High-performance dynamic routing circuit and multi-port expansion box to improve S-parameter measurements

Abstract

A high-performance dynamic routing circuit and multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement involve S-parameter testing and port expansion technology. The routing circuit used in the transmit path includes four output ports, six transmit branch port input ports, one transmit main port input port, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier. The internal paths of the circuit are symmetrical, and the main and branch port settings minimize the transmission path length of signal routing to ensure high performance. The multi-port expansion box includes routing circuits for the transmit path, routing circuits for the reference / measurement receive path, standard routing amplifier units for transmit / reference receive / measurement receive, and a dual directional coupler matrix. When the number of vector network analyzer ports changes or the number of port expansions increases or decreases, the port expansion can be flexibly configured to ensure high performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of vector network analyzers, and relates to S-parameter testing and port expansion technology, and in particular to a high-performance dynamic routing circuit and a multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the continuous improvement of equipment performance and the emergence of various multi-port components and multi-function modules, multi-port S-parameter measurements have become widely used to characterize the electrical characteristics of complex network systems, especially those involving array antennas integrating multiple T / R components, multi-channel power combining and feeding networks, and multi-input, multi-output RF switch matrices. This has also made multi-channel beamforming and multi-channel coherent reception key features of modern electronics. At the same time, multi-port devices or networks require accurate and rapid S-parameter testing and analysis throughout their development, production, installation, commissioning, and maintenance. Traditional two-port or four-port vector network analyzers (VNAs) are no longer sufficient. To achieve comprehensive and accurate measurements of these complex network systems, expanding the VNA's port count has become essential. Considering both hardware cost and implementation options, port expansion boxes based on two-port or four-port VNAs have emerged.

[0003] Existing solutions use mechanical switch expansion boxes to meet testing requirements for more ports, but these solutions suffer from slow switching speeds, a low operating lifespan, and increased insertion loss, which in turn affects the system's dynamic range. Patent application number 201310587156 discloses a multi-port S-parameter test device based on a USB interface. This device includes a USB interface control module, a source switch array, a receive switch array, and a coupler array. This device can be cost-effectively expanded from a two-port network analyzer to a multi-port network analyzer. It can be used to measure various multi-port, multi-function components and modules, and features a simple structure and high stability. While it addresses some of the shortcomings of mechanical switch expansion boxes (such as the fast switching speed and long operating time of electronic switches, and the fact that each test port has an independent coupler that does not degrade the original directivity), and also enables multi-port expansion and S-parameter measurements, its focus is on using a low-cost RF circuit board solution to expand a two-port vector network analyzer into a multi-port vector network analyzer via a USB interface. It lacks the ability to cascade or coordinate multiple existing port expansion boxes (the number of expansion boxes is determined by the total number of test ports required and the number of test ports per expansion box). Consequently, when user scenarios or requirements change (for example, upgrading the vector network analyzer mainframe from two to four ports, or vice versa; or increasing the number of expansion ports from 16 to 32, 64, 128, or vice versa), flexible port expansion configuration cannot be achieved without changing hardware or adding modules while maintaining high circuit performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to address the deficiencies of the above-mentioned prior art, the present application provides a high-performance dynamic routing circuit and a multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement, which can realize flexible port expansion configuration, meet the symmetry of the port expansion configuration circuit in different application scenarios and diversified testing requirements, and at the same time minimize the transmission path length of the signal routing selection to ensure high performance.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technologies:

[0006] A high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement, applied to a transmit path, includes four output terminals, six transmit branch port input terminals, one transmit main port input terminal, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier;

[0007] The transmit branch port input terminal and the transmit main port input terminal are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer;

[0008] The six transmission branch port input terminals include transmission branch port input terminal 1, transmission branch port input terminal 2, transmission branch port input terminal 3, transmission branch port input terminal 4, transmission branch port input terminal 5, and transmission branch port input terminal 6;

[0009] Among the transmission branch port input terminal 1, the transmission branch port input terminal 2, the transmission branch port input terminal 3, and the transmission branch port input terminal 4, each transmission branch port input terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an output terminal, which are connected in series in sequence;

[0010] Each of the transmission branch port input terminals 5 and 6 corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch connected in series in sequence;

[0011] Each first-stage one-to-two switch is connected to two first-stage one-to-three switches;

[0012] The main transmitting port input terminal, the third stage balanced amplifier, and the first stage one-to-four switch are connected in series in sequence;

[0013] The first-stage one-to-four switch is connected to four first-stage one-to-three switches.

