Vector Network Analyzer Research Articles

High-accuracy optical vector network analyzer for optical notch and bandpass responses

High-accuracy optical vector network analyzer for optical notch and bandpass responses

Impregnation damage monitoring for the canted-cosine-theta magnets using time-domain reflectometry

Impregnation plays a crucial role in the performance and protection of superconducting magnets. To investigate the impregnation status during quench training, a vector network analyzer (VNA)-based time domain reflectometry (TDR) is introduced. The proposed method and analyses focus on demonstrating their applicability within canted-cosine-theta (CCT) magnets, covering both artificially induced quenches using spot heaters and naturally occurring quenches. To verify the performance of the proposed method, VNA-based TDR is applied to CCT Subscale magnets developed in the US Magnet Development Program. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of CCT superconducting magnet behavior and inform strategies for improving their performance.

Bias-drift insensitive full-field frequency response characterization of a thin-film lithium niobate-based intensity modulator.

We propose a rapid and precise scheme for characterizing the full-field frequency response of a thin-film lithium niobate-based intensity modulator (TFLN-IM) via a specially designed multi-tone microwave signal. Our proposed scheme remains insensitive to the bias-drift of IM. Experimental verification is implemented with a self-packaged TFLN-IM with a 3 dB bandwidth of 30 GHz. In comparison with the vector network analyzer (VNA) characterization results, the deviation values of the amplitude-frequency response (AFR) and phase-frequency response (PFR) within the 50 GHz bandwidth are below 0.3 dB and 0.15 rad, respectively. When the bias is drifted within 90% of the Vπ range, the deviation fluctuation values of AFR and PFR are less than 0.3 dB and 0.05 rad, respectively. With the help of the full-field response results, we can pre-compensate the TFLN-IM for the 64 Gbaud PAM-4 signals under the back-to-back (B2B) transmission, achieving a received optical power (ROP) gain of 2.3 dB. The versatility of our proposed full-field response characterization scheme can extend to various optical transceivers, offering the advantage of low cost, robust operation, and flexible implementation.

Coaxial tips for a scanning microwave microscope and its calibration with dielectric references

Abstract Scanning microwave microscopy is a combination of an atomic force microscope with a vector network analyzer to measure locally resolved impedances. The technique finds application in the realms of semiconductor industries, material sciences, or biology. To determine quantitative material properties from the measured impedances, the system must be calibrated. Transferring the calibration from the calibration substrate onto the material under test is strongly limited when using unshielded probes, as the electromagnetic coupling to the surroundings can reach several centimeters. This work reports the fabrication of coaxially shielded probes for a scanning microwave microscope and their integration into such an instrument. We discuss a calibration method with dielectric references, using a simulation-assisted 1-port VNA calibration algorithm. Uncertainty considerations of the measurement process are included and propagation throughout the algorithm is performed. The calibration is verified with an additional dielectric reference. As an application example, the results for a static-random-access memory sample are presented. We identified system-related drift and trace noise as the dominant contributors to the uncertainties of the calibrated results. The here presented shielded tips can broaden the application scope of scanning microwave microscopy, as they are door-openers for measurements in liquids.

Frequency selective asymmetric coupled-fed (ACS) antenna using additive manufacturing

In this study, the development of diverse antenna designs using additive manufacturing processes, specifically spanning from L-band to K-band is proposed. All designs are implemented on a flexible FR4 substrate to make them suitable for wearable sensors and biomedical applications. The fabrication process involves the utilization of aerosol jet printing with nanoparticle silver ink, followed by curing in a vacuum chamber. Additionally, screen printing with copper paste is employed as another method, with subsequent curing in a laminator. The reflection coefficient (S11) and radiation patterns for the simulated design and fabricated samples were found to align closely. The achieved return loss consistently reaching -10 dB across fairly large operating frequency range underscores the efficacy of the proposed antennas and their associated additive manufacturing mechanisms. The design and simulation were performed using Ansys high frequency structural simulator (HFSS), and the parameters under test for the fabricated antennas were validated using a vector network analyzer (VNA) to assess overall performance.

