Self-calibration of six-port reflectometers using active loads

An automatic method for self-calibration of six-port reflectometers is reported in this paper. It is based on active load synthesis of well distributed standards over the Smith Chart. The advantages of this self-calibration method are: the setup is completely autonomous during the operation, measurement errors caused by the frequent connecting and disconnecting of calibration standards are avoided, the method is suitable for low and high frequencies, where sliding shorts are difficult to manufacture, as well as it simplifies operation of six-port reflectometers to non-specialized users.<>