Accuracy study on the newly introduced Anritsu W1-connector calibration and verification kit

The coaxial applications of the vector network analyzer have become very popular in recent years. Anritsu Company launched its flagship, Panorama vector network analyzer covering measurements from 45 MHz to 110 GHz two years ago. The calibration solution of the Anritsu vector network analyzer was built with high flexibility and options of the wave-guide, on-wafer, and coaxial standards. Most of the coaxial calibration standards for this high frequency system use the line-reflection-line (LRL) structure. They are neither economically feasible nor viable for manufacturing and not available for most of the users. In this report, we introduce the new calibration and verification kit and discuss an improved connector design. The calibration scheme for this kit utilizes combinations of the short-open-load-thru and two additional shorts for the frequency coverage from 45 MHz to 110 GHz. The accuracy of the calibration kit was investigated and is included in this report. In addition, the verification standards are provided as part of the calibration kit. We have conducted a very rigorous accuracy study on these devices and a brief report of our results were presented. Most manufacturers of coaxial calibration kits derive a single set of coefficients during the product development phase which are then used for every cal kit manufactured and sold. One set of coefficients is assigned to all cal kits produced in manufacturing. Since there are variations in the manufacturing process, the coefficients may not provide optimal Source Match and Directivity performance for each kit manufactured. An alternative to the "one set" approach is to optimize inductance and capacitance coefficients for each cal kit manufactured to provide the best performance for the customer. This approach can provide better Source Match and Directivity performance relative to the "one set" approach.