High-symmetry dynamic routing circuit supporting S parameter measurement multi-port extension

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit supporting S parameter measurement multi-port extension, belongs to the technical field of electronic measurement and microwave radio frequency testing, and relates to port extension of a vector network analyzer and performance testing of a complex network system. Comprising an emission dynamic route amplification module, N emission standard configuration route amplification units, a reference receiving dynamic route amplification module, N reference receiving standard configuration route amplification units, a measurement receiving dynamic route amplification module, N measurement receiving standard configuration route amplification units and a bi-directional coupler matrix. N is an even number; the bi-directional coupler matrix comprises a plurality of bi-directional couplers, and the number of the bi-directional couplers is consistent with that of the external test ports. According to the scheme, exponential expansion of the ports can be realized without changing hardware or adding modules so as to adapt to different application scenes such as change of the number of the ports of the vector network analyzer or adjustment of the number of the expanded ports, the signal path can always keep high symmetry, and amplitude and phase consistency can meet relatively strict measurement requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of electronic measurement and microwave radio frequency testing, and relates to port expansion of a vector network analyzer and performance testing of a complex network system, and in particular to a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion of S-parameter measurement. Background Art

[0002] Vector network analyzer is one of the most commonly used instruments in the field of RF microwave and scientific research and production activities. It is mainly used to measure the reflection and transmission characteristics of devices or networks. Traditional two-port or four-port vector network analyzers can no longer meet actual needs. In order to achieve comprehensive and accurate measurements of these complex network systems, it is indispensable to expand the number of ports of the vector network analyzer. Considering the hardware cost and implementation method, the port expansion box with two-port or four-port vector network analyzer as the host came into being.

[0003] The traditional multi-port S-parameter measurement is achieved by the host computer controlling the vector network analyzer as the host and the mechanical switch expansion box as the slave, and the two work together to complete the measurement. The vector network analyzer has two or four ports, and the mechanical switch expansion box only contains a small number of mechanical switch combinations and their control circuits to provide the necessary multi-port test path, and the test path can be customized according to the number of expansion ports or the actual usage scenario requirements of the user.

[0004] The traditional multi-port S parameter measurement implementation has significant advantages: first, the circuit structure and control logic are simple. It only needs to connect the test port of the vector network analyzer to the mechanical switch extension box, and the host computer can coordinate the control of the two to complete the multi-port S parameter measurement; second, the cost is low. After the mechanical switch extension box is expanded, each test port does not have an independent coupler, but is a coupler of the test port of the vector network analyzer host. However, this implementation also has two disadvantages that cannot be ignored: first, the mechanical switch device is limited by its own characteristics, the control switching speed is slow and the upper limit of the working life is low; second, the test path of the mechanical switch extension box is bidirectional, and it does not support adding amplifiers on the path to compensate for losses or provide gain. This makes the insertion loss of the mechanical switch increase as the operating frequency increases. On the one hand, it directly leads to low output power of the test port, which in turn affects the dynamic range of the system. On the other hand, it deteriorates the original directivity of the test port by twice the insertion loss of the test path, which also directly leads to a significant reduction in the stability and reliability of the entire test system. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to address the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art, the present application provides a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion of S-parameter measurement. Without changing the hardware or adding modules, the ports can be expanded exponentially to adapt to different application scenarios such as changes in the number of ports of a vector network analyzer or adjustments to the number of expansion ports. The signal path can always maintain high symmetry, and the amplitude and phase consistency can meet more stringent measurement requirements.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technologies: A highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement, comprising a transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, N transmitting standard routing amplification units, a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N reference receiving standard routing amplification units, a measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N measurement receiving standard routing amplification units, and a dual directional coupler matrix; N is an even number; The dual directional coupler matrix includes a plurality of dual directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports; The standard routing amplifier unit for transmitting includes single-channel input and multiple-channel output, which is used to select one channel of output from multiple-channel output after balanced amplification of the single-channel input signal. The number of multiple-channel outputs is one-Nth of the number of external test ports. The reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit and the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit both include multiple inputs and a single output, and are used to perform balanced amplification on a signal of one input of the multiple inputs and then output it from the single output. The number of the multiple inputs is one Nth of the number of external test ports. The multiple outputs of the transmission standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the reference reception standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the measurement reception standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the through output end of each dual directional coupler is used as an external test port; The transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module all include N outputs and N inputs, and are used to perform balanced amplification on the input signals before outputting them, and the paths from each input to the corresponding output are symmetrical to each other; The N-channel inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the N-channel outputs are respectively connected to the single-channel inputs of N transmitting standard routing amplifier units; the N-channel outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal / measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the N-channel inputs are respectively connected to the single-channel outputs of N reference receiving standard routing amplifier units / N measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

