A high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement

Abstract

A highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion of S parameter measurement belongs to the field of electronic measurement and microwave radio frequency test technology, and involves port expansion of vector network analyzers and performance testing of complex network systems, including a transmitting dynamic routing amplifier module, N transmitting standard routing amplifier units, a reference receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, N reference receiving standard routing amplifier units, a measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module, N measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units, and a dual directional coupler matrix; N is an even number; the dual directional coupler matrix includes multiple dual directional couplers, and the number is consistent with the external test port. This solution can achieve multiple expansion of ports without changing hardware or adding modules to adapt to different application scenarios such as changes in the number of vector network analyzer ports or adjustments to the number of expansion ports, and the signal path can always maintain high symmetry, and the amplitude and phase consistency can meet more stringent measurement requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of electronic measurement and microwave radio frequency testing, and relates to the port expansion of a vector network analyzer and the performance testing of complex network systems. In particular, it relates to a highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement. Background Art

[0002] A vector network analyzer is one of the most commonly used instruments in the radio frequency microwave field and scientific research and production activities. It is mainly used to measure the reflection characteristics and transmission characteristics of devices or networks. Traditional two-port or four-port vector network analyzers are no longer sufficient to meet actual needs. In order to achieve comprehensive and accurate measurement of these complex network systems, it has become essential to expand the port number of vector network analyzers. Considering hardware costs and implementation methods, a port expansion box with a two-port or four-port vector network analyzer as the host has emerged.

[0003] The traditional implementation method for multi-port S-parameter measurement is that the upper computer controls the vector network analyzer as the host, and the mechanical switch expansion box acts as the slave. The two cooperate to complete the measurement. The vector network analyzer is two-port or four-port, and the mechanical switch expansion box only contains a multi-way mechanical switch combination and its control circuit to provide necessary multi-port test paths, and this test path can be customized according to the number of expanded ports or the actual usage scenario requirements of users.

[0004] The traditional multi-port S-parameter measurement implementation scheme has significant advantages: First, the circuit structure and control logic are simple. Only the test ports of the vector network analyzer need to be connected to the mechanical switch expansion box, and the upper computer can cooperate to control the two to complete multi-port S-parameter measurement; Second, the cost is relatively low. After being expanded by the mechanical switch expansion box, each test port does not have an independent coupler, and they all reuse the coupler of the test port of the vector network analyzer host. However, this implementation scheme also has two non-negligible disadvantages: First, due to the limitations of the characteristics of mechanical switch devices themselves, the control switching speed is slow and the upper limit of the working life is low; Second, the test path of the mechanical switch expansion box is bidirectional and does not support adding amplifiers on the path to compensate for losses or provide gain. This causes the insertion loss of the mechanical switch to increase as the working frequency increases. On the one hand, it directly leads to low output power of the test port, which in turn affects the system dynamic range. On the other hand, it deteriorates the original directivity of the test port in a two-fold relationship with the insertion loss of the test path, which also directly reduces the stability and reliability of the entire test system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the deficiencies of the above-mentioned existing technologies, the present application provides a highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement. It can achieve a multiple expansion of ports without changing the hardware or adding modules to adapt to different application scenarios such as changes in the number of ports of a vector network analyzer or adjustment of the expanded port number. Moreover, the signal path can always maintain high symmetry, and both amplitude and phase consistency can meet relatively stringent measurement requirements.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention adopts the following technologies:

[0007] A highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement, including 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 bi-directional coupler matrix; N is an even number.

[0008] The bi-directional coupler matrix includes multiple bi-directional couplers, and the number thereof is the same as the number of external test ports.

[0009] The transmitting standard routing amplification unit includes a single input and multiple outputs, and is used to evenly amplify the signal of the single input and then select one output from the multiple outputs. The number of the multiple outputs is one Nth of the number of external test ports.

[0010] Both the reference receiving standard routing amplification unit and the measurement receiving standard routing amplification unit include multiple inputs and a single output, and are used to evenly amplify the signal of one input from the multiple inputs and then output from the single output. The number of the multiple inputs is respectively one Nth of the number of external test ports.

[0011] The multiple outputs of the transmitting standard routing amplification unit are respectively connected to the through-input ends of a bi-directional coupler. The multiple inputs of the reference receiving standard routing amplification unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a bi-directional coupler. The multiple inputs of the measurement receiving standard routing amplification unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a bi-directional coupler. The through-output ends of each bi-directional coupler serve as external test ports.