Uncertainty propagation for microwave scattering parameter measurements subject to time-domain and time-gating transformations

Analysis of the scattering (S-)parameters of devices and materials often involves the inspection of a particular interface or feature. Time-gating functions offered by vector network analysers have routinely been used to gate S-parameters in the time-domain to separate the device or material interface from other physical features of the network. To date, explicit uncertainty propagation through this process has not been demonstrated. PyDynamic, a Python software package, has been developed to explicitly propagate uncertainty between domains (i.e., frequency and time) and through the gating process. This paper presents the application of PyDynamic to S-parameter measurements of a coaxial device, namely a Beatty line, where the analysis presents results in the transformed time-domain and time-gated frequency-domain with uncertainties. In this demonstration, following time-gating of a Beatty line impedance discontinuity, the time-gated and transformed reflection S-parameters show a reduction in uncertainty from up to approximately 0.0025 U linear magnitude and up to 5 degrees in phase to less than 0.0005 U linear magnitude and 0.2 degrees in phase.

Non-intrusive measurements of plasma impedance in an electron-cyclotron resonance thruster

We present a general method allowing for direct measurements of the complex impedance of radio frequency devices that need to be powered by an external power supply unit, making use of a dual-directional coupler and a vector network analyzer. This method is used to measure the impedance of an operating electron-cyclotron resonance thruster, which is then calibrated using a custom triple-short calibration kit to retrieve the impedance of the plasma within the chamber. The measurements, realized without disturbing the thruster operation, show that the plasma impedance ranges between 55 and 90 Ω in resistance and between −30 and 20 Ω in reactance. An equivalent circuit model is finally discussed, aiming at estimating plasma parameters through these impedance measurements.

Non-destructive microwave techniques for the quantification and elimination of moisture in cultural heritage monuments

In this paper, we present our experimental methodology, which was developed to assess and eliminate the excess moisture levels in the masonry of a Roman archeological monument, namely the Mensa Ponderaria of Tivoli, which is an important landmark dating back to the first century A.D. The need to keep interventions to a minimum were crucial factors for choosing microwave techniques as a non-destructive method for removal and moisture infiltration measurements in the walls. We used a microwave generator connected to a horn antenna to increase the temperature locally at the point of treatment and achieve the elimination of moisture. Additionally, to quantify the amount of eliminated water, we used a free space transmission measurement by two patch micro-strip fed antennas with a resonance at 2.62 GHz connected to a vector network analyser (VNA). S-parameters were measured at a frequency range 2–3 GHz. The phase shift method was used to extract the effective dielectric permittivity by the phase of the transmission S21 parameter. In the final step, we derived the volumetric water content of the wall θ (%) based on the dielectric permittivity of the wall material (tuff). Measurements were performed at several points of the masonry, which were previously treated with microwaves or remained without treatment for comparison. We report an average of 139 gr in water extraction from the treated areas of the masonry with the mild treatment protocol we used, with the possibility of further increase with longer or higher-power drying cycles.

Hybrid BOFDA/BOCDA system for distributed static and dynamic strain measurements.

We present a distributed optical fiber sensor based on a hybrid Brillouin optical frequency/correlation-domain analysis (BOFDA/BOCDA) configuration for both static and dynamic strain measurements. Distributed static strain (or temperature) measurements are realized using the conventional BOFDA method, i.e., acquiring the baseband transfer function of the fiber through a vector network analyzer (VNA). With little modifications, the same setup can perform dynamic, position-selective measurements synthesizing a correlation peak through a frequency modulation of the laser source while operating the VNA at a single modulation frequency. Experimental tests, carried out at a sampling frequency up to 40 Hz and a spatial resolution of ≈5 cm, demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach.

Combined ns pulsed-RF excitation and impedance matching considerations for the production of moderate E/n atmospheric pressure discharges for gas conversion

Abstract Sub-breakdown radiofrequency (RF) discharges enabled by a nanosecond (ns) pulse ignition source are studied at atmospheric pressure in a range of gas mixtures from completely inert (in Ar) to completely reactive (in CO2). An electrical characterisation of the continuous wave (CW) RF discharge (13.56MHz) is performed to determine plasma impedance and plasma power dissipation. Two different measurement methods to electrically characterize the system are described and compared. One method uses in-situ measurements of discharge parameters (voltage, current and the phase angle), and the other method performs ex-situ measurements of the load circuit using a vector network analyser. It was found that RF plasma power deposition depended on the applied RF power as well as the gas mixture composition. Using the in-situ voltage, current and phase angle measurements, plasma power deposition was calculated to be as much as 85% and 76% of the applied RF power for the pure Ar and pure CO2 cases, respectively. A preliminary qualitative assessment of the plasma composition was performed by optical emission spectroscopy, and CO2 conversion by mass spectrometry. CO2 to CO conversions of 11.2% and 5.5% in a 20:80 (CO2:Ar) mixture and in 100% CO2, respectively, were observed. This study demonstrates a RF plasma source for gas conversion applications at atmospheric pressure in a completely reactive gas.

