Abstract: Systems and methods for incorporating multiple single-port vector network analyzer modules where the modules can be located at significant distances from each other. Systems and methods are provided for synchronizing source signals with remote receivers, calibration, operation, bandwidth reduction, high isolation, and reliable solar power or remote sites whereby the VNA module s may be used for characterization of a DUT as if they were incorporated into a single vector network analyzer chassis with access to a common clock.

Abstract: RF receivers having self-tuning capabilities. An example can provide self-tuning by detecting a first envelope of a first demodulated output signal and a second envelope of a second demodulated output signal. A difference between the detected envelopes can be filtered to generate a control signal. The control signal can be applied to a voltage-controlled crystal oscillator. In-phase and quadrature outputs of the voltage-controlled crystal oscillator can be used to demodulate a received signal to demodulate in-phase and quadrature signals. Loop gain dependency on input signal amplitude can be reduced by using logarithmic amplifiers after the envelope detectors, or by replacing the envelope detectors and logarithmic amplifiers with demodulating logarithmic amplifiers.

Abstract: Frequency synthesizers having reduced phase noise and a small step size. One example can provide frequency synthesizers having low phase noise by eliminating dividers in a feedback path and instead employing frequency converters, such as mixers. Step size can be further reduced by providing frequency converters in a reference signal feedforward path. Acquisition time can be decreased by employing a fast-acquisition phase-locked loop that is switched out after acquisition in favor of a low phase-noise phase-locked loop. Another example can reduce phase noise by employing a YIG oscillator. To improve acquisition time, a first, faster phase-locked loop can be used to lock to a signal before switching to a second, slower phase-locked loop that includes the YIG oscillator. Another example can provide low noise by including phase-locked loops that operate in a frequency range having low thermal noise while a frequency of an output signal varies over a wide range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring and interconnecting VNA modules in daisy chains or via hubs are disclosed which overcome the constraints on the arrangement of the VNA modules in a system and the limitations on the flexibility and performance of the system present in the prior art. The VNA modules have ports which can be configured as input or output ports. In embodiments, configurable optical ports allow for long distance interconnection of VNA modules and hubs without loss of synchronization.

Abstract: Improved coaxial connectors and methods which have enhanced characteristics, reliability, strength, and durability. This coaxial connector system uses a flange mating system and a single slot male pin center conductor contact. The flanges use precision guiding pins and screws to axially align and secure the mating flanges together. The coaxial center conductors are electrically connected to each other by a resilient, single slotted, formed male pin and a female receptacle as center conductor assemblies. When the two flanges are fastened together, the center conductor assemblies (formed male pin and a female receptacle) mate to form an electrically conducting connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating VNA modules which dynamically assigns match utilization to improve overall calibration accuracy and reduce problems from a non-optimal set of calibration components and simplify user input requirements during calibration.

Abstract: A method for measuring electrical response of a DUT includes using a measurement instrument, generating a radio frequency (RF) test signal via the measurement instrument at one or more initial frequencies, propagating the RF test signal at the one or more initial frequencies to the DUT, measuring a response of the DUT at the one or more initial frequencies and aggregating the measured response of the DUT at the one or more initial frequencies as response measurement data.

Abstract: Frequency synthesizers having reduced phase noise and a small step size. One example can provide frequency synthesizers having low phase noise by eliminating dividers in a feedback path and instead employing frequency converters, such as mixers. Step size can be further reduced by providing frequency converters in a reference signal feedforward path. Acquisition time can be decreased by employing a fast-acquisition phase-locked loop that is switched out after acquisition in favor of a low phase-noise phase-locked loop. Another example can reduce phase noise by employing a YIG oscillator. To improve acquisition time, a first, faster phase-locked loop can be used to lock to a signal before switching to a second, slower phase-locked loop that includes the YIG oscillator. Another example can provide low noise by including phase-locked loops that operate in a frequency range having low thermal noise while a frequency of an output signal varies over a wide range.

Abstract: A system and method for making improved measurements of integrated antenna arrays utilizes vector network analyzer (VNA) and a calibrated receive-side system comprising two antennae, dual reflectometers coupled to the two antennae for match correction, a wide band intermediate frequency (IF) strip which connects the receive-side system to the input ports of the VNA, an air gap which separates the receive-side system form the DUT, and a stepmotion baffle configure to be inserted into the air gap to modify antenna coupling. The system and method enable measurement of noise characteristics of the DUT including nonlinear effects of transmitter element coupling between the plurality of transmitter elements within an antenna array.

Abstract: A coaxial connector system is provided suitable for connection of high-frequency components such as high-band test modules and probes. The coaxial connector system uses a flange mating element aligned using precession guiding pins. A center conductor assembly is captive in a center bore of the flange and includes elastomer contacts which are compressed against the coaxial center conductors of the high=frequency components. The flange mount coaxial connector system provides a robust, mechanically stable mount which minimizes electrical performance changes with mechanical torque as compared to screw on connectors.

