Phase and Amplitude Automatic Measurements on Pulsed RF Signals

A low cost System is described which automatically performs fast and accurate instantaneous phase and amplitude measurements. With this Test Equipment it is possible to measure with accuracy and repeatability amplitude and insertion phase during the RF pulse on passive and active components with a time resolution of a few nanoseconds. The System is used in the design and production testing of active devices, amplifiers and Solid State Transmitters in Radar Applications. It makes use of a six port network and computer controlled commercial instruments. With this equipment it is also possible to measure other parameters such as VSWR, efficiency, rise and fall time, which are relevant for characterizing devices and amplifier systems.