Statistical approach to measurements with microwave multi-port reflectometer and optimization of its construction

Abstract

A new universal technique for microwave load complex reflection coefficient estimation with an arbitrary multiport reflectometer based on the solution of its quadric equations by the maximum likelihood method is proposed. The expressions for error matrix of estimating parameters are obtained in linear approximation that allows one to investigate analytically the measuring uncertainties. An optimization method of multiport parameters for measurement in narrow and wide frequency ranges is described. The results of computer simulation confirming the theoretical conclusions are given.