Abstract: A system for measuring noise characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes one or more computers and memory, a first receiver connected to a first port of the DUT, a second receiver connected to a second port of the DUT, the second receiver being synchronized with the first receiver and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having instructions thereon that when read and executed by the one or more computers causes the system to transmit signals to the DUT, receive signals from the DUT, and characterize noise associated with the DUT within the received signals.

Abstract: A system for measuring an electrical response of a device under test (DUT) includes a reflectometer with reduced heat dissipation used with a vector network analyzer (VNA). The reflectometer is tethered to the VNA using a tether of scalable length which carries low frequencies. The reflectometer has a distributed harmonic generator including a non-linear transmission line (NLTL) for multiplying a frequency of an RF signal received from the VNA to generate a test signal having a frequency in the millimeter wave range at a test port connected to the DUT. A sampler in the reflectometer receives a local oscillator (LO) signal from the VNA and includes another NLTL for receiving the LO signal and generating pulses at a frequency in the millimeter wave range. When the test signal is transmitted to the DUT, the sampler outputs intermediate frequency signals which are transmitted to the VNA for characterization of the DUT.

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer for measuring an electrical response of a device under test (DUT) includes a test port for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals from the DUT in response to a test signal transmitted to the DUT, a local oscillator (LO) for generating a LO signal, a sampler connected with the LO to receive the LO signal and a receiver connected with the sampler. The sampler includes a non-linear transmission line that generates a sampler signal having a frequency that is a multiple of a frequency of the LO signal, and an input for receiving a RF signal from the test port. When a RF signal from an RF input source is received the sampler outputs an intermediate frequency (IF) signal. The receiver receives the IF signal output of the sampler.

Abstract: A method of network extraction based on phase localization using a test setup including a standard includes measuring frequency data using a measuring instrument connected with the test setup by performing a frequency sweep across an identified bandwidth, correlating filter functions as required against the measured frequency domain data to localize phase across the test setup, removing excess phase rotation and solving for inner plane match of the test setup based on known composite measurement and previously identified components of the test setup.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect interference in wireless signals, comprising an antenna for receiving a wireless signal; and wherein the apparatus is operable to identify a dominant waveform in the received signal; subtract the dominant waveform from the received signal to create a modified received signal; and repeat the above steps, recursively substituting the modified received signal for the received signal, until all adjusted reference waveforms have been subtracted.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of mobile monitor setups, each mobile monitor setup connected with a vehicle. Each mobile monitor setup includes an omnidirectional antenna, a global positioning system (GPS) signal antenna configured to receive GPS signals and a receiver configured to obtain a plurality of radio frequency (RF) measurements. The plurality of RF measurements are swept across one or more frequency bands and each RF measurement is time stamped and location stamped based on received GPS signals.

Abstract: A method for detecting objects comprising radiation-absorbent material includes transmitting signals of two different frequencies to a target location and receiving an intermodulation product from the target location. The signals are transmitted via separate antennas connected with respective transmitters. The intermodulation product is received by a receiving antenna connected with a receiver and arranged to receive the intermodulation product reradiated from the target location. The intermodulation product comprises a harmonic of the two signals.

Abstract: A system used for identifying issues within a telecom network. Data is obtained from sources including probes and network elements. KPIs are identified for real-time streaming aggregation. Streaming data related to the KPIs is aggregated and an approximation of count-distinct subscribers and volume count is calculated, as well as count-distinct subscribers aggregating by each identified KPI. Drill objects found in the aggregated data are identified based on the calculations and real-time trending records are generated and stored for each drill object using an exponential moving average. Baseline averages are generated based on the real-time trending records. An increase in errors can then be detected based on the baseline averages and additionally aggregated real-time streaming data. Deviations in each drill object contributing to the detected increase in errors are then analyzed and a full case report is generated based on details of the deviations.

Abstract: A harmonic phase standard includes an input connectable with a radio frequency (RF) signal source for receiving an RF signal, an output, a signal path extending between the input and the output for propagating the RF signal from the input to the output, and a logic gate, an amplifier and a nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) arranged along the signal path. The logic gate receives the RF signal and outputs a waveform having sharpened edges relative to the RF signal. The amplifier amplifies the waveform output by the logic gate. The NLTL receives the amplified waveform from the amplifier and is biased to shape the amplified waveform so as to add harmonic content to the amplified waveform.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for detecting a source of passive intermodulation (PIM) includes a first signal source, a second source and a receiver. The first and second signal sources are each connected with separate transmit antenna to transmit a first and second signal, respectively. The first transmit antenna and the second transmit antenna are arranged in a fixed relationship relative to each other such that the first signal and the second signal are combinable to generate a PIM signal at a PIM. The receiver is connected with a receive antenna and arranged in a fixed relationship relative to the first transmit antenna and the second transmit antenna to receive the PIM signal reradiated from the PIM source. The receiver is configured to receive the PIM signal and indicate detection of the PIM source in response to receiving the PIM signal.