[0007] Furthermore, the coupling port connected to the reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit in the dual directional coupler is the reference coupling end, and the coupling port connected to the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit is the measurement coupling end, and a fixed attenuation plate is added to the reference coupling end.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes a power supply and communication control module, which includes: A power supply unit, used to provide power support for a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit; The communication control unit integrates a communication interface for communicating with a host computer and a vector network analyzer, is used to provide a data interaction channel, and is used to select the signal path in the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit according to the control configuration in the interaction data.

[0009] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. Through the innovative high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit design, the signal path can always maintain high symmetry in multi-port expansion, whether it is amplitude consistency or phase consistency, it can meet more stringent measurement requirements; this feature ensures the integrity and consistency of signal transmission in the multi-channel configuration of complex network systems, and provides the most basic guarantee and support for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurement; 2. Support flexible configuration of the number of expansion ports. The number of ports can be expanded exponentially without changing hardware or adding modules. It can adapt to different application scenarios such as changing the number of host ports of the vector network analyzer or adjusting the number of expansion ports. This feature can greatly improve the user experience, simplify user operations, and improve the applicability and convenience in diversified testing needs. It also reflects good economic friendliness. 3. External test ports are equipped with independent dual directional couplers, which can replace and skip the directional coupler of the vector network analyzer host to obtain the reference signal and the measurement signal reflected or transmitted by the device under test, making up for the disadvantage that the mechanical switch extension box deteriorates the original directivity of the test port. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of the highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a connection application scenario of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit connected to a two-port vector network analyzer when N is two in an embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an example of the structure of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module when N is two in an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 4This is an example of the structure of a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module when N is two in an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 5 This is an application scenario of a connection in which a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit is connected to a four-port vector network analyzer when N is four in an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an example of the structure of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module when N is four in an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an example of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module structure when N is four in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the implementation modes of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments described in the present invention are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments.

[0018] The embodiment of the present application provides a highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, N transmitting standard routing amplification units, a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N reference receiving standard routing amplification units, a measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N measurement receiving standard routing amplification units, a dual directional coupler matrix, a power supply and communication control module, etc.; wherein N is an even number.

[0019] The dual directional coupler matrix includes a plurality of dual directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports, that is, each external test port is equipped with an independent dual directional coupler.

[0020] The transmission standard routing amplifier unit includes a single input and multiple outputs (such as K channels, K is greater than or equal to 2), which is used to balance the signal of the single input and then select one output from the multiple outputs. The number of multiple outputs is one-N of the number of external test ports (K*N). When one output is to be selected from the multiple outputs, it is switched through a switch. The reference reception standard routing amplifier unit and the measurement reception standard routing amplifier unit both include multiple inputs (such as K channels, K is greater than or equal to 2) and a single output. They are used to balance the signal of one input in the multiple inputs and then output it from the single output. The number of multiple inputs is one-N of the number of external test ports (K*N). When one input is to be selected from the multiple inputs, it is switched through a switch. The transmission standard routing amplifier unit, the reference reception standard routing amplifier unit, and the measurement reception standard routing amplifier unit are designed to achieve further port expansion.

[0021] The multiple outputs of the transmitting standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the measuring receiving standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the through output end of each dual directional coupler serves as an external test port.

