Calibrating Test Rig for Non-Linear Component Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current calibration methods for network analyzers are inadequate for measuring non-linear components, as they only provide relative values and cannot account for non-linearities in circuit simulations, limiting the accuracy of high-frequency and microwave technology measurements.
Innovation Solution
A time-domain measuring method is developed that uses a vectorial network analyzer with directional couplers to determine error matrices, allowing for the calculation of absolute wave quantities and correcting for system errors, enabling the consideration of non-linearities in circuit simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used for network analyzers, then the measurement process is simple and fast, but only relative values (scatter parameters) can be determined and absolute wave quantities cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration procedure is divided into two distinct stages: first determining error matrices using conventional scatter parameter methods, then using these error matrices to calculate absolute wave quantities. This segmentation allows the complex task to be broken down into manageable steps while building upon conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The error matrices are determined in advance as a preliminary step before the actual measurement of absolute wave quantities. These pre-determined error matrices are then used to correct and calculate the absolute values, enabling the main measurement goal to be achieved more efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional calibration methods are used, then the system errors can be corrected for linear devices, but non-linearities cannot be accounted for in circuit simulations
Solution Approach 1:
The method changes the approach from determining only scatter parameters to determining both error matrices and absolute wave quantities. This parameter expansion allows the calibration to account for non-linear effects by providing absolute voltage and current values that can be used in non-linear circuit simulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The error matrices serve as an intermediary that bridges conventional scatter parameter measurements and absolute wave quantity determination. By using these error matrices to correct measurements, the method enables accurate modeling of non-linear components while building upon established calibration techniques.
3Reliability
If absolute wave quantities are determined for non-linear components, then accurate models for circuit simulations can be created, but the calibration procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The error matrices are determined in advance as a preliminary step, which simplifies the actual measurement process. Once the error matrices are established, calculating absolute wave quantities becomes a straightforward application of these pre-determined matrices to the measured scatter parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex calibration process is segmented into distinct phases: error matrix determination using conventional methods, then application of these matrices to calculate absolute wave quantities. This segmentation makes the overall complex procedure more manageable and implementable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a test apparatus, having a first and a second directional coupler, for gauging a two-port test object that has a first port and a second port in a calibration plane, wherein for the purpose of calibrating the test apparatus a vectorial network analyzer having a 1st-6th test port is connected to the first and second ports in the calibration plane such that the first and second test ports are connected to respective port in the calibration plane, the third and fourth test ports are connected to the first directional coupler and the fifth and sixth test ports are connected to the second directional coupler via a respective waveguide for electromagnetic waves. For different calibration standards, scatter parameters are determined for each desired frequency point. For the different calibration standards, corrections to the scatter matrix are made in order to obtain a corrected scatter matrix. The scatter parameters of the corrected scatter matrix are used to determine terms for error matrices.