[0012] The transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module all include N outputs and N inputs, and are used to evenly amplify the input signal and then output it, and the paths from each input to the corresponding output are symmetric with each other.

[0013] The N inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module are used to connect to the direct output end of the excitation source of the vector network analyzer, and the N outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of N transmitting standard routing amplification units; the N outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module / measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module are used to connect to the direct reference receiving input end / measuring receiving direct input end of the vector network analyzer, and the N inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of N reference receiving standard routing amplification units / N measuring receiving standard routing amplification units.

[0014] Furthermore, in the double directional coupler, the coupling port connected to the reference receiving standard routing amplification unit is the reference coupling end, and the coupling port connected to the measuring receiving standard routing amplification unit is the measuring coupling end, and a fixed attenuation sheet is added to the reference coupling end.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a power supply and communication control module, and the power supply and communication control module includes:

[0016] A power supply unit, which is used to provide power support for the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit;

[0017] A communication control unit, which is integrated with communication interfaces for communicating with the upper computer and the vector network analyzer, is used to provide a data interaction channel, and is used to select and connect the signal paths in the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit according to the control configuration in the interaction data.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] 1. Through the innovative high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit design, the signal paths can always maintain high symmetry during multi-port expansion. Whether it is amplitude consistency or phase consistency, it can meet relatively stringent measurement requirements; this characteristic 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;

[0020] 2. It supports flexible configuration of the number of extended ports, and can achieve multiple expansion of ports without changing hardware or adding modules, and can adapt to different application scenarios such as changes in the number of ports of the vector network analyzer host or adjustment of the number of extended ports; this characteristic can greatly improve the user experience, simplify the user operation while enhancing the applicability and convenience in diverse test requirements, and also shows good economic friendliness;

[0021] 3. Each external test port is equipped with an independent double directional coupler, 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, and make up for the disadvantage that the mechanical switch expansion box deteriorates the original directivity of the test port. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a connection application scenario of connecting a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit to a two-port vector network analyzer when N is two according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 3 It is an example of the structure of a transmit dynamic routing amplification module when N is two according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] Figure 4 It is an example of the structure of a reference receive dynamic routing amplification module when N is two according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a connection application scenario of connecting a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit to a four-port vector network analyzer when N is four according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0027] Figure 6 It is an example of the structure of a transmit dynamic routing amplification module when N is four according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0028] Figure 7 It is an example of the structure of a reference receive dynamic routing amplification module when N is four according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments.

[0030] An embodiment of the present application provides a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit that supports multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement. As Figure 1 shown, it includes a transmit dynamic routing amplification module, N transmit standard routing amplification units, a reference receive dynamic routing amplification module, N reference receive standard routing amplification units, a measurement receive dynamic routing amplification module, N measurement receive standard routing amplification units, a dual-directional coupler matrix, a power supply, and a communication control module, etc.; where N is an even number.

[0031] The dual-directional coupler matrix includes a plurality of dual-directional couplers, and the number thereof is the same as the number of external test ports, that is, each external test port is equipped with an independent dual-directional coupler.

[0032] The transmitting standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit includes a single - channel input and multiple channels of output (such as K channels, where K is greater than or equal to 2). It is used to equalize and amplify the signal of the single - channel input and then select one output from the multiple channels of output. The number of multiple channels of output is one - Nth of the number of external test ports (K * N). When selecting one output from the multiple channels of output, it is switched through a switch. The reference - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit and the measurement - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit both include multiple channels of input (such as K channels, where K is greater than or equal to 2) and a single - channel output. They are used to equalize and amplify the signal of one input from the multiple channels of input and then output it from the single - channel output. The number of multiple channels of input is respectively one - Nth of the number of external test ports (K * N). When selecting one input from the multiple channels of input, it is switched through a switch. The transmitting standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit, the reference - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit, and the measurement - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit are designed to achieve further port expansion.

[0033] The multiple channels of output of the transmitting standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit are respectively connected to the through - input ends of a double - directional coupler. The multiple channels of input of the reference - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit are respectively connected to one of the coupled ends of a double - directional coupler. The multiple channels of input of the measurement - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit are respectively connected to the other coupled end of a double - directional coupler. The through - output ends of each double - directional coupler serve as external test ports.

