Network Analyzer Calibration Using Integrated Power Detector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The simultaneous implementation of system-error and power-value calibration in network analyzers is time-consuming and prone to measurement uncertainties due to the need for multiple connections and re-connections of test ports to different calibration standards and power detectors, especially at higher measurement frequencies.
Innovation Solution
The power detector is used as both a calibration terminating resistor and a power-value meter, eliminating the need for a separate switch and reducing connection efforts by acting as a matched-load calibration standard, with its input impedance matched to the network analyzer's test ports, and incorporating a temperature sensor for impedance correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple calibration standards and power detectors are connected sequentially to test ports for simultaneous system-error and power-value calibration, then complete calibration coverage is achieved, but connection effort and measurement uncertainty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power detector and matched-load calibration standard into a single integrated component. The power detector is designed with input impedance matched to the test port (typically 50 ohms), allowing it to simultaneously function as both a power measurement device and a calibration load, thereby eliminating the need for separate connections to multiple standards
Solution Approach 2:
The power detector is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power-value meter for power calibration and as a matched-load calibration standard for system-error calibration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate calibration components needed and simplifies the calibration process
2Reliability
If test ports are re-connected multiple times to different calibration standards, then comprehensive calibration is achieved, but measurement uncertainty increases due to connection transitions
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the power detector and matched-load calibration standard into one component, the patent eliminates the need for repeated disconnection and reconnection of test ports to different standards. The single integrated component remains connected throughout the calibration process, avoiding connection transitions that introduce measurement uncertainty
3Reliability
If separate calibration standards and power detectors are used for system-error and power-value calibration, then calibration functions are separated, but calibration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power detector is designed to perform both system-error calibration and power-value calibration functions simultaneously. By measuring the reflected signal when the test port is connected to the power detector, the system can determine both system errors and power values in a single calibration sequence, eliminating the need for separate calibration procedures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach minimizes connection efforts and measurement uncertainties by eliminating the need for additional calibration standards and reducing re-connection transitions, while ensuring accurate system-error correction and power-value calibration with temperature compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the power value of the excitation signal generated at the respective test port is measured in at least one power detector connected in each case to a test port
Implementation Method 2
the power detector with its input impedance assumes the task of the matched-load calibration standard
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a temperature sensor for impedance correction
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for determining system errors and power values for the calibration of a network analyzer (2) containing several test ports (11, . . . , 1i, 1j, . . . , 1n) connects the individual test ports (11, . . . , 1i, 1j, . . . , 1n) in each case sequentially to a short calibration standard (3), to an open calibration standard (4) and to a power detector (5), and measures a signal reflected from the short calibration standard (3), from the open calibration standard (4) and from the power detector (5) in the case of an excitation of the respective test port with a measured excitation signal. Following this, system errors for every test port (11, . . . , 1i, 1j, . . . , 1n) are determined from the respectively measured excitation signal and the respectively measured reflected signals, and, finally, the power value of the excitation signal is measured at least at one test port (11, . . . , 1i, 1j, . . . , 1n) by the power detector (5) connected in each case to this test port (11, . . . , 1i, 1j, . . . , 1n).