Comparison of noise figure calibration and measurement techniques using noise figure verification techniques

Abstract

We perform noise figure calibrations on a noise measurement receiver using the following techniques: A “Y-factor” technique that uses two source impedance states (a characterized “excess” noise source and a low reflection room temperature termination) in both the calibration and the measurement, a “Vector Cold Noise (VCN)” technique that uses multiple room temperature source impedance states in both the calibration and the measurement along with a characterized “excess” noise source in the calibration and a “Scalar Cold Noise” technique that uses the same calibration as the VCN technique, but uses only a low reflection room temperature source impedance state in the measurement. Following each calibration, we verify the calibrations after the method of Randa et al. and present the results along with uncertainties derived from a Monet Carlo simulation