Determination of RF source reflection coefficients using step attenuator measurement technique

A simple technique based on the loss measurement of a step attenuator is presented to determine the source reflection coefficient of RF generators. The result is basically achieved from the difference between the substitution loss of the step attenuator in the network and the attenuation value. Experimental results on pseudo source reflection coefficients generated by the stub tuner and isolator assembly show good agreement with measurements by the VNA.