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: 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: 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 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.

Abstract: A calibration device adapted to be used with a measurement instrument includes a controller, two or more ports, two or more power measurement circuits each connectable with one of the two or more ports, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium accessible to the controller within which characterization data related to the two or more ports is storable. The calibration device is adapted to be connected with the measurement instrument via a data bus to transmit data and receive commands between the controller and the measurement instrument. The two or more ports are adapted to be interchangeably connectable with ports of the measurement instrument.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment a device is usable to measure radio frequency (RF) signals including microwave signals to provide an alarm when a power level at its input exceeds predetermined levels. A user can attach the device to a coax cable on a microwave or wireless tower to determine if certain power levels are present and what levels are exceeded. If high power is indicated by the device, the user will then avoid attaching that coax cable to other measurement equipment which would be damaged by excessive RF power. The device is further usable, for example, to apply power to one coax cable in a cable bundle then identify which cable of the bundle is getting the power by connecting the device on the output end of each coax in the bundle, one by one.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for detecting a source of passive intermodulation (PIM) includes a signal source, a reference signal source, and a first transmitter module and a second transmitter module each configured to receive a signal from the signal source and a reference signal from the reference signal source and generate a tone at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively. The measuring instrument further includes a receiver and a receiver module configured to receive the signal from the signal source and a harmonic of the test signal generated by a source of PIM to generate a sample signal at the fixed frequency of the reference signal. The receiver is configured to determine a shift in phase between the reference signal and the sample signal. The receiver determines an estimate of distance to the source of PIM using determinations of the shift in phase as the signal source is swept.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a synchronous N pulse burst generator includes an input for an intermediate frequency trigger signal and a signal path extending from the input. The signal path includes a series of N AND gates and an OR gate. Each AND gate is arranged to receive two inputs from the signal path. The signal path introduces a time delay between the two inputs received by each AND gate. A second input of the two inputs is inverted. The signal path introduces the time delay between successive AND gates from the series of N AND gates. An OR gate receives outputs from the series of N AND gates and outputs an A/D clock signal.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a signal generator for generating a synchronization signal transmittable to a receiver and a phase shifter. The measuring instrument is configured to receive a retransmission of the synchronization signal from the receiver. The phase shifter configured to receive the synchronization signal from the signal generator and the retransmission of the synchronization signal from the receiver and shift a phase of the synchronization signal so that pulse edges of the synchronization signal are aligned at the measuring instrument and the receiver.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method of providing a gasket on an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield adapted to isolate a plurality of components of a measurement instrument includes obtaining a shield bottom of the EMI shield, cleaning the shield bottom, plugging threaded holes within the shield bottom so that threads of the threaded holes are substantially unexposed, applying a gasket layer to the shield bottom, and unplugging the threaded holes so that the threads are exposed.

Abstract: A method of eliminating spurs in measurements of an electrical response of a device under test (OUT) obtained uses a measurement instrument including a mixer and a receiver. The measurement instrument is configured to generate, via the mixer, an intermediate frequency (IF) signal for use by the receiver from a radio frequency (RF) signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal. Input is received from a user at the measurement instrument and includes start frequency and end frequency. Parameters for a frequency sweep are generated based on the input. A measurement for each frequency of the frequency sweep is calculated using averaging of a plurality of samples obtained at that frequency. Frequencies are identified within the frequency sweep at which spurs will occur due to the measurement instrument. The parameters for a frequency of the frequency sweep at which a spur will occur are modified so that a null for a measurement at the frequency falls on the spur.

Abstract: A system for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a measuring instrument adapted to be connected with the DUT for transmitting tests signals to the DUT, a receiver adapted to be connected with the DUT and arranged remote from the measuring instrument, an optical transceiver having a first coupler electrically connectable with the measuring instrument and a second coupler electrically connectable with the receiver, and a first and second free space transceivers connected to respective couplers by fiber optic cable. The measuring instrument includes a clock signal generated from a synchronization signal. The synchronization signal is converted to an optical signal by the optical transceiver and transmitted from the first free space transceiver to the second free space transceiver. The second coupler converts the optical signal to the synchronization signal and a clock signal of the receiver is locked to the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a synchronization signal generator configured to generate a synchronization signal transmittable from the measurement instrument to a receiver. The synchronization generator comprises a phase-locked loop (PLL) that locks the phase of the LO signal to the synchronization signal. The A/D clock signal is generated from the synchronization signal.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a synchronization signal generator, a coarse phase detection counter and a fine phase detection counter. The synchronization signal generator is connectable with a receiver via a fiber optic cable and a duplexer configured to transmit a synchronization signal from the measurement instrument to the receiver and retransmit the received synchronization signal from the receiver to the measurement instrument. The coarse phase detection counter and the fine phase detection counter are configured to determine one or both of a distance from the receiver to the measurement instrument and a phase shift in the synchronization signal between the receiver and the measurement instrument.

Abstract: A measurement instrument for measuring electrical characteristics of a device under test (DUT) includes a synchronization signal generator for generating a synchronization signal transmittable to a receiver, a voltage controlled phase shifter (VCPS) connected with the synchronization signal generator and a phase-to-voltage converter configured to drive the VCPS. The synchronization signal is transmitted via a duplexer configured to transmit the synchronization signal from the measurement instrument to the receiver via a fiber optic cable and retransmit the received synchronization signal from the receiver to the measurement instrument via the fiber optic cable. The phase-to-voltage converter receives as inputs the synchronization signal input to the VCPS, the synchronization signal output from the VCPS and the retransmitted synchronization signal received at the measurement instrument from the receiver. An output of the phase-to-voltage converter is provided as input to the VCPS.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method for measuring passive intermodulation (PIM) associated with a device under test (DUT) includes generating a test signal using a measuring instrument and obtaining measurements of PIM for the DUT. The test signal comprises two or more tones each amplified to a target output power by a respective amplifier according to a duty cycle. Measurements are obtained by the measuring instrument during an active portion of each duty cycle over a sweep of frequencies. PIM is calculated for the DUT by averaging a plurality of measurements obtained for each frequency from the sweep of frequencies. The duty cycle is determined based on the target output power.

Abstract: A reflectometer for use in measuring scattering (S-)parameters for a device under test (DUT) includes a test port, a radio frequency (RF) output signal source, and a local oscillator (LO) signal. The LO signal is used to downconvert the RF output signal to an incident IF signal. The reflectometer is useable as a first reflectometer with a second reflectometer such that the first and second reflectometers are phase synchronized by a synchronization signal. Phase and magnitude of transmission S-parameters of the DUT are measurable when the first reflectometer is used with the second reflectometer. The roles of the first and second reflectometers are reversible to allow for measurement of forward and reverse parameters. Further, the synchronization signal can be provided by one reflectometer to the other (or both can receive a separately generated synchronization signal) via a wire or fiber optic cable, for example, or via a wireless connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a replaceable internal open-short-load (OSL) calibrator and power monitor. A calibration system can include a test port; and a replaceable module including a first lookup table corresponding to an open-short-load (OSL) component and a second lookup table corresponding to a power measuring component.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a measurement system includes a measurement instrument, a controller physically connected to the measurement instrument, and a portable user interface wirelessly connected to the controller. The portable user interface is operable to remotely monitor and control the measurement instrument.