9-term Network Analyzer Calibration Using Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network analyzer calibration methods, such as the 10-term and 7-term methods, face limitations in flexibility and accuracy due to high demands on calibration standards, the need for long-term stable switches, and high noise levels during measurements, especially when using transmissionless or unknown standards.
Innovation Solution
A network analyzer with a processing device, signal generators, and four measuring points that performs calibration measurements using at least four points to determine error matrices, allowing for accurate and flexible calibration and measurement by processing values from these points, and using switches for low-reflection terminations to achieve direction-independent results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the 10-term calibration method is used, then high accuracy of calibration is achieved, but a large number of calibration measurements are required and long-term stable switches are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for measuring the reflected signal at the load port by using a through standard with known transmission characteristics. This removes one measurement point from the calibration process, reducing the total number of measurements required while maintaining calibration accuracy through mathematical elimination of the corresponding error term.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach by using a through standard with known transmission parameters instead of requiring measurement of all four wave components. By incorporating prior knowledge of the through standard's transmission characteristics, the calibration process can determine error terms with fewer measurements.
2Loss of time
If the 7-term calibration method is used, then fewer measurements are required and more flexibility with calibration standards is achieved, but measurements must be implemented at 4 measuring points which increases noise level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need to measure the reflected signal at the load port by using a through standard with known transmission characteristics. This removes one measurement point from the calibration process, reducing the total number of measurements required while maintaining calibration accuracy through mathematical elimination of the corresponding error term.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transmissionless calibration standards are used, then flexibility is improved, but the conventional 10-term calibration method cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need to measure the reflected signal at the load port, which is particularly important when using transmissionless calibration standards. By removing this measurement requirement, the patent enables the use of transmissionless standards (which have no through signal) while still achieving complete calibration through the remaining three measurement points and mathematical processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A network analyzer contains a processing device, at least one signal generator and at least four measuring points. The processing device controls the signal generator and processes measured values picked up from the measuring points. The network analyzer implements several calibration measurements on calibration standards, before it implements measurements on a device under test. The network analyzer implements the calibration measurements using the measuring points. The processing device determines error matrices on the basis of the results of the calibration measurements. The network analyzer implements measurements on the device using simultaneously, exactly three measuring points. The processing device determines measured values in each case of a fourth measuring point on the basis of the calibration measurements and the measured values of the three measuring points. The three measuring points belong to the set of the at least four measuring points, at which the network analyzer implements the calibration measurements.