Automated Measuring Complex for the Research of the Frequency Characteristics of Microwave Filters in a Wide Range of Frequencies

Abstract

The article proposes a variant of an automated measuring complex designed to study the frequency characteristics of microwave filters. When developing microwave filters, it is necessary to control their frequency parameters, for which standard instruments are used – vector network analyzers. However, new technologies for manufacturing microwave filters, aimed at improving the frequency-selective characteristics and miniaturizing the design, do not allow for comprehensive studies using only one vector network analyzer. This is mainly due to the insufficient dynamic range of the vector network analyzers, which does not allow for a qualitative measurement of such parameters as attenuation in the filter barrier bands. This problem can be easily solved using a signal generator with an increased output power level and a spectrum analyzer. For a comprehensive study of the characteristics of microwave filters, a combination of methods for measuring the parameters of microwave filters is proposed, where the main characteristics will be measured in the passband using a vector network analyzer and the parameters of the obstacle bands using a signal generator and spectrum analyzer. By connecting devices into a network under the control of special software, we obtain a flexible and convenient system for automated research of the characteristics of microwave filters