Low Power USB-Controlled Network Analyzer with Detector Compensation Technique

Abstract

This paper explains the design of a low power USB-controlled scalar network analyzer. This analyzer is designed using a programmable RF synthesizer, a supurious harmonic suppressor, a high directivity signal separator, and power detectors. The operation of the analyzer is controlled using a microcontroller and a host PC through USB. The network analyzer offers raw dynamic range of 24 to 37 dB, over the frequency range from 1.7 to 2.5 GHz. A technique to reduce error through detector compensation is also implemented. All subsystems of the network analyzer have been designed in microstrip technique, thereby making the designs suitable for planar and compact realization. The network analyzer can be used for band-specific, low power field testing applications, and use of FR4 substrate makes it suitable for low cost realization.