Calibration residual error propagation analysis using conformal mapping

In this paper a new method is introduced for analyzing the error propagation when calibrating a vector network analyzer (VNA) with non-ideal calibration elements (“standards”). The underlying equations are perceived as a conformal mapping from the calibration element plane to the calculated S-parameter. With this approach a deep insight of the error propagation is possible. The method can be applied to other measurement problems to evaluate complex uncertainties, as long as the mathematical relationship between measurement data and calculated values forms a linear fractional transformation.