Development of Switching Matrix Network for Multiport VNA Measurements

Abstract

RF and microwave measurements are crucial to validate the performance of any microwave component or network. Such characterization is carried out using a sophisticated and complex instrument namely Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). Typically, the VNAs are available in two port and four port configurations. To extend the VNA capability to characterize multi-port measurements, the switch matrices are used which are quite expensive and bulky. This thesis focuses on design & development of low-cost switch matrices for multiport VNA measurements. In particular, the switch matrices are developed for characterization of four port and eight port microwave devices. As an application, the switch matrices are used to characterize the performance of X-band transmit receive modules (TRMs) integrated in an Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) system. The LabVIEW is used for automation and to acquire magnitude and phase response of transmit receive (TR) modules.