Superparamagnetic nanocubes of Co and Cu co-doped Mn-based ferrites as microwave absorbing material

The requirement in resolving electromagnetic (EM) problems in stealth warhead technologies are excellent absorption ability, lightweight, and thin dimensions. In this direction, this study provides a straightforward hydrothermal one-pot method to synthesize superparamagnetic Mn-based ferrite co-doped with Co and Cu (MCCF), and the article presents its microwave absorption properties. Using cutting-edge techniques, the MCCF nanocomposite phase structure, morphological, superparamagnetic, and microwave absorption properties were measured and analyzed. MCCF-822 ferrite shows superparamagnetic properties simultaneously with a high Ms value 71.4 emu/g. Vector network analysis of MCCF-822 with 70 wt% loading demonstrates an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.2 GHz with a maximum reflection loss (RLmax) of −19.2 dB at 2 mm thickness, and it spans almost 92.77 % frequency region (3.3–18 GHz range with RL < −10 dB) by varying thickness 1.7 mm–6 mm. At 60 wt% loading, it covers the whole X & Ku band with a thickness range from 2 to 9 mm with a good EAB of 4.3 GHz at 2.5 mm thickness with RLmax of −16 dB. The dual absorption bands are also present in MCCF-613, which increases the EAB with RLmax −52.99 dB at 9 mm, fulfilling the superparamagnetic properties. Thus, MCCF-822 is proposed as a cost-effective superior ferrite nanocomposite for microwave absorption applications.

Comprehensive Analysis of Xiaomi Mi 8 GNSS Antenna Performance.

The interest in precise point positioning techniques using smartphones increased with the launch of the world's first dual-frequency L1/L5 GNSS smartphone, Xiaomi Mi 8. The smartphone GNSS antenna is low-cost, sensitive to multipath, and limited by physical space and design. The main purpose of this work is to determine the mechanical location and antenna performance in terms of radiation pattern in an anechoic chamber using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and robotic positioning platform by varying the elevation and azimuth angles between the transmitter and smartphone GNSS antennas; the power received and satellite visibility are developed in an outdoor scenario. The results show a Planar Inverted-F Antenna with an omnidirectional radiation pattern without gain. The L1/E1/B1 and L5/E5a/B2a GNSS antennas are physically located at the top face of the screen, with dimensions of 48 × 17 mm and 60 × 13 mm, respectively. With the screen with line-of-sight toward the sky, L5 satellites have a better signal-noise ratio (SNR), unlike the back side, which loses 99% of the data in the PPP solution. Under multipath scenarios, the L1 GNSS smartphone antenna works with 25% less power than the GPS user segment recommendation, showing high sensitivity to track weak signals.

Fractional-Order Electrical Modeling of Aluminum Coated via Plasma Electro-Oxidation and Thermal Spray Methods to Optimize Radiofrequency Medical Devices.

Active medical devices rely on a source of energy that is applied to the human body for specific purposes such as electrosurgery, ultrasounds for breaking up kidney stones (lithotripsy), laser irradiation, and other medical techniques and procedures that are extensively used. These systems must provide adequate working power with a commitment not to produce side effects on patients. Therefore, the materials used in these devices must effectively transmit energy, allow for security control, sense real-time variations in case of any issues, and ensure the implementation of closed-loop systems for control. This work extends to the experimental data adjustment of some different coating techniques based on plasma electro-oxidation (PEO) and thermal spray (TS) using fractional-order models. According to the physical structure of the coating in different coating techniques, Cole family models were selected. The experimental data were obtained by means of a vector network analyzer (VNA) in the frequency spectrum from 0.3 MHz to 5 MHz. The results show that some models from the Cole family (the single-dispersion model and inductive model) offered a goodness of fit to the experimental impedance in terms of RMSE error and a squared error R2 close to unity. The use of this type of fractional-order electrical model allows an adjustment with a very small number of elements compared to integer-order models, facilitating its use and a consequent reduction in instrumentation cost and the development of control devices that are more robust and easily miniaturized for embedded applications. Additionally, fractional-order models allow for more accurate assessment in industrial and medical applications.