[0034] The double - directional coupler used in this example is different from the two single - directional couplers (i.e., the reference coupler and the measurement coupler) equipped at each test port of a traditional vector network analyzer. Its essence is to use the isolation port that should be terminated with a matching load in the single - directional coupler as an additional coupled port. In this way, a single double - directional coupler can achieve the functions of two single - directional couplers. The coupled port connected to the reference - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit (close to the excitation source) in the double - directional coupler is the reference coupled end, and the coupled port connected to the measurement - receiving standard - equipped routing and amplifying unit (far from the excitation source) is the measurement coupled end. A fixed attenuator is added to the reference coupled end, with an attenuation greater than 10 dB and a return loss better than 20 dB, which can reduce the mutual influence between the reference coupled end and the measurement coupled end without deteriorating the system dynamics. In this way, equipping the external test ports with independent double - directional couplers can not only achieve no deterioration of the original directivity of the test ports but also reduce the number of couplers and lower the production cost.

[0035] Specifically, the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module each include N outputs and N inputs, which are used to perform equalization amplification on the input signal and then output it, and the paths from each input to the corresponding output are symmetrical to each other. The N inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module are not distinguished as the main port and the branch port, and the structures and functions of different paths are equivalent. The direct output terminal of the excitation source of the vector network analyzer can be connected according to specific situations such as the usage scenario or user requirements. The N outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of N transmitting standard routing amplification units. The N outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module / measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal / measuring receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer, and the N inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of N reference receiving standard routing amplification units / N measuring receiving standard routing amplification units.

[0036] 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 communication interfaces for communicating with the upper computer and the 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.

[0037] In application, the high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit of this example can be regarded as a port expansion box. The following takes N being two and four as examples for illustration. Based on the principle framework of this example, more expansions of N values can be analogized accordingly and will not be elaborated here.

[0038] When N is two, as Figure 2 shown in the example, there are two transmitting standard routing amplification units, two reference receiving standard routing amplification units, and two measuring receiving standard routing amplification units. At the same time, the number of multiple outputs (K paths) of the transmitting standard routing amplification unit is one-half of the number of external test ports (K * 2); the number of multiple inputs (K paths) of the reference receiving standard routing amplification unit and the measuring receiving standard routing amplification unit are respectively one-half of the number of external test ports (K * 2). At the same time, the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module each include two outputs and two inputs.

[0039] The two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing and amplifying module are used to connect to the direct output ends of the excitation sources of the vector network analyzer, and the two outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of two transmitting standard routing and amplifying units; the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module / measuring receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module are used to connect to the direct reference receiving input end / direct measuring receiving input end of the vector network analyzer, and the two inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of two reference receiving standard routing and amplifying units / two measuring receiving standard routing and amplifying units.

[0040] When applied to connect with a two-port vector network analyzer:

[0041] If a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit is adopted, such as Figure 2 as shown, the two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing and amplifying module are connected to the two direct output ends of the excitation sources of the two-port vector network analyzer, the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module are connected to the two direct reference receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the two outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module are connected to the two direct measuring receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer;

[0042] If two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, any one of the two inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing and amplifying module of each is selected, and a total of two inputs from the two are selected to connect to the two direct output ends of the excitation sources of the two-port vector network analyzer; any one of the two outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module of each is selected, and a total of two outputs from the two are selected to connect to the two direct reference receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer; any one of the two outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing and amplifying module of each is selected, and a total of two outputs from the two are selected to connect to the two direct measuring receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer.

[0043] When applied to connect with a four-port vector network analyzer:

[0044] If two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, the total of four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing and amplifying modules of the two are respectively connected to the four direct output ends of the excitation sources of the four-port vector network analyzer; the total of four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing and amplifying modules of the two are connected to the four direct reference receiving input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer; the total of four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing and amplifying modules of the two are connected to the four direct measuring receiving input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer;

[0045] If four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, any one input is selected from the transmission dynamic routing amplification modules of each circuit, and a total of four inputs are selected and connected to the four excitation source direct output ends of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; any one output is selected from the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification modules of each circuit, and a total of four outputs are selected and connected to the four reference receiving direct input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer respectively; any one output is selected from the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification modules of each circuit, and a total of four outputs are connected to the four measurement receiving direct input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0046] And so on. When there are changes in the number of ports of the vector network analyzer or increases or decreases in the number of port expansions, flexible port expansion configurations can be achieved under the condition of not changing the hardware or adding modules and ensuring the high symmetry of the circuit.

