Symmetric-Reciprocal-Match Method for Vector Network Analyzer Calibration

Abstract

This paper proposes a new approach, the symmetric-reciprocal-match (SRM) method, for calibrating vector network analyzers (VNAs). The method involves using multiple symmetric one-port loads, a two-port reciprocal device, and a matched load. The load standards consist of two-port symmetric one-port devices, and at least three unique loads are used. However, the specific impedances of the loads are not specified. The reciprocal device can be any transmissive device, although a non-reciprocal device can also be used if only the one-port error boxes are of interest. The matched load is fully defined and can be asymmetric. We numerically demonstrated the proposed method's accuracy with synthetic data and with measurements of coaxial standards using a commercial short-open-load-reciprocal (SOLR) calibration kit with verification standards. An advantage of the proposed method is that only the match standard is defined, whereas the remaining standards are partially defined, either through symmetry or reciprocity.