[0014] A high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement, applied to a reference receiving path / measurement receiving path, includes four input terminals, six receiving branch port output terminals, one receiving main port output terminal, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier;

[0015] The receiving branch port output terminal and the receiving main port output terminal are used to connect with the reference receiving direct input terminal / measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer;

[0016] The six receiving port output terminals include receiving port output terminal one, receiving port output terminal two, receiving port output terminal three, receiving port output terminal four, receiving port output terminal five, and receiving port output terminal six;

[0017] Among the receiving branch port output terminal 1, the receiving branch port output terminal 2, the receiving branch port output terminal 3, and the receiving branch port output terminal 4, each receiving branch port output terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an input terminal connected in series in sequence;

[0018] Each of the receiving branch port output terminals 5 and 6 corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch connected in series in sequence;

[0019] Each first-stage one-to-two switch is connected to two first-stage one-to-three switches;

[0020] Four first-stage one-to-three switches are connected to the first-stage one-to-four switches;

[0021] The first-stage one-to-four switch, the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the receiving main port output end are connected in series in sequence.

[0022] A multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement, comprising a transmit dynamic routing amplifier module, four transmit standard routing amplifier units, a reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module, four reference receive standard routing amplifier units, a measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module, four measurement receive standard routing amplifier units, and a dual directional coupler matrix;

[0023] The transmit dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for enhancing S-parameter measurement of the transmit path as described above; the reference receive dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for enhancing S-parameter measurement of the reference receive path as described above; and the measurement receive dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for enhancing S-parameter measurement of the measurement receive path as described above.

[0024] The dual directional coupler matrix includes multiple dual directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports;

[0025] The standard routing amplifier unit for transmission includes a single input and multiple outputs, and is used to perform balanced amplification on the signal of the single input and then output it from multiple outputs. The number of multiple outputs is one-fourth of the number of external test ports. The standard routing amplifier unit for reference reception and the standard routing amplifier unit for measurement reception both include multiple inputs and a single output, and are used to perform balanced amplification on the signal of one input from the multiple inputs and then output it from the single output. The number of multiple inputs is one-fourth of the number of external test ports.

[0026] The multiple outputs of the standard transmission routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the standard reference reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the multiple inputs of the standard measurement reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler. The through output end of each dual directional coupler is used as an external test port;

[0027] The transmit main port input and six transmit branch port inputs of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the direct output of the excitation source of the vector network analyzer, and the four outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of the four transmit standard routing amplifier units;

[0028] The receive main port output and six receive branch port outputs of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receive direct input / measurement receive direct input of the vector network analyzer. The four inputs are respectively connected to the single-channel outputs of four reference receive standard routing amplifier units / four measurement receive standard routing amplifier units.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0030] 1. The system distinguishes between the main port and the branch port. The transmission path is designed with a main transmission port input and six branch transmission port inputs, and the reception path is designed with a main reception port output and six branch reception port outputs. This ensures high circuit symmetry in multi-port expansion while minimizing the transmission path length of the signal routing to ensure high performance. It also meets stringent measurement requirements in terms of amplitude and phase consistency and temperature stability.

[0031] 2. It ensures the integrity and consistency of signal transmission in multi-channel configurations of complex network systems, reduces the impact of external environmental changes such as temperature drift and vibration, and provides the most solid foundation for improving the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurements;

[0032] 3. Supports flexible configuration of the number of expansion ports, which can achieve exponential expansion of ports without changing hardware or adding modules. It can adapt to different application scenarios such as changing the number of vector network analyzer host ports or adjusting the number of expansion ports. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a high-performance dynamic routing circuit structure applied to a transmission path according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a high-performance dynamic routing circuit structure applied to a reference receiving path / measurement receiving path according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the overall structure of the internal modules and units of the port expansion box in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments 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.

