ONE-mm

• Forschungsstelle: METAS
• Projektnummer: F-5217.30015
• Projekttitel Englisch: ONE-mm

Schlüsselwörter (Englisch)

Vector network analysis, S-parametr, traceability, coaxial transmission line, 110 GHz, 1 mm precision connector, MMPX connector, connector effects, connector model, EM field simulation

Kurzbeschreibung (Englisch)

With this project the RF & Microwave laboratory at METAS extends its measurement capabilities in coaxial vector network analysis up to 110 GHz. This requires a measurement setup based on the 1 mm precision coaxial connector. The high frequencies and the small dimensions of this connector pose various challenges to the metrologist. The handling in the measurement process is delicate and requires an appropriate measurement setup. It is important to recognize the connector as a discontinuity in the transmission line and to calculate its impact on signal propagation with the help of numerical electromagnetic field simulation. Due to similar activities in earlier projects METAS has the necessary expertise to tackle these problems and to establish an SI traceable measurement service.
Furthermore this project will extend the traceability for the MMPX connector of Huber+Suhner above 67 GHz.
The project is supported by two industry partners and it will help to further establish the leading role of METAS in the field of coaxial vector network analysis.

Projektziele (Englisch)

Main goals:
- Traceability of coaxial S-parameter measurements up to 110 GHz
- Traceability concept and upper operating frequency of the MMPX connector 
Technical goals:
- Characterized measurement setup for coaxial S-parameter measurements up to 110 GHz
- Optimized design for 1 mm offset short standards
- Mechanically characterized 1 mm offset short calibration kit
- Electrically characterized 1 mm offset short calibration kit
- Optimized design of the 1 mm interface for the 1 mm-MMPX adaptor
- Upper operating frequency of the MMPX connector

Abstract (Englisch)

Within the project, SI traceability for coaxial S-parameter measurements up to 116.5 GHz (1 mm coaxial line system) was established. VNA calibration standards were designed, manufactured and measured on a special measurement setup. The following steps were performed:

• Modelling, design, fabrication and characterization of 1 mm offset short calibration standards

• Development  of a 1 mm measurement setup

The newly established capability was then used to characterize the MMPX connector of Hu-ber+Suhner (H+S). This connector was originally rated to be used up to 67 GHz. It was found out that the connector can be used up to 88 GHz and SI traceability up to this frequency was established to the 1 mm coaxial system with an adapter de-embedding technique.

Umsetzung und Anwendungen (Englisch)

METAS is the first NMI to submit calibration and measurement capability (CMC) entries to the BIPM Key Comparison Data Base for coaxial S-parameters up to 116.5 GHz. A measurement service can soon be provided. This completes the CMC portfolio for all major coaxial connector systems according to the new and improved methodology, which includes systematic connector effects.

The industrial Partner Keysight will use the two calibration kits for a specific business purpose, which cannot be further disclosed, due to a confidentiality Agreement.  H+S promotes the additional capabilities of the MMPX connector for use in high-speed digital testing, 5G wireless communication and automotive applications.

Publikationen / Ergebnisse (Englisch)

1. M. Wollensack, J. Hoffmann, J. Rüfenacht, M. Zeier, VNA Tools II: S-parameter un-certainty calculation, 79th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium, Conference Digest, p. 1-5, 2012.
2. K. Wong, J. Hoffmann, Improve VNA Measurement Ac-curacy by Including Connector Effects in the Models of Calibration Standards, 82th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium, Conference Digest, p. 1-7, 2013.
3. J. Hoffmann, M. Wollensack, J. Ruefenacht, M. Zeier, Extended S-parameters for imperfect test ports, Metrologia 52 (2015) 121-129.
4. J. Hoffmann, M. Wollensack, J. Ruefenacht, D. Stalder, M. Zeier, Traceable calibration with 1.0 mm coaxial standards, 87th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium, Conference Digest, p. 1-4, 2016.
5. M. Zeier, J. Hoffmann, J. Ruefenacht, D. Stalder, M. Wollensack, Mechanical Aspects in mm-wave Measurements, CPEM 2016 conference digest, 2016.
6. J. Hoffmann, D. Stalder, M. Wollensack, J. Ruefenacht, M. Zeier, Temperature Control of Wave-guide Extenders, CPEM 2016 conference digest, 2016.