Tri-state tuning probe with single control

A remotely configurable double-slug tuning probe system for load pull tuner, comprising:

• a remotely configurable double-slug tuning probe, and
• means for remotely configuring the double-slug tuning probe;
• wherein
• the load pull tuner comprises a slabline with two sidewalls and a center conductor linking two ports, a control port, and an idle port and at least one remotely controlled mobile carriage, moving horizontally along the slabline, and including a single, remotely controlled, vertical axis mechanism which holds and controls the configurable double-slug tuning probe;
• and wherein
• the configurable double-slug tuning probe is linked to the vertical axis mechanism and includes two metallic slugs, a master slug, and a slave slug, each having a parallelepiped body with a front, a back, two side walls and a bottom surface mirroring the center conductor, a horizontal length along the slabline, and a thickness allowing the slugs to slide-fit between the sidewalls of the slabline;
• and wherein
• the means for remotely configuring the double-slug tuning probe comprise:
• studs protruding one from the front wall and one from the back wall of the slave slug at the same level,
• an interlock mechanism at common walls of the two slugs, an
• unmovable control device, linked with the slabline, and
• an automated double-slug configuration procedure;
• and wherein
• the slave slug slides vertically, spring pulled against the master slug, and is lockable, versus the master slug using the interlock mechanism, at three lock positions, a bottom lock position, a center lock position, and a top lock position;
• and wherein
• at the top lock position, the slave slug is withdrawn from the slabline, at the center lock position the two slugs are flush aligned at their bottom surface, and at the bottom lock position the master slug is withdrawn from the slabline.