VNA Balanced Measurements
Joel P. Dunsmore · 2012
In this chapter, measurement methods were discussed for the differential device characterization. The mixed mode parameters may also be defined for a three-port network, comprising one single ended port and one mixed mode port which is usually defined as the differential or balanced port. For linear, passive devices, making balanced or differential measurements is very straightforward using the newest four-port vector network analyzer (VNA). All of the fixturing, de-embedding and impedance transformation that is possible with standard S-parameters is also available for mixed mode parameters. In some cases, such as when a true mode four-port VNA is not available, one must resort to the use of baluns to characterize differential devices. Distortion measurements on differential devices can be quite difficult to perform, especially if true mode drive is required, as is the case for the limiting amplifier. Noise figure is generally considered a small signal measurement, and the base measurements. Controlled Vocabulary Terms distortion; network analysers; S-parameters; signal to noise ratio