Measurement of balanced antennas using mixed-mode network parameters

Balanced antennas are conventionally measured using probe-integrated or external baluns between the unbalanced port of instrument and their balanced ports. This paper proposes a new measurement method based on mixed-mode parameters to experimentally characterize balanced antennas. With this method, the balanced antenna is measured as a single-ended two-port device and the need for baluns is suppressed, which increases the accuracy, enhances the frequency range, and reduces the cost and complexity of the measurement setup.