VNA Issues - Understanding Calibration Methods for VNAs
A review of common sources of errors and seven VNA calibration methods to improve measurement accuracy. A comparison of each is provided, along with discussion of calibration standards.
About this course
There are random, drift, and systematic errors that make VNA measurements inaccurate. Systematic errors can be corrected for using various calibration methods, enabling VNAs to make more accurate measurements than any other type of test and measurement equipment. Seven methods are presented; TRL-through, reflection and load, SOLT-short, open, load and through, Enhanced Response, QSOLT-quick SOLT, 1-Port Reflection, Open/Short Response, and Thru Response. An overview and comparison of each is provided, along with discussion of calibration standards. Understanding these methods is key to your success with your VNA and designs in the lab or system characterizations in the field.