Integrated design of an automatic six-port network analyser

The design of a 2–18 GHz dual six-port network analyser which replaces auxiliary equipment such as scanners and voltmeters employed in other designs with computer integrated electronic circuits is described. The system is fully automatic. Its calibration and measurement procedures are based on the ‘thru-reflectline’ method, reducing operator involvement to a minimum. Tests show the newly developed system combines attributes of speed and accuracy and indicate the device may be suitable for general purpose measurement applications.