Optimisation of asymmetries in mm-wave single-element fractal antenna for gain-bandwidth enhancement

ABSTRACT In this study, a low-loss substrate was used to create an Asymmetric Irregular Hexagonal Fractal (AIHF) mm-wave antenna. The antenna consists of an Asymmetric Defected Ground Structure (ADGS) attached to the bottom of a 0.55λ0 ×0.40λ0 ×0.032λ0 mm3 substrate and an Irregular Hexagonal Fractal (IHF) patch on top of the substrate. The proposed fractal technique is unique and based on fractal-slot 3-stage iterations. The IHF patch is created by etching seven fractals arranged symmetrically about the y-axis, one of which has a central 1/3rd (scaling) iteration factor and six hexagonal fractals that are 1/9th of the parent 0th order iteration. On the patch, these fractal slots are evenly spaced out. By etching an Asymmetric Cascaded Double Dumbbell (ACDD) slot on the ground plane, an ADGS is created. With this etching in the patch and ground, a gain of > 5.0 dBi for a −10 dB S11 bandwidth of 4.655 GHz (32.84–37.215 GHz), a recorded peak gain of 13.4 dBi is at 33.55 GHz and an average radiation efficiency of 87.75% is achieved. Using the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), the width of ADGS, the position of ACDD on ADGS, and the dimensions of etched fractals are optimised through a pattern search parametric iterative technique. These results are validated using the Vector Network Analyser (VNA), and the Anechoic Chamber and it is revealed that they agree well with the simulated results. The designed AIHF antenna’s RLC electrical equivalent circuit modelling is presented along with evaluated R, L, and C values.

EVA copolymer loaded with PAni/CNT/GNP hybrids: A flexible and lightweight material with high microwave absorption

AbstractMicrowave‐absorbing materials are widely used for electromagnetic interference shielding and stealth technology. However, most existing materials are heavy, rigid, and expensive, limiting their practical applications. Therefore, there is a need to develop new materials that are flexible, lightweight, and cost effective. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a novel ternary composite material based on polyaniline (PAni), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in an ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer matrix. PAni‐based ternary composites were prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline in toluene dispersion of CNT/GNP hybrids and EVA. The microwave absorption properties were evaluated using a vector network analyzer in the frequency range of 8.2–18 GHz. The presence of as little as 0.8 wt% of CNT/GNP hybrid with appropriate mass ratio increased the conductivity by more than four orders of magnitude compared to the EVA@PAni blend. The minimum reflection loss corresponded to −40.55 dB at 16.31 GHz for the system containing CNT/GNP = 0.3:0.7, whereas those with CNT/GNP = 0.0:1.0 and 0.7:0.3 presented the widest effective absorption bandwidths (RL &lt; −10 dB), covering almost the entire Ku‐band. Due to the excellent flexibility, low weight, and high microwave absorption performance, these composites are potential candidates for microwave absorption applications.

Distributed Temperature Sensing through Network Analysis Frequency-Domain Reflectometry.

In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a network analysis optical frequency domain reflectometer (NA-OFDR) for distributed temperature measurements at high spatial (down to ≈3 cm) and temperature resolution. The system makes use of a frequency-stepped, continuous-wave (cw) laser whose output light is modulated using a vector network analyzer. The latter is also used to demodulate the amplitude of the beat signal formed by coherently mixing the Rayleigh backscattered light with a local oscillator. The system is capable of attaining high measurand resolution (≈50 mK at 3-cm spatial resolution) thanks to the high sensitivity of coherent Rayleigh scattering to temperature. Furthermore, unlike the conventional optical-frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR), the proposed system does not rely on the use of a tunable laser and therefore is less prone to limitations related to the laser coherence or sweep nonlinearity. Two configurations are analyzed, both numerically and experimentally, based on either a double-sideband or single-sideband modulated probe light. The results confirm the validity of the proposed approach.