[0037] The embodiment of the present application provides a high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S parameter measurement of a transmission path, such as Figure 1As shown; at the same time, a high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement of a reference receiving path / measurement receiving path is provided, such as Figure 2 When applied, the high-performance dynamic routing circuits of the transmit path, reference receive path, and measurement receive path are used in conjunction with each other.

[0038] Specific as Figure 1 As shown, the high-performance dynamic routing circuit applied to the transmit path includes four output terminals, six transmit branch port input terminals, one transmit main port input terminal, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier.

[0039] The six transmission branch port input terminals include transmission branch port input terminal one, transmission branch port input terminal two, transmission branch port input terminal three, transmission branch port input terminal four, transmission branch port input terminal five, and transmission branch port input terminal six.

[0040] Among the transmit branch port input terminals one, two, three, and four, each transmit branch port input terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an output terminal, which are connected in series in sequence; among the transmit branch port input terminals five and six, each transmit branch port input terminal corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch, which are connected in series in sequence; each first-stage one-to-two switch is correspondingly connected to two first-stage one-to-three switches; the transmit main port input terminal, the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the first-stage one-to-four switch are connected in series in sequence; the first-stage one-to-four switch is connected to four first-stage one-to-three switches.

[0041] The high-performance dynamic routing circuit used for improving S-parameter measurement of the reference receive path / measurement receive path essentially uses the same components as the high-performance dynamic routing circuit of the transmit path, but with the signal paths being opposite and mirrored. Figure 2 As shown, it includes four input terminals, six receiving branch port output terminals, one receiving main port output terminal, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier.

[0042] The six receiving branch port output terminals include receiving branch port output terminal one, receiving branch port output terminal two, receiving branch port output terminal three, receiving branch port output terminal four, receiving branch port output terminal five, and receiving branch port output terminal six.

[0043] In the receiving branch port output terminal 1, receiving branch port output terminal 2, receiving branch port output terminal 3, and receiving branch port output terminal 4, each receiving branch port output terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an input terminal, which are connected in series in sequence; in the receiving branch port output terminal 5 and receiving branch port output terminal 6, each receiving branch port output terminal corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch, which are connected in series in sequence; each first-stage one-to-two switch corresponds to two first-stage one-to-three switches; four first-stage one-to-three switches are connected to the first-stage one-to-four switch; the first-stage one-to-four switch, the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the receiving main port output terminal are connected in series in sequence.

[0044] When in application, the high-performance dynamic routing circuit of the transmission path, the high-performance dynamic routing circuit of the reference reception path, and the high-performance dynamic routing circuit of the measurement reception path are used together. The transmission branch port input and the transmission main port input are used to connect to the excitation source direct output of the vector network analyzer, and the reception branch port output and the reception main port output are used to connect to the reference reception direct input / measurement reception direct input of the vector network analyzer.

[0045] The output end of the high-performance dynamic routing circuit applied to the transmission path is used to connect to the dual directional coupler at the external test port, or to connect to the external test port through a further port expansion module; correspondingly, the input end of the high-performance dynamic routing circuit applied to the reference receiving path / measurement receiving path is used to connect to the dual directional coupler at the external test port, or to connect to the dual directional coupler at the external test port through a further port expansion module.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the transmit signal path that is internally gated within the high-performance dynamic routing circuit used in the transmit path includes:

[0047] Transmitting path 1: After input from transmit branch port input terminal 1 / transmitting branch port input terminal 2 / transmitting branch port input terminal 3 / transmitting branch port input terminal 4, it is successively amplified by the first stage equalizer and outputted after the first stage one-to-three switch.

