Time-Domain Measurement of Loss and Dispersion (Short Papers)

Time-domain metrology (TDM) techniques are applied to determine loss and dispersion in microstrip and coaxial cable for possible future use in interconnections in the frequency range of 0.4-10 GHz. After a brief presentation of the method, results are given for microstrip, RG/U 58, and RG/U 188A coaxial cable. Good agreement is obtained between measured, computed, and published values. Major advantages of the technique are that unwanted multiple reflections can be excluded from the measurement time window, and errors from interface discontinuities can be evaluated and removed from the final result.