Article: Distortion Inherent to VNA Test Port Cable Assemblies

Reprint from MICROWAVE JOURNAL®

Today’s modern vector network analyzers (VNA) are the product of evolutionary advances in technology that literally span decades — a marrying of the latest developments in microwave, integrated circuit and software technologies. To a great extent, the precise nature of vector network analysis results from its highly developed calibration algorithms and methodologies. In many VNA applications, a flexible test port cable assembly or “test port extension” may be required. The test port extension is used to establish a through connection for calibration purposes and for making measurements of the device under test (DUT). Generally, a single port extension is used, but this is by no means the rule.