[0048] Transmitting path 2: After input from transmit branch port input terminal 5 / transmitting branch port input terminal 6, it is successively amplified by the second stage of equalization, the first stage of one-to-two switching, and the first stage of one-to-three switching before output;

[0049] Transmitting path three: After input from the transmitting main port input end, it passes through the third stage balanced amplification, the first stage one-to-four switch, and the first stage one-to-three switch before output.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the internally gated reference receive signal path / measurement receive signal path of the high-performance dynamic routing circuit applied to the reference receive path / measurement receive path includes:

[0051] Reference receiving path 1 / measurement receiving path 1: After receiving from the input end, it passes through the first-stage one-to-three switch and the first-stage equalizer amplification, and then outputs from the receiving port output terminal 1 / receiving port output terminal 2 / receiving port output terminal 3 / receiving port output terminal 4;

[0052] Reference receiving path 2 / measurement receiving path 2: After receiving from the input end, it passes through the first-stage one-to-three switch, the first-stage one-to-two switch, the second-stage equalizer amplification, and is output from the receiving port output terminal 5 / the receiving port output terminal 6;

[0053] Reference receiving path three / measurement receiving path three: After receiving from the input end, it passes through the first-stage one-to-three switch, the first-stage one-to-four switch, the third-stage equalizer amplifier, and is output from the receiving main port output end.

[0054] In the above scheme, by setting the position, quantity and connection relationship of the one-to-two switch, one-to-three switch, and one-to-four switch, the high symmetry of the dynamic routing circuit can be met, and the transmission path length of the signal routing selection can be minimized to ensure high performance. That is, in different application scenarios and diversified testing requirements, the type and number of module units that the signal passes through from the vector network analyzer to each external test port of the port expansion box can be completely consistent and minimized. This also provides the most solid foundation for improving the reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurement.

[0055] As a preferred embodiment, in order to provide gain compensation path loss while ensuring power flatness at the ultra-wideband operating frequency, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, a fourth-stage balanced amplifier is connected between each output terminal and the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switch; Figure 2 As shown, a fourth-stage balanced amplifier is connected between each input terminal and the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switch.

[0056] The present application also provides a multi-port expansion box for improving S parameter measurement. Figure 3 As shown, it includes a transmitting dynamic routing amplification module, four transmitting standard routing amplification units, a reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module, four reference receiving standard routing amplification units, a measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module, four measurement receiving standard routing amplification units, a dual directional coupler matrix, a power supply and communication control module, etc.

[0057] Among them, the transmission dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement of the transmission path described in the previous embodiment; the reference reception dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement of the reference reception path described in the previous embodiment; and the measurement reception dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement of the measurement reception path described in the previous embodiment.

[0058] The dual-directional coupler matrix contains multiple dual-directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports of the multi-port extension box. That is, each external test port is equipped with an independent dual-directional coupler, which can replace and skip the directional coupler 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, compensating for the disadvantage of the mechanical switch extension box that deteriorates the original directivity of the test port.

[0059] The standard transmit routing amplifier unit includes a single input and multiple outputs. It is used to balance amplify the signal from a single input and then select a single output from multiple outputs. The number of multiple outputs is one-quarter the number of external test ports. To select a single output from the multiple outputs, a switch is used. The standard reference receive routing amplifier unit and the standard measurement receive routing amplifier unit both include multiple inputs and a single output. They are used to balance amplify the signal from one of the multiple inputs and then output it from a single output. The number of multiple inputs is one-quarter the number of external test ports. To select a single input from the multiple inputs, a switch is used. The standard transmit routing amplifier unit, the standard reference receive routing amplifier unit, and the standard measurement receive routing amplifier unit are designed to enable further port expansion, which is achieved internally through balanced amplification and switching components.

[0060] The multiple outputs of the standard transmission routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the standard reference reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the multiple inputs of the standard measurement reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler. The through output end of each dual directional coupler is used as an external test port.

