Design and Development of an RF Data Acquisition System

Any two port device can be fully described by scattering parameters that represent its forward and reverse reflection and transmission coefficients. Although these parameters are easily viewed using a network analyzer, there are many limitations to using a network analyzer alone. It is desired to acquire the complex data fully describing the four S-parameters and to store this data onto an IBM personal computer. This thesis develops a complete data acquisition system which greatly enhances the abilities of the network analyzer. The system provides for calibration of the measured data, the ability to measured up to 20,000 points, a graphing menu, the ability to calculate and view the impulse response of a device, the ability to view the calibration coefficients, and will allow the operator to convert the data to ASCII text files for use with other software. The development of the data acquisition program is presented. Limitations and accuracy of the system are discussed. Several examples and uses of the system are described in detail