A new electronic verification method for Vector Network Analyzers

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has recently introduced a new method for the verification of Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs). The technique is based on the new electronic calibration units that are available from several manufacturers. Using data obtained from different states of the electronic calibration unit, the user can compare their measurements against those of NIST with NIST´s uncertainty identified. Additionally, the users can compare the calibration based on their data against NIST´s calibration based on the same electronic calibration unit. The resultant is a single figure of merit that characterizes the accuracy of the entire measurement process. In this paper we will describe the new technique and results from trial runs that have been conducted.