Application of the uncertainty method for analysis of multi-port correlator accuracy

The aim of this work is consider the application of the uncertainty method for error calculation in modern automatic network analyzers based on the multi-port correlator. The expressions for uncertainty estimates of the both types A and B are discussed. The expressions for error matrices estimators defining the MPC calibration and measuring accuracy are obtained. It is shown that this method can be effectively used for error estimation of the modern measurement systems in microwaves. The effectiveness of the uncertainty method is illustrated by the considered example of the combined multi-port correlator (CMC), which operation is compared with the conventional multi-port reflectometer using the computer simulation method. The resultant uncertainties of the complex reflection coefficient achieved by CMR are considerably low the uncertainties inherent to conventional multi-port reflectometer. The promising of CMR use for microwave parameter measurement are underlined.