[0047] As a specific scheme for the internal composition of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module when N is two, such as Figure 3 shown in an optional example, the internal components of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module include two first-stage equalization amplifications, two first-stage one-to-two switches, one second-stage one-to-two switch, one second-stage equalization amplification, one fourth-stage one-to-two switch, and two fifth-stage one-to-two switches.

[0048] Among them, each input is connected in series with a first-stage equalization amplification, a first-stage one-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-to-two switch, and an output in sequence; the two first-stage one-to-two switches are correspondingly connected to a second-stage one-to-two switch; a second-stage one-to-two switch, a second-stage equalization amplification, and a fourth-stage one-to-two switch are connected in sequence; the fourth-stage one-to-two switch is connected to the two fifth-stage one-to-two switches.

[0049] Based on the above component composition and connection relationship, the selected transmission signal paths inside the transmission dynamic routing amplification module include transmission path one and transmission path two.

[0050] Among them, transmission path one: after input, it is output after passing through the first-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth-stage one-to-two switch in sequence; transmission path two: after input, it is output after passing through the first-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage equalization amplification, the fourth-stage one-to-two switch, and the fifth-stage one-to-two switch in sequence.

[0051] The internal components of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module are the same as those of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, and the signal paths are opposite, showing a mirror image relationship, which will not be elaborated here. As Figure 4 shown, it demonstrates a kind of Figure 3An example of a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module with opposite and mirror-image signal paths is shown. It can be seen that the components used are the same. Only according to the opposite signal paths, the corresponding components can be reversed by swapping the input and output. Thus, the reference receiving signal paths gated inside the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module include reference receiving path 1 and reference receiving path 2, which are opposite and mirror-image to the signal paths of transmission path 1 and transmission path 2 respectively.

[0052] The measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module adopts the same structure and the same signal paths as the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module. Thus, the test receiving signal paths gated inside it include test receiving path 1 and test receiving path 2, which are opposite and mirror-image to the signal paths of transmission path 1 and transmission path 2 respectively.

[0053] Based on the specific internal compositions of the above-mentioned transmission dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, when applied to be connected and used with a two-port vector network analyzer: If one high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit is adopted, transmission path 1, reference receiving path 1, and test receiving path 1 are gated inside; If two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, transmission path 2, reference receiving path 2, and test receiving path 2 are gated inside; When applied to be connected and used with a four-port vector network analyzer: If two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, transmission path 1, reference receiving path 1, and test receiving path 1 are gated inside; If four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, transmission path 2, reference receiving path 2, and test receiving path 2 are gated inside.

[0054] In the above example, the dynamic routing circuit maintains high symmetry, that is, when the usage scenario changes or the user requirements are modified, 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. This also provides the most basic guarantee for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurement.

[0055] As a preferred implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the internal components of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module further include fourth-stage equalization amplification. Among them, in the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-stage equalization amplification is connected between each output path and the corresponding fifth-stage one-to-two switch; in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-stage equalization amplification is also connected between each input path and the corresponding fifth-stage one-to-two switch. The fourth-stage equalization amplification exists in transmission path 1, transmission path 2, reference receiving path 1, reference receiving path 2, test receiving path 1, and test receiving path 2 at the same time, which can provide gain to supplement the path loss while ensuring the power flatness at the ultra-wideband operating frequency.

[0056] When N is four, as Figure 5 shown in the example, there are four transmission standard routing amplification units, reference receiving standard routing amplification units, and measurement receiving standard routing amplification units. At the same time, the number of multiple outputs (K paths) of the transmission standard routing amplification unit is one-fourth of the number of external test ports (K * 4); the number of multiple inputs (K paths) of the reference receiving standard routing amplification unit and measurement receiving standard routing amplification unit is one-fourth of the number of external test ports (K * 4) respectively. At the same time, the transmission dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module all include four outputs and four inputs.

[0057] The four inputs of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module are used to connect to the direct output end of the excitation source of the vector network analyzer, and the four outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of the four transmission standard routing amplification units; the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module / measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module are used to connect to the direct reference receiving input end / direct measurement receiving input end of the vector network analyzer, and the four inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of the four reference receiving standard routing amplification units / four measurement receiving standard routing amplification units.