[0022] The dual directional coupler used in this example is different from the two single directional couplers (i.e., reference coupler and measurement coupler) equipped in each test port of the traditional vector network analyzer. Its essence is to use the isolation port in the single directional coupler that should be terminated with a matching load as an additional coupling port, so that a single dual directional coupler can realize the functions of two single directional couplers. The coupling port connected to the reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit (close to the excitation source) in the dual directional coupler is the reference coupling end, and the coupling port connected to the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit (far away from the excitation source) is the measurement coupling end. A fixed attenuation plate is added to the reference coupling end, with an attenuation greater than 10dB and a return loss better than 20dB, which can reduce the mutual influence between the reference coupling end and the measurement coupling end without deteriorating the system dynamics. In this way, the external test port is equipped with an independent dual directional coupler, which can not only achieve the original directivity of the test port without deteriorating, but also reduce the number of couplers and reduce production costs.

[0023] Specifically, the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module all include N outputs and N inputs, which are used to output after balanced amplification of the input signal, and the paths from each input to the corresponding output are symmetrical. The N inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are not distinguished as main ports and sub-ports, and the structures and functions of different paths are equivalent. They can be connected to the excitation source direct output of the vector network analyzer according to specific circumstances such as usage scenarios or user needs, and the N outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of N transmitting standard routing amplifier units. The N outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input / measurement receiving direct input of the vector network analyzer, and the N inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of N reference receiving standard routing amplifier units / N measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

[0024] The power supply and communication control module includes a power supply unit and a communication control unit. The power supply unit is used to provide power support for the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit; the communication control unit is integrated with a communication interface for communicating with the host computer and the vector network analyzer, which is used to provide a data interaction channel and to select the signal path in the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit according to the control configuration in the interaction data.

[0025] When applied, the highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit of this example can be regarded as a port expansion box. The following uses N as two and four as examples for explanation. Based on the principle framework of this example, more N values ​​can be expanded by analogy, which will not be repeated here.

[0026] When N is two, such as Figure 2 In the example shown, there are two standard routing amplifier units for transmission, two standard routing amplifier units for reference reception, and two standard routing amplifier units for measurement reception. At the same time, the number of multi-channel outputs (K channels) of the standard routing amplifier unit for transmission is half of the number of external test ports (K*2); the number of multi-channel inputs (K channels) of the standard routing amplifier unit for reference reception and the standard routing amplifier unit for measurement reception is half of the number of external test ports (K*2). At the same time, the dynamic routing amplifier module for transmission, the dynamic routing amplifier module for reference reception, and the dynamic routing amplifier module for measurement reception all have two outputs and two inputs.

[0027] The two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the two outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of two transmitting standard routing amplifier units; the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal / measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the two inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of two reference receiving standard routing amplifier units / two measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

[0028] Applicable when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: If a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit is used, such as Figure 2 As shown, the two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the two outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one of the two inputs of each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two inputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; one of the two outputs of each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two reference receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; one of the two outputs of each measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two measurement receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer.

[0029] When used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, the four inputs of the two transmitting dynamic routing amplifier modules are respectively connected to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the two reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier modules are connected to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the two measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier modules are connected to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If four highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one input is selected from each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four inputs are selected to be connected to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; one output is selected from each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected to be connected to the four reference receiving direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; one output is selected from each measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected to be connected to the four measurement receiving direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0030] And so on. When the number of ports of the vector network analyzer changes or the number of port expansions increases or decreases, flexible port expansion configuration can be achieved without changing the hardware or adding modules and ensuring high circuit symmetry.

[0031] When N is 2, the specific internal composition scheme of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module is as follows: Figure 3 An optional example is shown, in which the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module include two first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-divided-to-two switches, one second-stage one-divided-to-two switch, one second-stage balanced amplifier, one fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch, and two fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switches.

[0032] Among them, each input corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switch and an output which are connected in series in sequence; two first-stage one-divided-to-two switches are correspondingly connected to a second-stage one-divided-to-two switch; a second-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a second-stage balanced amplifier, and a fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch are connected in sequence; and the fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch is connected to two fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switches.

[0033] Based on the above-mentioned component composition and connection relationship, the transmission signal path selected inside the transmission dynamic routing amplifier module includes a transmission path one and a transmission path two.

[0034] Among them, transmission path one: after input, it is successively through the first stage balanced amplification, the first stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth stage one-to-two switch before output; transmission path two: after input, it is successively through the first stage balanced amplification, the first stage one-to-two switch, the second stage one-to-two switch, the second stage balanced amplification, the fourth stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth stage one-to-two switch before output.

