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Understanding the Fundamental Principles of Vector Network Analysis Application Note 1287-1 Table of Contents Page Introduction 2 Measurements in Communications Systems 2 Importance of Vector Measurements 4 The Basis of Incident and Reflected Power 5 The Smith Chart 5 Power Transfer Conditions 6 Network Analysis Terminology 9 Measuring Group Delay 11 Network Characterization 12 2 Introduction Network analysis is the process by which designers and manufacturers measure the electrical performance of the components and circuits used in more complex systems. When these systems are conveying signals with information content, we are most concerned with getting the signal from one point to another with maximum efficiency and minimum distortion. Vector network analysis is a method of accurately characterizing such components by measuring their effect on the amplitude and phase of swept-frequency and swept-power test signals. In this application note, the fundamental principles of vector network analysis will be reviewed. The discussion includes the common parameters that can be measured, including the concept of scattering parameters (S-parameters). RF fundamentals such as transmission lines and the Smith chart will also be reviewed. Hewlett-Packard Company offers a wide range of both scalar and vector network analyzers for characterizing components from DC to 110 GHz. These instruments are available with a wide range of options to simplify testing in both laboratory and production environments. Measurements in In any communications system, the effect of signal distortion must be Communications considered. While we generally think of the distortion caused by nonlinear Systems effects (for example, when intermodulation products are produced from desired carrier signals), purely linear systems can al