An Automatic Network Analyzer Using a Slotted Line Reflectometer

An automatic network analyzer (ANA) based on a 5-port reflectometer is presented. The measuring circuit consists of a slotted waveguide with sliding probe. A group of three fixed probes may be used instead. A microwave source, frequency counter, and power meter are used all controlled by a desktop computer. The theory is simple and the algorithm for obtaining the complex reflection coefficient from experimental data is fast. Some results are given for measurements earned out at X-band frequencies. Successful measurement accuracy is achieved with relatively noncomplex hardware. Multioctave bandwidth operation is expected for the proposed technique.