Vector Network Analyzer Pre-Calibration: A Low-cost Vector Network Analyzer Calibration Method

Vector network analyzers (VNAs) are high-performance instruments used to measure the reflection and transmission characteristics of devices and networks. Calibration is essential for minimizing internal system errors, but traditional calibration methods involving expensive calibration pieces can be time-consuming and costly. This paper introduces a pre-calibration method to reduce these costs. By embedding pre-collected error terms from factory calibration into the VNA, users can achieve reliable measurement results without the need for additional calibration pieces. The proposed method is particularly beneficial for large-scale industrial applications, offering a more economical and efficient approach to VNA use. The paper presents the working principles of VNAs, discusses the twelve-term error model, and demonstrates the effectiveness of the pre-calibration approach through test results of a four-port VNA. The results show that pre-calibration provides measurement values close to those obtained through full calibration, offering significant cost savings without sacrificing accuracy for low-precision requirements.