Automatic vector signal generator calibration method suitable for multiport large-signal measurements

The increasing need for measurement setups including several vector signal generators is associated with the creation of multiple input amplifiers such as digital Doherty, outphasing techniques or amplifier with a RF load matching control such as Load Modulated Balanced Amplifiers (LMBA). Therefore, an absolute calibration, in amplitude and phase of the sources has to be performed. A complete and automated calibration method for multiport generation is presented here. It introduces, as a new standard, a multiport passive device previously characterized in S-parameters. This method is detailed analytically and validated experimentally. Calibrated measurements of dual input power amplifiers are also presented.