[0035] The internal components of the receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are the same as those of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and the signal paths are opposite and in a mirror relationship, so they will not be described here. Figure 4 The following shows a Figure 3 The example of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module with opposite signal paths and mirror-image relationship shown in the figure shows that the components used are of the same composition, and only the inputs and outputs of the corresponding components are swapped and reversed according to the opposite signal paths. Therefore, the reference receiving signal path selected inside the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module also includes reference receiving path one and reference receiving path two, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path one and transmitting path two and mirror-image relationship, respectively.

[0036] The measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module adopts the same structure and the same signal path as the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, so that the internally selected test receiving signal path includes the test receiving path 1 and the test receiving path 2 which are opposite to the signal paths of the transmission path 1 and the transmission path 2 and are in a mirror relationship.

[0037] Based on the specific internal composition of the above-mentioned transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, when used in connection with a two-port vector network analyzer: if one high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit is used, the transmitting path one, the reference receiving path one, and the test receiving path one are internally selected; if two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, the transmitting path two, the reference receiving path two, and the test receiving path two are internally selected; when used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: if two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, the transmitting path one, the reference receiving path one, and the test receiving path one are internally selected; if four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, the transmitting path two, the reference receiving path two, and the test receiving path two are internally selected.

[0038] In the above example, the dynamic routing circuit maintains high symmetry, that is, when the usage scenario changes or user needs change, the modules, unit types and quantities that the signal passes through from the vector network analyzer to each test port of the port expansion box are completely consistent, which also provides the most basic guarantee for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurements.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the internal components of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, the reference reception dynamic routing amplification module, and the measurement reception dynamic routing amplification module also include a fourth-level balanced amplifier. In the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-level balanced amplifier is connected between each output and the corresponding fifth-level one-to-two switch; in the reference reception dynamic routing amplification module and the measurement reception dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-level balanced amplifier is also connected between each input and the corresponding fifth-level one-to-two switch. The fourth-level balanced amplifier exists in the transmission path 1, the transmission path 2, the reference reception path 1, the reference reception path 2, the test reception path 1, and the test reception path 2 at the same time, which can provide gain to compensate for the path loss while ensuring the power flatness at the ultra-wideband operating frequency.

[0040] When N is four, such as Figure 5 In the example shown, there are four standard routing amplifier units for transmission, four standard routing amplifier units for reference reception, and four standard routing amplifier units for measurement reception. At the same time, the number of multiple outputs (K channels) of the standard routing amplifier unit for transmission is one-fourth of the number of external test ports (K*4); the number of multiple inputs (K channels) of the standard routing amplifier unit for reference reception and the standard routing amplifier unit for measurement reception is one-fourth of the number of external test ports (K*4). At the same time, the dynamic routing amplifier module for transmission, the dynamic routing amplifier module for reference reception, and the dynamic routing amplifier module for measurement reception all have four outputs and four inputs.

[0041] The four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the four outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of four transmitting standard routing amplifier units; the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal / measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the four inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of four reference receiving standard routing amplifier units / four measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

[0042] Applicable when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: If two groups of test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit are used, each group includes one-fourth of the number of external test ports, and two of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to connect to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer respectively; and two of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to connect to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; and two of the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to connect to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; If four groups of test ports of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit are used, one input is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two reference receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two measuring receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, select one input from each of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the two selected inputs to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the two selected outputs to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the two selected outputs to the two measurement receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer.

[0043] When used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: If a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit with four test ports is used, such as Figure 5 As shown, the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are respectively connected to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one input is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four inputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, select one input from each of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four inputs to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four outputs to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four outputs to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0044] And so on. When the number of ports of the vector network analyzer changes or the number of port expansions increases or decreases, flexible port expansion configuration can be achieved without changing the hardware or adding modules and ensuring high circuit symmetry.

[0045] When N is four, the specific internal composition scheme of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module is as follows: Figure 6 An optional example is shown, including four first-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-divided-to-two switches, two second-stage one-divided-to-two switches, two third-stage one-divided-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, two fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switches, four fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switches, four sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switches, one first-stage one-divided-to-four switch, one third-stage balanced amplifier, and one seventh-stage one-divided-to-two switch.