[0061] The dual directional coupler's coupling port connected to the reference receive standard routing amplifier unit (near the excitation source) serves as the reference coupling port, while the coupling port connected to the measurement receive standard routing amplifier unit (farthest from the excitation source) serves as the measurement coupling port. A fixed attenuator is added to the reference coupling port, providing attenuation greater than 10dB and return loss better than 20dB. This reduces the mutual influence between the reference and measurement coupling ports without degrading system dynamics. Equipping the external test port with an independent dual directional coupler ensures the test port's original directivity remains intact while reducing the number of couplers and production costs.

[0062] The transmit main port input and six transmit branch port inputs of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output of the vector network analyzer, and the four outputs are respectively connected to the single inputs of four transmit standard routing amplifier units; the receive main port output and six receive branch port outputs of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module / measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the reference receive direct input / measurement receive direct input of the vector network analyzer, and the four inputs are respectively connected to the single outputs of four reference receive standard routing amplifier units / four measurement receive standard routing amplifier units.

[0063] 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 port expansion box; the communication control unit is integrated with a communication interface 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 highly symmetrical dynamic routing circuit according to the control configuration in the interaction data.

[0064] This example distinguishes the seven inputs of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module into one main port and six branch ports, and the seven outputs of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module and the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module into one main port and six branch ports. This is designed to ensure high circuit symmetry while minimizing the transmission path length of signal routing to ensure high performance. The various ports of the vector network analyzer can be connected according to different application scenarios or diverse testing requirements.

[0065] Specifically, when used in connection with a two-port vector network analyzer:

[0066] If two groups of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, each group contains one-fourth of the number of external test ports, and any two of the transmit branch port input terminal 1, transmit branch port input terminal 2, transmit branch port input terminal 3, and transmit branch port input terminal 4 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the transmit path 1 is internally selected; and any two of the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two reference receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the reference receive path 1 is internally selected; and any two of the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two measurement receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the measurement receive path 1 is internally selected;

[0067] If four sets of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 5 and the transmit branch port input terminal 6 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the two reference receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the two measurement receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 2;

[0068] If all eight groups of external test ports of two high-multiport extension boxes are used, connect the transmit total port input of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module of the two multiport extension boxes to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path three; connect the receive total port output of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the two multiport extension boxes to the two reference receive direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path three; connect the receive total port output of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the two multiport extension boxes to the two measurement receive direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path three.

[0069] Specifically, when used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer:

[0070] If four groups of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, each group contains one-fourth the number of external test ports, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 1, transmit branch port input terminal 2, transmit branch port input terminal 3, and transmit branch port input terminal 4 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 1; connect the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the four reference receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 1; connect the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the four measurement receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 1;

[0071] If all eight groups of external test ports of two multi-port extension boxes are used, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 5 and the transmit branch port input terminal 6 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four reference receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four measurement receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 2;

[0072] If all sixteen groups of external test ports of four multi-port extension boxes are used, connect the transmit total port input of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path three; connect the receive total port output of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four reference receive direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path three; connect the four receive total port outputs of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four measurement receive direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path three.

[0073] Similarly, when the number of vector network analyzer ports changes or the number of port expansions increases or decreases, flexible port expansion configuration can be achieved without changing hardware or adding modules. Furthermore, this approach can meet the diverse test requirements of complex network systems in different application scenarios, ensuring high symmetry in port expansion configuration circuits while minimizing the transmission path length of signal routing to ensure high performance. This high performance is primarily reflected in improved reliability and stability of multi-port S-parameter measurements.

[0074] 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 high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement, characterized in that: Applied to the transmit path, it includes four output ports, six transmit branch port input ports, one transmit main port input port, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier; The transmit branch port input terminal and the transmit main port input terminal are used to connect to the excitation source direct output terminal of the vector network analyzer; The six transmission branch port input terminals include transmission branch port input terminal 1, transmission branch port input terminal 2, transmission branch port input terminal 3, transmission branch port input terminal 4, transmission branch port input terminal 5, and transmission branch port input terminal 6; Among the transmission branch port input terminal 1, the transmission branch port input terminal 2, the transmission branch port input terminal 3, and the transmission branch port input terminal 4, each transmission branch port input terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an output terminal, which are connected in series in sequence; Each of the transmission branch port input terminals 5 and 6 corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch connected in series in sequence; Each first-stage one-to-two switch is connected to two first-stage one-to-three switches; The main transmitting port input terminal, the third stage balanced amplifier, and the first stage one-to-four switch are connected in series in sequence; The first-stage one-to-four switch is connected to four first-stage one-to-three switches.

