A Computer Controlled Attenuation Measurement System for TE01-Mode Circular Waveguide from 32 to 110 GHz

The paper describes a computer controlled attenuation measurement system. This has been developed for the measurement of the attenuation of the British Post Office Research Department field trial TE01-mode circular waveguide route. Measurements must be made at close frequency spacing over the whole waveguide band from 32 to 110 GHz. In order to achieve the high measurement speed which is required, automated equipment is essential. The single-trip frequency-shift pulse technique is used. The measurement standards are a set of rotary vane attenuators driven by high resolution stepping motors which are particularly simple to interface to the computer. High accuracy is achieved, and a complete measurement of more than 20 000 individual points can be made in less than 120 h including transporting and setting up the equipment, which is fully mobile.