Adapter evaluation by automated measurements

Abstract

A problem of long standing interest in the UHF and microwave field is that of adapter evaluation. For many purposes, the adapter property of major interest has been its efficiency. However, a more complete description in terms of scattering parameters was required for the present adapter evaluation project. The approach to the problem was to automate the manual measurement technique for adapter efficiency. In achieving this goal, it was found that the entire set of scattering parameters could be obtained with little further effort. As a further by-product, an alternative procedure for determining correction factor for automated network analyzers was obtained.

Evaluation of low-losslow-reflection two-port devices or adapters by automated measurement techniques

“…The parameter, K, can be easily evaluated by comparing the values |w| 2 and P3/P4 for several values of w and averaging. Provided that T is such that P3 and Pi^are within the dynamic range of power meter operation, |w| 2 is determined from (2), and the only role of the complex ratio detector is to provide the argument. As |r^| becomes small, however, P3 also becomes small, and it is necessary to obtain both magnitude and phase from the complex ratio detector.…”

“…In response to a request from the Department of Defense Calibration Coordination Group (DoD/CCG) R. F. Measurements Working Group, the National Bureau of Standards, in 1973, undertook a project to reduce to practice a proposed theoretical method [1] for characterizing adapters by automated measurement techniques. The work performed during the period May 1973 to September 1973 was reported in NBSIR 73-350, "Adapter Evaluation by Automated Measurements" [2].…”