2. The high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 1, characterized in that: The internally gated transmit signal path includes: Transmitting path 1: After input from transmit branch port input terminal 1, transmit branch port input terminal 2, transmit branch port input terminal 3, and transmit branch port input terminal 4, they are respectively output after being respectively amplified by the corresponding first-stage equalizer and the first-stage one-to-three switch; Transmitting path 2: After input from transmit branch port input terminal 5 and transmit branch port input terminal 6, they are respectively output after being sequentially amplified by the corresponding second-stage balanced amplifier, the first-stage one-to-two switch, and the first-stage one-to-three switch; Transmitting path three: After input from the transmitting main port input end, it passes through the third stage balanced amplification, the first stage one-to-four switch, and the first stage one-to-three switch before output.

3. The high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A fourth-stage balanced amplifier is connected between each output terminal and the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switch.

4. A high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement, characterized in that: Applicable to reference receive path and measurement receive path, including four input terminals, six receive branch output terminals, one receive main output terminal, four first-stage balanced amplifiers, two first-stage one-to-two switches, two second-stage balanced amplifiers, four first-stage one-to-three switches, one first-stage one-to-four switch, and one third-stage balanced amplifier; The receiving sub-port output terminal and the receiving main port output terminal of the reference receiving path are used to connect to the reference receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer; The receiving sub-port output terminal and the receiving main port output terminal of the measurement receiving path are used to connect with the measurement receiving direct input terminal of the vector network analyzer; The six receiving port output terminals include receiving port output terminal one, receiving port output terminal two, receiving port output terminal three, receiving port output terminal four, receiving port output terminal five, and receiving port output terminal six; Among the receiving branch port output terminal 1, the receiving branch port output terminal 2, the receiving branch port output terminal 3, and the receiving branch port output terminal 4, each receiving branch port output terminal corresponds to a first-stage balanced amplifier, a first-stage one-to-three switch, and an input terminal connected in series in sequence; Each of the receiving branch port output terminals 5 and 6 corresponds to a second-stage balanced amplifier and a first-stage one-to-two switch connected in series in sequence; Each first-stage one-to-two switch is connected to two first-stage one-to-three switches; Four first-stage one-to-three switches are connected to the first-stage one-to-four switches; The first-stage one-to-four switch, the third-stage balanced amplifier, and the receiving main port output end are connected in series in sequence.

5. The high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 4, characterized in that: Its internally gated reference receive signal path and measurement receive signal path include: Reference receiving path 1 and measurement receiving path 1: After receiving from the input end, they are sequentially output from the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switches and the first-stage equalizer amplification, and then output from the receiving port output terminal 1, receiving port output terminal 2, receiving port output terminal 3, and receiving port output terminal 4; Reference receiving path 2 and measurement receiving path 2: After receiving from the input end, they are respectively sequentially passed through the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switch, the first-stage one-to-two switch, and the second-stage equalizer amplification, and then output from the receiving port output terminal 5 and the receiving port output terminal 6; Reference receiving path three and measurement receiving path three: After receiving from the input end, it passes through the first-stage one-to-three switch, the first-stage one-to-four switch, the third-stage equalizer amplifier, and is output from the receiving main port output end.

6. The high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A fourth-stage balanced amplifier is connected between each input terminal and the corresponding first-stage one-to-three switch.

