Amplifier noise measurements at NIST

We have recently measured the noise characteristics of two low-noise commercial amplifiers in the 2.0-4.0 GHz frequency range. The tests were part of a program to develop and validate measurement methods for a noise-figure measurement service. Measured noise figures were about 0.5/spl plusmn/0.04 dB. We present the results and the accompanying uncertainties. We also describe the measurement method and summarize the many checks that were used to validate the method.