June 2020 | Journal Article
Calibration of Vector Network Analyzer for Measurements in Radio Frequency Propagation Channels
Cite This Publication
Chriss A. Hammerschmidt, Robert T. Johnk, and Savio Tran, “Calibration of Vector Network Analyzer for Measurements in Radio Frequency Propagation Channels,” Journal of Visualized Experiments 160 (June 2020): e60874. https://doi.org/10.3791/60874
Abstract: In situ measurements of radio frequency (RF) spectrum activity provide insight into the physics of radio frequency wave propagation and validate existing and new spectrum propagation models. Both of these parameters are essential to supporting and preserving interference-free spectrum sharing, as spectrum use continues to increase. It is vital that such propagation measurements are accurate, reproducible, and free of artifacts and bias. Characterizing the gains and losses of components used in these measurements is vital to their accuracy. A vector network analyzer (VNA) is a well-established, highly accurate, and versatile piece of equipment that measures both magnitude and phase of signals, if properly calibrated. This article details the best practices for calibrating a VNA. Once calibrated, it can be used to accurately measure components of a correctly configured propagation measurement (or channel sounding) system or can be used as a measurement system itself.
Keywords: propagation modeling; calibration; spectrum measurement; radio frequency (RF) measurement; propagation measurement best practices; vector network analyzer (VNA)
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Savio Tran
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences
(720) 552-7993
stran@ntia.gov
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