7. A multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement, characterized in that: Includes a transmit dynamic routing amplifier module, four transmit standard routing amplifier units, a reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module, four reference receive standard routing amplifier units, a measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module, four measurement receive standard routing amplifier units, and a dual directional coupler matrix; The transmitting dynamic routing amplification module adopts the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S parameter measurement as described in any one of claims 1 to 3; The reference receiving dynamic routing amplification module and the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplification module both adopt the high-performance dynamic routing circuit for improving S-parameter measurement according to any one of claims 4 to 6; The dual directional coupler matrix includes multiple dual directional couplers, the number of which is consistent with the external test ports; The standard routing amplifier unit for transmission includes a single input and multiple outputs, and is used to perform balanced amplification on the signal of the single input and then output it from multiple outputs. The number of multiple outputs is one-fourth of the number of external test ports. The standard routing amplifier unit for reference reception and the standard routing amplifier unit for measurement reception both include multiple inputs and a single output, and are used to perform balanced amplification on the signal of one input from the multiple inputs and then output it from the single output. The number of multiple inputs is one-fourth of the number of external test ports. The multiple outputs of the standard transmission routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the through input end of a dual directional coupler, the multiple inputs of the standard reference reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to one coupling end of a dual directional coupler, and the multiple inputs of the standard measurement reception routing amplifier unit are respectively connected to the other coupling end of a dual directional coupler. The through output end of each dual directional coupler is used as an external test port; The transmit main port input and six transmit branch port inputs of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the excitation source direct output of the vector network analyzer, and the four outputs are respectively connected to the single-channel inputs of the four transmit standard routing amplifier units; The reference receiver dynamic routing amplifier module's main receiving port output and six receiving branch port outputs are used to connect to the reference receiver direct input of the vector network analyzer. The four inputs are respectively connected to the single-channel outputs of four reference receiver standard routing amplifier units. The receiving main port output and six receiving branch port outputs of the measurement receiving dynamic routing amplifier module are used to connect to the measurement receiving direct input of the vector network analyzer, and the four inputs are respectively connected to the single-channel outputs of four measurement receiving standard routing amplifier units.

8. The multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 7, characterized in that: When used in connection with a two-port vector network analyzer: If two groups of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, each group contains one-fourth of the number of external test ports, and any two of the transmit branch port input terminal 1, transmit branch port input terminal 2, transmit branch port input terminal 3, and transmit branch port input terminal 4 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the transmit path 1 is internally selected; and any two of the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two reference receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the reference receive path 1 is internally selected; and any two of the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module are selected to be connected to the two measurement receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and the measurement receive path 1 is internally selected; If four sets of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 5 and the transmit branch port input terminal 6 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module to the two excitation source direct output terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the two reference receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the two measurement receive direct input terminals of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 2; If all eight groups of external test ports of two multi-port extension boxes are used, connect the transmit total port input of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the two excitation source direct outputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path three; connect the receive total port output of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the two reference receive direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path three; connect the receive total port output of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the two measurement receive direct inputs of the two-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path three.

9. The multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 7, characterized in that: When used in connection with a four-port vector network analyzer: If four groups of external test ports of a multi-port extension box are used, each group contains one-fourth the number of external test ports, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 1, transmit branch port input terminal 2, transmit branch port input terminal 3, and transmit branch port input terminal 4 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 1; connect the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the four reference receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 1; connect the receive branch port output terminal 1, receive branch port output terminal 2, receive branch port output terminal 3, and receive branch port output terminal 4 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module to the four measurement receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 1; If all eight groups of external test ports of two multi-port extension boxes are used, connect the transmit branch port input terminal 5 and the transmit branch port input terminal 6 of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four excitation source direct output terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four reference receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path 2; connect the receive branch port output terminal 5 and the receive branch port output terminal 6 of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier modules of the two multi-port extension boxes to the four measurement receive direct input terminals of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path 2; If all sixteen groups of external test ports of four multi-port extension boxes are used, connect the transmit total port input of the transmit dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four excitation source direct outputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select transmit path three; connect the receive total port output of the reference receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four reference receive direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select reference receive path three; connect the four receive total port outputs of the measurement receive dynamic routing amplifier module of the four multi-port extension boxes to the four measurement receive direct inputs of the four-port vector network analyzer, and internally select measurement receive path three.

10. The multi-port expansion box for improving S-parameter measurement according to claim 7, 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 attenuator is added to the reference coupling port.

Images