Work

Virtual VNA 3.1: Noncoherent-Detection-Based Nonreciprocal Scattering Matrix Estimation Leveraging a Tunable Load Network

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We refine the recently introduced “Virtual VNA 3.0” technique to remove the need for coherent detection. The resulting “Virtual VNA 3.1” technique can unambiguously estimate the full scattering matrix of a non-reciprocal, linear, passive, time-invariant device under test (DUT) withNmonomodal ports using an NA-channel coherent wavefront generator and anNA-channel non-coherent detector, whereNAN. Waves are injected and received only via a fixed set ofNA> 1 “accessible” DUT ports while the remainingNS“not-directly-accessible” DUT ports are terminated by a specific tunable load network. To resolve all ambiguities, an additional modified setup is required in which waves are injected and received via a known 2NA-port system connected to the DUT’s accessible ports. We experimentally validate our method forNA=NS= 4 considering a non-reciprocal eight-port circuit as DUT. By eliminating the need for coherent detection, our work reduces the hardware complexity which may facilitate applications to large-scale or higher-frequency systems. Additionally, our work provides fundamental insights into the minimal requirements to fully and unambiguously characterize a non-reciprocal DUT.

Source: IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement

DOI: 10.1109/tim.2025.3637955

Author: Philipp del Hougne

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut d'Électronique et des Technologies du numéRique, Université de Rennes

Language: English

Topic: Microwave and Dielectric Measurement Techniques

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche

Awards: Ultra-Compact Non-linear Metamaterial Wave Processors for Analog Deep Learning, Beyond 5G mmWave Circuits, Antennas and RIS