US 6,529,844 B1 · Vector network measurement system

Abstract

A vector network analyzer (VNA) is provided with three test ports and an integration of hardware and software to make an integrated set of measurements for two and three port devices. The integrated capability allows for fast, versatile measurements that benefits, in accuracy and convenience, from sharing of data and resources with other measurements. The VNA includes a first signal source which is selectively connectable through reflectometers to two of the three VNA test ports. A second signal source provides connection through a third reflectometer to a third test port to enable full vector error corrected 3-port S-parameters measurements to be made. The two signal sources, along with software configuration of the VNA to operate in a non-ratioed mode provides for measuring second and third order intercept measurements. The two signal sources and software also enable the VNA to be used to make frequency translation measurements of a mixer including accurate frequency translation group delay measurements. The VNA further includes components to enable DUT noise figure to be determined, and to provide automatic calibration. The VNA further provides a process for harmonic measurement accuracy enhancement, and includes a dual mode multiple source/LO module to provide common mode noise rejection and fast measurement speed.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A vector network analyzer (VNA) comprising:

a first test port;
a second test port;
a third test port;
a first signal source;
a fist switch having a common terminal coupled to the first signal source, a first connection terminal coupled to the first test port and a second connection terminal coupled to the second test port;
a first coupler having a through path coupling the first test port to the first connection terminal of the first switch, and having a coupling path terminal;
a second coupler having a through path coupling the second test port to the second connection terminal of the first switch, and having a coupling path terminal;
a third coupler having a through path coupled one end to the third port, and having a coupling path terminal;
a downconverter;
and
a second switch having a common terminal coupled to the downconverter, a first switching terminal coupled to the coupling path terminal of the first coupler, a second switching terminal coupled to the coupling path terminal of the second coupler, and a third switching terminal coupled to the coupling path terminal of the third coupler.

8 more elements

A vector network analyzer (VNA) comprising:

a first test port (701);
a second test port (702);
a third test port (703);
a first signal source (708);
a first switch (730) having a common terminal coupled to the first signal source, a first connection terminal coupled to the first test port, and a second connection terminal coupled to the second test port;
a first coupler (712) having a through path coupling the first test port to the first connection terminal of the first switch, and having a coupling path terminal;
a second coupler (711) having a through path coupling the second test port to the second connection terminal of the first switch, and having a coupling path terminal;
a third coupler (713) having a through path coupled one end to the third port, and having a coupling path terminal;
a first downconverter (754);
a second switch (760) having a common terminal coupled to the first downconverter, and switching terminals for selectively coupling to the coupling path terminal of the first coupler, the coupling path terminal of the second coupler, and the coupling path terminal of the third coupler;
a fourth coupler (722) having a through path coupled between the through path of the first coupler and the first connection port of the first switch (730), and having a coupling path terminal;
a fifth coupler (721) having a through path coupled between the through path of the second coupler and the second connection port of the first switch (730), and having a coupling path terminal;
a sixth coupler (723) having a through path coupled to the second end of the through path of the third coupler, and having a coupling path terminal;
a second downconverter (752);
and
a third switch (758) having a common terminal coupled to the second downconverter, and switching terminals for selectively coupling to the coupling path terminal of the fourth coupler, the coupling path terminal of the fifth coupler, and the coupling path terminal of the sixth coupler.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vector network measurement system

Life of this patent

Vector network measurement system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13