Arbitrary Time Domain Stimulus with S-parameter Network Analyzers

Frequency domain S-parameters are the fundamental measurements made at microwave frequencies. It has been nearly impossible to make physical time domain measurements at microwave frequencies. This led to time domain response being calculated from the measured frequency domain data. Traditionally, impulse response and step response were calculated. For many devices, the real interest is in measuring how the device distorts the signal it is intended to process. A method for extending the time domain capabilities of modern network analyzers to examining the response of a device to a more realistic input signal has been presented. These techniques can work in conjunction with the "real time" features of these analyzers. Modulation conversions can also be examined due to the capability to calculate instantaneous phase and frequency.