Design of new tuning circuit based reconfigurable microstrip antenna for S, C, X, and Ku bands applications

ABSTRACT A new reconfigurable microstrip has been designed, and manufactured via tuning and switching components. The antenna can swipe among various frequencies. Several operational modes have been tested, and measured via Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). A circular patch is considered complicated in design calculations. Therefore, the proposed antenna intended a reduction in scheming via an uncomplex structure. Tow-tuning capacitors have been added to function in multi-bands. Also, hybrid connections between capacitors and switching diodes have been used for the reconfiguration technique. A compressed size of 31 × 27 (mm), low-priced, straightforward structured antenna operates in various modes at the following frequency bands: S-band at 2, 2.09, 2.18, 2.27, and 2.4 GHz, C band at 4.9, 7.7, and 7.9 GHz, X band at 10.5, and 10.7 GHz, and Ku band at 13.3, 13.4, 14.9, 15.2, 15.5,15.6, 17.4, 17.5, and 17.6 GHz. The reconfigurable antenna offered a peak radiation efficiency of 79% and peak gain of 7.3 dB under all tested scenarios. The proposed reconfigurable microstrip antenna is appropriate to function in recent wireless communication technologies such as industrial scientific medical (ISM) bands (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiMAX, IoT, etc.), 5G applications, fixed wireless systems (FWS), 4G (LTE), and satellite communications.

Barium Ferrite/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Millimeter‐Wave Electromagnetic Shielding Enhanced by Ferromagnetic Resonance Absorption

In this work, a composite of barium ferrite (BaM) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a polymer matrix of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are reported for the purpose of suppressing electromagnetic interference (EMI). Shielding is accomplished primarily through absorption, which arises from a combination of the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) from the BaM and conductive losses from the CNTs. The composite is fabricated by mixing commercially available BaM nanoparticles and CNTs into PDMS, screen printing the mixture into molds, then curing at 80 °C in a DC magnetic field. Characterization involves placing the composite in the cross‐section of a rectangular waveguide, then using a vector network analyzer (VNA) to measure scattering (S) parameters from 33–50 GHz. Using the measured S parameters, power reflected and absorbed can be calculated and used to characterize the composite's shielding effectiveness (SE), and the complex permittivity and permeability can be determined. The resulting 2.4 mm thick composite shows a peak absorption of 26.9 dB at the FMR frequency of 47.4 GHz. When normalized for thickness, the composite, on average, absorbs 11.3 dB mm−1 and operates at a higher frequency than other shielding composites found in the literature.

A study on the Structural, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of NiFe2O4@MWCNTs Nanocomposites

The present study managed to build, nanocomposites (NCs) containing nickel ferrite and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (NiFe2O4@MWCNTs) with different weight to ratios absorb electromagnetic waves (EM) in the X and Ku bands. In addition, the structural and electromagnetic (EM) properties of the nanocomposites were characterized. In the first step, NiFe2O4 nanoparticles (NFNPs) were successfully synthesized via a citrate-nitrate (C-N) method. Subsequently, NFNPs and MWCNTs were blended at various weight ratios to form NF@MWCNTs nanocomposites. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the crystal structure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used for surface morphology and elemental analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to describe the distribution of NFNPs on the MWCNTs surface. Infrared (IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were used to examine the magnetic properties. The vector network analyzer (VNA) was used to examine the absorption properties of EM waves. The properties of NF@MWCNTs nanocomposites were examine at five different weight ratios. The S3 sample with a thickness of 2.00 mm exhibited the best loss in the X band, reaching -30.47 dB. Furthermore, the S2 sample with a thickness of 5.00 mm exhibited the lowest Ku-band loss, reaching a value of -17.39 dB.

Unobtrusive Sensors for Synchronous Monitoring of Different Breathing Parameters in Care Environments.

Respiratory problems are common amongst older people. The rapid increase in the ageing population has led to a need for developing technologies that can monitor such conditions unobtrusively. This paper presents a novel study that investigates Wi-Fi and ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna sensors to simultaneously monitor two different breathing parameters: respiratory rate, and exhaled breath. Experiments were carried out with two subjects undergoing three breathing cases in breaths per minute (BPM): (1) slow breathing (12 BPM), (2) moderate breathing (20 BPM), and (3) fast breathing (28 BPM). Respiratory rates were captured by Wi-Fi sensors, and the data were processed to extract the respiration rates and compared with a metronome that controlled the subjects' breathing. On the other hand, exhaled breath data were captured by a UWB antenna using a vector network analyser (VNA). Corresponding reflection coefficient data (S11) were obtained from the subjects at the time of exhalation and compared with S11 in free space. The exhaled breath data from the UWB antenna were compared with relative humidity, which was measured with a digital psychrometer during the breathing exercises to determine whether a correlation existed between the exhaled breath's water vapour content and recorded S11 data. Finally, captured respiratory rate and exhaled breath data from the antenna sensors were compared to determine whether a correlation existed between the two parameters. The results showed that the antenna sensors were capable of capturing both parameters simultaneously. However, it was found that the two parameters were uncorrelated and independent of one another.