadband free space setups. This method is based on well-known self calibration techniques like thru-reflect-line (TRL). In contrast to the commonly used mechanical line standard the proposed procedure makes use of a synthetic line standard, which is realized by using different frequency points. Thus, the necessary shift of the electrical length is achieved by a shift of frequency instead of a shift of mechanical length. Hence, the synthetic calibration technique does not require any mechanical displacements of the setup. In addition, the number of measurements is reduced, since a separate measurement of the line standard is not required. This approach is verified by measurements and compared with conventional TRL calibration techniques.