The accurate comparison (or calibration) of solid-state noise sources made simple

The accurate comparison (or calibration) of conventional solid-state noise sources is often thought to be a difficult process that only specialized laboratories can perform. In this paper, the uncertainties due to the impedance differences between the sources and their on and off states are emphasized and a simple formula is developed that makes them negligible. It requires an isolator being used in front of the receiver. In the experimental section, the errors associated with common practice are evidenced and compared to what can be achieved through the correction formula.SCOPUS: ar.j