[0046] Among them, each input is connected in series with a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switch and an output in sequence; two first-stage one-divided-to-two switches are connected to a second-stage one-divided-to-two switch in sequence; a second-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a third-stage one-divided-to-two switch, a second-stage balanced amplifier, and a fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch are connected in sequence; each fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch is connected to two fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switches; two third-stage one-divided-to-two switches are connected to the seventh-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the seventh-stage one-divided-to-two switch is connected to the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the third-stage balanced amplifier is connected to the first-stage one-divided-to-four switch; the first-stage one-divided-to-four switch is connected to four sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switches.

[0047] Based on the above component composition and connection relationship, the transmission signal paths selected inside the transmission dynamic routing amplifier module include transmission path one, transmission path two, and transmission path three.

[0048] Among them, the transmission path one: after input, it is sequentially output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switch, and the sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switch; the transmission path two: after input, it is sequentially output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the second-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the third-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the second-stage balanced amplification, the fourth-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the fifth-stage one-divided-to-two switch, and the sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switch; the transmission path three: after input, it is sequentially output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the second-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the third-stage one-divided-to-two switch, the third-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-divided-to-four switch, and the sixth-stage one-divided-to-two switch.

[0049] The internal components of the receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are the same as those of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and the signal paths are opposite and in a mirror relationship, so they will not be described here. Figure 7 The following shows a Figure 6 An example of a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module with opposite and mirror-image signal paths is shown. The reference receiving signal path selected inside the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module also includes reference receiving path 1, reference receiving path 2, and reference receiving path 3, which are opposite and mirror-image to the signal paths of transmit path 1, transmit path 2, and transmit path 3, respectively.

[0050] The measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module adopts the same structure and the same signal path as the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, so that the internally selected test receiving signal path includes test receiving path one, test receiving path two, and test receiving path three, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmission path one, transmission path two, and transmission path three and are in a mirror relationship.

[0051] Based on the specific internal composition of the above-mentioned transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, when used in connection with a two-port vector network analyzer: when two groups of test ports of a high-symmetric dynamic routing circuit are used, transmitting path one, reference receiving path one, and test receiving path one are internally selected; when all test ports of a high-symmetric dynamic routing circuit are used, transmitting path two, reference receiving path two, and test receiving path two are internally selected; when all test ports of two high-symmetric dynamic routing circuits are used, transmitting path three, reference receiving path three, and test receiving path three are internally selected; when used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: when four groups of test ports of a high-symmetric dynamic routing circuit are used, transmitting path one, reference receiving path one, and test receiving path one are internally selected; when all test ports of two high-symmetric dynamic routing circuits are used, transmitting path two, reference receiving path two, and measurement receiving path two are internally selected; when all test ports of four high-symmetric dynamic routing circuits are used, transmitting path three, reference receiving path three, and measurement receiving path three are internally selected.

[0052] In the above example, the dynamic routing circuit maintains high symmetry, that is, when the usage scenario changes or user needs change, the modules, unit types and quantities that the signal passes through from the vector network analyzer to each test port of the port expansion box are completely consistent, which also provides the most basic guarantee for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurements.

[0053] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module also include a fourth-level balanced amplifier. In the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-level balanced amplifier is connected between each output and the corresponding sixth-level one-to-two switch; in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-level balanced amplifier is also connected between each input and the corresponding sixth-level one-to-two switch. The fourth-level balanced amplifier exists simultaneously in the transmitting path 1, the transmitting path 2, the transmitting path 3, the reference receiving path 1, the reference receiving path 2, the reference receiving path 3, the test receiving path 1, the test receiving path 2, and the test receiving path 3, which can provide gain to compensate for the path loss while ensuring the power flatness at the ultra-wideband operating frequency.

