Connection repeatability of cross-connected waveguide verification standards for millimeter-wave vector network analysis

This paper describes an investigation into the connection repeatability of cross-connected waveguides (also known as ‘cross-guides’). Cross-guides can be used as calculable verification standards of attenuation for millimeter-wave vector network analyzers. The investigation has been undertaken in the WR-05 waveguide size over the recommended operational frequency range of 140 GHz to 220 GHz. Two different lengths of cross-guide have been investigated − 0.62 mm and 1.36 mm - which provide values of attenuation of approximately 20 dB and 40 dB, respectively, around the middle frequency of the waveguide band. The repeatability of the measured transmission coefficient is assessed using statistical techniques. This repeatability assessment provides preliminary information concerning an overall estimate of the uncertainty of measurement for these cross-guide verification standards.