Time domain automatic network analyzer for measurement of RF and microwave components

This technical note describes a new NBS instrument for the measurement of the scattering parameters (S[subscript lowercase]ij) of RF and microwave components. The instrument is the Time Domain Automatic Network Analyzer (TDANA). It utilizes time domain pulse measurements to obtain frequency domain parameters. The frequency range is dc to 18 GHz with a lower upper limit for large values of attenuation. The instrument consists of three major components: an ultra-fast pulse generator, a broadband sampling oscilloscope, and a digital minicomputer.