[0054] The highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement provided in this example can realize flexible configuration of port expansion while ensuring the high symmetry of the dynamic routing circuit when the usage scenario changes or user needs change, such as the number of ports of the vector network analyzer changes or the number of port expansions increases or decreases, and without changing the hardware or adding modules, and also provides the most basic guarantee and support for the reliability and stability of multi-port S parameter measurement. In addition, the external test ports of the port expansion box are equipped with independent dual directional couplers, which can replace and skip the directional couplers of the vector network analyzer host to complete the acquisition of the reference signal and the measurement signal reflected or transmitted by the device under test, making up for the disadvantage of the mechanical switch expansion box deteriorating the original directivity of the test port.

[0055] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S-parameter measurement, characterized in that: It includes a transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, N transmitting standard routing amplification units, a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N reference receiving standard routing amplification units, a measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, N measurement receiving standard routing amplification units, and a dual directional coupler matrix; N is an even number; The dual directional coupler matrix includes a plurality of dual directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports; The standard routing amplifier unit for transmitting includes single-channel input and multiple-channel output, which is used to select one channel of output from multiple-channel output after balanced amplification of the single-channel input signal. The number of multiple-channel outputs is one-Nth of the number of external test ports. The reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit and the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit both include multiple inputs and a single output, and are used to perform balanced amplification on a signal of one input of the multiple inputs and then output it from the single output. The number of the multiple inputs is one Nth of the number of external test ports. The multiple outputs of the transmission standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the reference reception standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the measurement reception standard routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the through output end of each dual directional coupler is used as an external test port; The transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module all include N outputs and N inputs, and are used to perform balanced amplification on the input signals before outputting them, and the paths from each input to the corresponding output are symmetrical to each other; The N-channel inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the N-channel outputs are respectively connected to the single-channel inputs of N transmitting standard routing amplifier units; the N-channel outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal / measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the N-channel inputs are respectively connected to the single-channel outputs of N reference receiving standard routing amplifier units / N measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

2. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: N is two, and is used when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: If a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit is used, the two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the two outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one of the two inputs of each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two inputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; one of the two outputs of each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; one of the two outputs of each measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module is selected, and a total of two outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; N is 2, which is used when connected to a four-port vector network analyzer: If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, the four inputs of the two transmitting dynamic routing amplifier modules are respectively connected to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the two reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier modules are connected to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the two measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier modules are connected to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If four highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one input is selected from each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four inputs are selected to be connected to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; one output is selected from each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected to be connected to the four reference receiving direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; one output is selected from each measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected to be connected to the four measurement receiving direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer.

3. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 2, characterized in that: The internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module include two first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, one second-stage one-to-two switch, one second-stage balanced amplifier, one fourth-stage one-to-two switch, and two fifth-stage one-to-two switches; Each input is connected in series with a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-to-two switch and an output in sequence; Two first-stage one-to-two switches are connected to one second-stage one-to-two switch in correspondence; A second-stage one-to-two switch, a second-stage balanced amplifier, and a fourth-stage one-to-two switch are connected in sequence; The fourth-stage one-to-two switch is connected to two fifth-stage one-to-two switches; The transmit signal paths selected within the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module include: Transmitting path 1: After input, it is successively output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth-stage one-to-two switch; Transmitting path 2: After input, it is sequentially output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage balanced amplification, the fourth-stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth-stage one-to-two switch; The internal components of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are the same as the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and the signal paths are opposite and in a mirror relationship. The internally selected reference receiving signal path / test receiving signal path includes reference receiving path 1 / test receiving path 1 and reference receiving path 2 / test receiving path 2, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path 1 and transmitting path 2 and in a mirror relationship, respectively.

4. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 3, characterized in that: Applicable when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: If a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit is used, internally select the transmission path 1, the reference receiving path 1, and the test receiving path 1; If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, internal selection of transmit path two, reference receive path two, and test receive path two is performed; When used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: If two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, internally select transmit path one, reference receive path one, and test receive path one; If four highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, transmit path two, reference receive path two, and test receive path two are internally selected.

5. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: N is four and is used when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: If two groups of test ports of a high-symmetric dynamic routing circuit are used, each group includes one-fourth of the number of external test ports, two inputs are arbitrarily selected from the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module to be respectively connected to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; two outputs are arbitrarily selected from the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module to be connected to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; and two outputs are arbitrarily selected from the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module to be connected to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; If four groups of test ports of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit are used, one input is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two reference receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module and connected to the two measuring receiving direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one input is selected from the four inputs of each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and the two selected inputs are connected to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from the four outputs of each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and the two selected outputs are connected to the two reference receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from the four outputs of each measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and the two selected outputs are connected to the two measuring receiving direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer; N is four, and is used when connected to a four-port vector network analyzer: If four groups of test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit are used, the four inputs of its transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module are respectively connected to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are connected to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, one input is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four inputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; and one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; one output is selected from each of the two groups of symmetrical paths of each measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two modules to connect to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; If all the test ports of four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are used, select one input from each of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four inputs to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four outputs to the four reference receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer; select one output from each of the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, and connect the selected four outputs to the four measuring receiving direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer.

6. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 5, characterized in that: The internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module include four first-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage one-to-two switches, two third-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, two fourth-stage one-to-two switches, four fifth-stage one-to-two switches, four sixth-stage one-to-two switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, one third-stage balanced amplifier, and one seventh-stage one-to-two switch; Each input is connected in series with a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-to-two switch, a sixth-stage one-to-two switch and an output in sequence; Two first-stage one-to-two switches are connected to one second-stage one-to-two switch in correspondence; A second-stage one-to-two switch, a third-stage one-to-two switch, a second-stage balanced amplifier, and a fourth-stage one-to-two switch are connected in sequence; each fourth-stage one-to-two switch is correspondingly connected to two fifth-stage one-to-two switches; The two third-stage one-to-two switches are connected to the seventh-stage one-to-two switches, the seventh-stage one-to-two switches are connected to the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the third-stage balanced amplifier is connected to the first-stage one-to-four switches; The first-stage one-to-four switches are connected to four sixth-stage one-to-two switches; The transmit signal paths selected within the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module include: Transmitting path 1: After input, it is successively output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the fifth-stage one-to-two switch, and the sixth-stage one-to-two switch; Transmitting path 2: After input, it is sequentially output through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage one-to-two switch, the third-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage balanced amplification, the fourth-stage one-to-two switch, the fifth-stage one-to-two switch, and the sixth-stage one-to-two switch; Transmitting path three: after input, it passes through the first-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage one-to-two switch, the third-stage one-to-two switch, the seventh-stage one-to-two switch, the third-stage balanced amplification, the first-stage one-to-four switch, the sixth-stage one-to-two switch, and then output; The internal components of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are the same as the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, and the signal paths are opposite and in a mirror relationship. The internally selected receiving signal paths include reference receiving path one / test receiving path one, reference receiving path two / test receiving path two, and reference receiving path three / test receiving path three, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path one, transmitting path two, and transmitting path three and in a mirror relationship, respectively.

7. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 6, characterized in that: Applicable when connected to a two-port vector network analyzer: When two groups of test ports of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit are used, transmit path one, reference receive path one, and test receive path one are internally selected; When all test ports of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit are used, transmit path 2, reference receive path 2, and test receive path 2 are internally selected; When all test ports of two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, transmit path three, reference receive path three, and test receive path three are internally selected; When used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: When using four groups of test ports of a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit, internally select transmit path one, reference receive path one, and test receive path one; When all test ports of two highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, transmit path two, reference receive path two, and measurement receive path two are internally selected; When all test ports of four highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuits are used, transmit path three, reference receive path three, and measurement receive path three are internally selected.

8. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 3 or 6, characterized in that: The internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module also include a fourth-stage equalization amplification; A fourth-stage balanced amplifier is connected between each output and the components connected thereto in the transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module; A fourth-stage equalization amplifier is connected between each input and the components connected thereto in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module.

9. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coupling port connected to the reference receiving standard routing amplifier unit in the dual directional coupler is the reference coupling port, and the coupling port connected to the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit is the measurement coupling port. A fixed attenuation plate is added to the reference coupling port.

10. The highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power supply and communication control module, which includes: A power supply unit, used to provide power support for a highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit; The communication control unit integrates a communication interface for communicating with a host computer and a vector network analyzer, is used to provide a data interaction channel, and is used to select the signal path in the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit according to the control configuration in the interaction data.

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