Standards for electrical circuit properties at radio frequencies: a survey of some u.k. developments

The choice of properties for basic r.f. standards and their precise definitions are discussed. The differences in approach of lumped circuit-element and wave transmission languages are noted and reasons are given for adopting the latter in the definitions of properties measured. The importance of precision coaxial connectors to realize well-defined cross-sections in a circuit is stressed. The basic properties chosen are impedance (and equivalent properties),attenuation and power. Brief descriptions of standards for these three properties are given, together with some comments on making comparisons.