A 0.1 TO 50 GHz Automatic Netowrk Analyzer

An Automatic Network Analyzer (ANA) covering the range from 0.1 to 50 GHz was built at Rockwell International Corporation by modifying a standard Hewlett Packard 8409C Network Analyzer, Basically, the changes involve adding a phase-locked, local oscillator (8 to 18 GHz), an amplifier/switch interface unit, and dual directional millimeter waveguide test sets, which incorporate RF and LO mu1tip1iers, directional couplers, and downconverting mixers. The ANA was designed to measure all four S-parameters at millimeter frequencies with the convenience, accuracy, and dynamic range comparable to the HP8409C at 18 GHz. An elaborate software package was developed which provides a wide range of functional operations using the HP9836 computer. A description of the system and its performance are presented in this paper.