[0058] When applied to be connected to a two-port vector network analyzer for use:

[0059] If two sets of test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit are used, each set contains one-fourth of the number of external test ports. Select any two from the four inputs of the transmission dynamic routing amplification module and connect them to the two direct output ends of the excitation sources of the two-port vector network analyzer respectively; select any two from the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module and connect them to the two direct reference receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer; select any two from the four outputs of the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module and connect them to the two direct measurement receiving input ends of the two-port vector network analyzer;

[0060] If four groups of test ports of a highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit are adopted, select one input from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, and connect the two selected inputs to the two direct output ends of the excitation sources of a two-port vector network analyzer respectively; and select one output from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and connect the two selected outputs to the two direct input ends of the reference receiving of the two-port vector network analyzer respectively; and select one output from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and connect the two selected outputs to the two direct input ends of the measuring receiving of the two-port vector network analyzer respectively.

[0061] If all the test ports of two highly symmetric dynamic routing circuits are adopted, select one input from each of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and connect the two selected inputs to the two direct output ends of the excitation sources of a two-port vector network analyzer; and select one output from each of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and connect the two selected outputs to the two direct input ends of the reference receiving of the two-port vector network analyzer; and select one output from each of the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and connect the two selected outputs to the two direct input ends of the measuring receiving of the two-port vector network analyzer.

[0062] When applied to be connected and used with a four-port vector network analyzer:

[0063] If four groups of test ports of a highly symmetric dynamic routing circuit are adopted, as Figure 5 shown, connect the four inputs of its transmitting dynamic routing amplification module to the four direct output ends of the excitation sources of a four-port vector network analyzer respectively; connect the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module to the four direct input ends of the reference receiving of the four-port vector network analyzer; connect the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module to the four direct input ends of the measuring receiving of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0064] If all the test ports of two highly symmetric dynamic routing circuits are adopted, select one input from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and a total of four inputs are selected from the two units to connect to the four direct output ends of the excitation sources of a four-port vector network analyzer; and select one output from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the four direct input ends of the reference receiving of the four-port vector network analyzer; and select one output from each of the two groups with path symmetry in the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each unit, and a total of four outputs are selected from the two units to connect to the four direct input ends of the measuring receiving of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0065] If all the test ports of four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits are adopted, and one input is randomly selected from each of the four inputs of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module of each circuit, the four selected inputs are connected to the four excitation source direct output ends of a four-port vector network analyzer; and one output is randomly selected from each of the four outputs of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each circuit, the four selected outputs are connected to the four reference receiving direct input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer; and one output is randomly selected from each of the four outputs of the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module of each circuit, the four selected outputs are connected to the four measuring receiving direct input ends of the four-port vector network analyzer.

[0066] And so on. When there are changes in the number of ports of the vector network analyzer or increases or decreases in the number of extended ports, flexible port expansion configuration can be achieved under the condition of not changing the hardware or adding modules and ensuring the high symmetry of the circuit.

[0067] As a specific implementation plan for the internal composition of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module when N = 4, as Figure 6 shown in an optional example, it includes four first-stage equalization 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 equalization 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 equalization amplifier, and one seventh-stage one-to-two switch.

[0068] Among them, each input is serially connected in turn with a first-stage equalization amplifier, a first-stage one-to-two switch, a fifth-stage one-to-two switch, a sixth-stage one-to-two switch, and one output; two first-stage one-to-two switches are correspondingly connected to a second-stage one-to-two switch; a second-stage one-to-two switch, a third-stage one-to-two switch, a second-stage equalization amplifier, and a fourth-stage one-to-two switch are connected in turn; each fourth-stage one-to-two switch is correspondingly connected to two fifth-stage one-to-two switches; two third-stage one-to-two switches are connected to a seventh-stage one-to-two switch, the seventh-stage one-to-two switch is connected to a third-stage equalization amplifier, the third-stage equalization amplifier is connected to a first-stage one-to-four switch; the first-stage one-to-four switch is connected to four sixth-stage one-to-two switches.

[0069] Based on the above component composition and connection relationship, the selected transmitting signal paths inside the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module include transmitting path one, transmitting path two, and transmitting path three.

[0070] Among them, for transmission path 1: after input, it is output after passing through the first-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage 1-to-2 switch, the fifth-stage 1-to-2 switch, and the sixth-stage 1-to-2 switch in sequence; for transmission path 2: after input, it is output after passing through the first-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage 1-to-2 switch, the second-stage 1-to-2 switch, the third-stage 1-to-2 switch, the second-stage equalization amplification, the fourth-stage 1-to-2 switch, the fifth-stage 1-to-2 switch, and the sixth-stage 1-to-2 switch in sequence; for transmission path 3: after input, it is output after passing through the first-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage 1-to-2 switch, the second-stage 1-to-2 switch, the third-stage 1-to-2 switch, the seventh-stage 1-to-2 switch, the third-stage equalization amplification, the first-stage 1-to-4 switch, and the sixth-stage 1-to-2 switch in sequence.

