Improved Rf Hardware and Calibration Methods for Network Analyzers

The degree to which measurement accuracy in a vector network analyzer can be improved through error correction is dependent on a number of factors. Modern error correction methods have improved the system accuracy and simplified the calibration procedure. Methods are in place to determine the accuracy of error corrected measurements. And the quality of the calibration standards is key to system performance. One significant factor is the "uncorrected" RF performance at the system test port (directivity, port match, path losses, etc.). The amount of time calibration remains valid is greatly dependent on the performance of the system before error correction is applied. This paper, authored by a leading authority of vector error correction, discusses the advantages of modern error correction methods, the resultant error correction accuracy, and the advantage of having excellent uncorrected RF performance. A number of criteria for selecting the best calibration method will be described.