Swept frequency vswr measurement with slotted line

Claim 2

System for measuring the VSWR of a unit under test through a continuous range of frequencies covering at least an octave comprising: a. a measurement slotted line having a slidable untuned test probe and detector, and means for connecting the slotted line to a unit to be tested, b. sweep generator means for repeatedly supplying said slotted line with electrical energy over said range of frequencies, at a repetition rate such that substantially the entire said range of frequencies is swept through at closely spaced successive positions of the test probe as the probe is moved along the slotted line, c. a reference line also supplied by said sweep generator with electrical energy which is related in value to the energy supplied to the slotted line, said reference line being provided with a reference termination, d. a reference probe for sampling energy at a point on said reference line, e. level control means for maintaining a constant detected voltage level at the reference probe over the sweep frequency range, f. recording means supplied by said sweep generator means and by said test probe through said detector for recording the probe output as the frequency range is swept and as the test probe is moved along the slotted line.

Claim 3

The invention according to claim 1, including similar matched detectors mounted at the ends of the respective probes and coupled therewith for supplying the detected signal output to the sweep generator and to the recording means respectively.

Claim 4

The invention according to claim 1, said reference line being a second slotted line similar to said measurement slotted line, and a power divider connected to said sweep generator and to both of said slotted lines for supplying power from the sweep generator in a predetermined ratio to said slotted lines.

Claim 5

The invention according to claim 1, and a flat frequency response attenuator having a low input and output VSWR, said attenuator being inserted between and in series with said reference line and said measurement slotted line.

Claim 6

The invention according to claim 1, said reference line being a lossy line attenuator, said reference probe being electrically coupled to said attenuator.

Claim 7

System for measuring the VSWR of a unit under test through a continuous range of frequencies covering at least an octave comprising a. a measurement slotted line having a slidable test probe and means for connecting the slotted line to a unit to be tested, b. sweep generator means for supplying said slotted line with electrical energy over said range of frequencies, c. a refereNce line also supplied by said sweep generator with electrical energy which is related in value to the energy supplied to the slotted line, said reference line being provided with a reference termination, d. a reference probe for sampling energy at a point on said reference line, e. feedback circuit means from said reference line test probe to said sweep generator for maintaining a constant detected voltage level at the reference probe over the sweep frequency range, f. recording means supplied by said sweep generator and by said test probe for recording the probe output as the frequency range is swept and as the test probe is moved along the slotted line, said slotted line having two parallel spaced elongated conductive plates and a central conductor extending between and parallel with said plates, a probe extending between said plates, substantially at right angles to said conductor, said probe having a chisel edge in close proximity to said central conductor, said chisel edge being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the said central conductor.

Claim 8

System for measuring the VSWR of a unit under test through a continuous range of frequencies covering at least an octave comprising a. a measurement slotted line having a slidable test probe and means for connecting the slotted line to a unit to be tested, b. sweep generator means for supplying said slotted line with electrical energy over said range of frequencies, c. a refereNce line also supplied by said sweep generator with electrical energy which is related in value to the energy supplied to the slotted line, said reference line being provided with a reference termination, d. a reference probe for sampling energy at a point on said reference line, e. feedback circuit means from said reference line test probe to said sweep generator for maintaining a constant detected voltage level at the reference probe over the sweep frequency range, f. recording means supplied by said sweep generator and by said test probe for recording the probe output as the frequency range is swept and as the test probe is moved along the slotted line, said slotted line having two parallel spaced elongated conductive plates and a central conductor extending between and parallel with said plates, a probe extending between said plates, substantially at right angles to said conductor, said probe having a chisel edge in close proximity to said central conductor, said chisel edge being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the said central conductor.

Claim 9

The invention according to claim 6, and guide means supporting said probe for motion along said slotted line with its chisel edge in the same close proximity to said central conductor and in the same direction with respect thereto.

Claim 10

System for measuring the VSWR of a unit under test through a continuous range of frequencies covering at least an octave comprising: a. a measurement slotted line having a broadband untuned test probe and means for connecting the slotted line to a unit to be tested, b. sweep generator means for repeatedly supplying said slotted line with electrical energy over said range of frequencies, at a repetition rate such that substantially the entire said range of frequencies is swept through at closely spaced successive positions of the test probe as the probe is moved along, c. recording means supplied by the sweep generator and by the test probe for recording the probe output as the sweep generator is repeatedly swept through its said range of frequencies.

Claim 11

System for measuring the VSWR of a unit under test through a continuous range of frequencies covering at least an octave comprising: a. a measurement slotted line having a broadband untuned test probe and means for connecting the slotted line to a unit to be tested, b. sweep generator means for repeatedly supplying said slotted line with electrical energy over said range of frequencies, at a repetition rate such that substantially the entire said range of frequencies is swept through at closely spaced successive positions of the test probe as the probe is moved along, c. recording means supplied by the sweep generator and by the test probe for recording the probe output as the sweep generator is repeatedly swept through its said range of frequencies.

Claim 12

The invention according to claim 1, and a reference line also supplied by said sweep generator with electrical energy which is related in value to the energy supplied to the slotted line, and level control means including feedback circuit means from said reference line test probe to said sweep generator.