[0071] The internal components of the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module are the same as those of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, and the signal paths are opposite, showing a mirror image relationship. Details are not elaborated here. As Figure 7 shown, it presents an example of a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module with a signal path opposite to and in a mirror image relationship with Figure 6 that 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 to and in a mirror image relationship with the signal paths of transmission path 1, transmission path 2, and transmission path 3 respectively.

[0072] The measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module adopts the same structure and the same signal path as the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module. Therefore, the test receiving signal path selected inside it also includes test receiving path 1, test receiving path 2, and test receiving path 3, which are opposite to and in a mirror image relationship with the signal paths of transmission path 1, transmission path 2, and transmission path 3 respectively.

[0073] Based on the specific internal compositions of the above-mentioned transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module, when applied to be connected with a two-port vector network analyzer: when using two test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit, the internal transmitting path one, reference receiving path one, and test receiving path one are selected; when using all the test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit, the internal transmitting path two, reference receiving path two, and test receiving path two are selected; when using all the test ports of two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits, the internal transmitting path three, reference receiving path three, and test receiving path three are selected; when applied to be connected with a four-port vector network analyzer: when using four test ports of a high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit, the internal transmitting path one, reference receiving path one, and test receiving path one are selected; when using all the test ports of two high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits, the internal transmitting path two, reference receiving path two, and measuring receiving path two are selected; when using all the test ports of four high-symmetry dynamic routing circuits, the internal transmitting path three, reference receiving path three, and measuring receiving path three are selected.

[0074] In the above example, the dynamic routing circuit maintains high symmetry, that is, when the usage scenario changes or the user requirements are modified, 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 exactly the same, which also provides the most basic guarantee for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurement.

[0075] As a preferred implementation, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, the internal composition elements of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, and measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module further include fourth-stage equalization amplification. Among them, in the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-stage equalization amplification is connected between each output and the corresponding sixth-stage one-to-two switch; in the reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module and the measuring receiving dynamic routing amplification module, a fourth-stage equalization amplification is also connected between each input and the corresponding sixth-stage one-to-two switch. The fourth-stage equalization amplification exists in the transmitting path one, transmitting path two, transmitting path three, reference receiving path one, reference receiving path two, reference receiving path three, test receiving path one, test receiving path two, and test receiving path three at the same time, which can provide gain to supplement the path loss while ensuring the power flatness under the ultra-wideband operating frequency.

[0076] The high-symmetry dynamic routing circuit supporting multi-port expansion for S-parameter measurement provided in this embodiment can achieve flexible configuration of port expansion while ensuring the high symmetry of the dynamic routing circuit without changing the hardware or adding modules when the usage scenario changes or the user requirements are modified, such as when the number of ports of a vector network analyzer changes or the number of expanded ports increases or decreases. This also provides the most basic guarantee and support for the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurement. In addition, independent double directional couplers are equipped at the external test ports of the port expansion box, 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, thus making up for the disadvantage that the mechanical switch expansion box deteriorates the original directivity of the test port.

[0077] The foregoing are only the preferred embodiments of the present application and are 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 direct output of the excitation source 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 are used to connect to the reference 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; The N-channel outputs of the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the 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 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 amplification module are the same as the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, and the signal paths are opposite, and the internally selected reference receiving signal path includes a reference receiving path 1 and a reference receiving path 2 which are opposite to the signal paths of the transmitting path 1 and the transmitting path 2 respectively; The internal components of the 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. The internally selected test receiving signal path includes test receiving path one and test receiving path two which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path one and transmitting path two 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 amplification module are the same as the internal components of the transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, and the signal paths are opposite, and the internally selected receiving signal paths include reference receiving path 1, reference receiving path 2, and reference receiving path 3, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path 1, transmitting path 2, and transmitting path 3 respectively; The internal components of the 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. The internally selected receiving signal paths include test receiving path one, test receiving path two, and test receiving path three, which are opposite to the signal paths of transmitting path one, transmitting path two, and transmitting path three, 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 end, and the coupling port connected to the measurement receiving standard routing amplifier unit is the measurement coupling end. A fixed attenuation plate is added to the reference coupling end.

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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