MEASUREMENTS OF SCATTERING PARAMETERSUSING A TIME DOMAIN TEST SETUP

From its beginning, scattering parameters are one of the most important milestones in radio frequency analysis and device characterization, even though some other instruments are capable of performing such measurements, the task has been almost entirely left to Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The purpose of this work is to emulate VNA functionality for forward measurements (S11 and S21), being able to expand its actual capabilities, using a time domain setup with equipment already available in radio stations, where a personal computer will act as a main processor and interface to the user. Hardware setup proposed in this investigation is explained in detail, analyzing its advantages and drawbacks; this as well as software methodology in order to mimic VNA functionality, including error vector correction provided by a suitable calibration procedure. Results were compared to those obtained in previous research as well as industrial and well calibrated VNA, showing very good agreement in both cases, where the interpretation of the results is based on repeatability and accuracy analysis