Multi-port noise parameter determination

Abstract

The paper outlines the main results of a novel and comprehensive analysis for the determination of the noise parameters of linear noisy microwave networks with any number of ports. The well-established approach by Lane for the case of linear 2 port networks becomes a particular case of this analysis. A thorough discussion of the results identifies practical requirements as well as constraints for a successful noise characterization of any N-port networks. The noise parameters of a circulator are determined to validate the analysis against measurements. This paper is the first demonstration of a method to determine the noise parameters of a linear network with any number of ports.