VNA Calibration Routing for Multi-Port Rewiring-Free Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VNA calibration routines require time-consuming connection changes and wear out connectors due to frequent disconnection, especially in multi-port setups, leading to inefficiencies and prolonged calibration times.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system with a distribution unit and calibration units, each comprising a calibration circuit and isolation circuit, allows for selective provision of one-port calibration standards without re-wiring, using switching units to establish 'unknown through' connectivity between VNA ports, reducing the need for physical connection changes during calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If connection changes are performed during calibration routine, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and connector wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system performs all necessary connection configurations in advance through the distribution unit and switching matrices, so that during the actual calibration routine no connection changes are needed. The system pre-arranges the measurement paths for all calibration standards and DUT measurements, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-wiring while maintaining calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit with N ports and switching matrices serves multiple functions: it routes signals for calibration measurements, transmits DUT signals, and provides various measurement paths all through a single fixed connection setup. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connection changes for different measurement types.
2Measurement precision
If connection changes are performed during calibration routine, then calibration accuracy is improved, but connector reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
All connection routing is predetermined and configured before the calibration routine starts. The distribution unit and switching matrices are set up in advance to provide all necessary measurement paths, so connectors remain stationary throughout the calibration process, preventing wear and reliability degradation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple VNA ports are calibrated with separate connections, then measurement accuracy is improved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple calibration and measurement functions into a single integrated distribution unit with N ports. All VNA ports are connected to the distribution unit simultaneously, and the switching matrices coordinate to provide the necessary measurement paths for all ports without requiring separate connection setups, reducing overall calibration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution unit serves as a universal routing platform that handles all VNA ports and all measurement types (calibration and DUT measurements) through a single fixed connection architecture, eliminating the need for multiple separate connection setups.
4Measurement precision
If high resolution frequency measurements are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous measurement capability across the entire frequency band without interruption. The fixed connection setup with switching matrices allows the VNA to continuously sweep through the frequency range at high resolution without the need to stop and rewire, maintaining measurement continuity and reducing total measurement time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a calibration system for a vector network analyzer (VNA), having a plurality of N ports. The calibration system comprises a distribution unit having a plurality of D≤N ports; and a plurality of D≤N calibration units, respectively comprising a calibration circuit having first, second and third ports and an isolation circuit having first, second and third ports. For the respective calibration unit, the calibration circuit is configured to provide at least three different one-port calibration standards, such as open, short and match; the first port of the calibration circuit is arranged for being connected to a respective port of the VNA, the second port of the calibration circuit is connected to the first port of the isolation circuit, the third port of the calibration circuit is connected to a first matched load; the second port of the isolation circuit is connected to a respective port of the distribution unit, and the third port of the isolation circuit is connected to a second matched load. The distribution unit is configured to connect any one of its ports with all other of its ports.