US4998071A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Noise parameter test method and apparatus
Assignee: FormFactor Beaverton Inc
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Filing: 1988-10-25
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Granted: 1991-03-05
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Expires: 2008-10-25
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for simultaneously measuring noise power of a two-port device under test (DUT) using a one-port tuner, a low-noise amplifier, a power divider with a plurality of outputs, and a plurality of noise meters. The noise meters are configured to measure available noise power in different frequency ranges which are closely spaced around a selected central frequency, thereby yielding the noise parameters of the DUT at the central frequency.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric W. Strid
- 👤 Bernard W. Leake
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 16:07
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R29/00; G01R29/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for simultaneously measuring a plurality of noise powers which are contained within different frequency ranges and are present at an output port of a device under test which also has an input port, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a source admittance to said input port of said device under test; (b) connecting the input port of a power divider which has a plurality of output ports to said output port of said device under test; (c) connecting each one of a plurality of noise meters to a respective one of said output ports of said power divider; (d) setting the respective noise meters to measure noise powers within different respective frequency ranges; and (e) measuring simultaneously said noise powers produced by said device under test within said different frequency ranges using said noise meters.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A method for simultaneously measuring a plurality of noise powers which are contained within different frequency ranges and are present at an output port of a device under test which also has an input port, comprising the steps of: (a) connecting a source admittance to said input port of said device under test; (b) connecting the input port of a power divider which has a plurality of output ports to said output port of said device under test; (c) connecting each one of a plurality of noise meters to a respective one of said output ports of said power divider; (d) setting the respective noise meters to measure noise powers within different respective frequency ranges; and (e) measuring simultaneously said noise powers produced by said device under test within said different frequency ranges using said noise meters.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) includes connecting said input port of said power divider to said output port of said device under test via a low-noise amplifier.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (b) includes connecting said input port of said power divider to said output port of said device under test via a frequency conversion stage.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes connecting a calibrated noise source to said input port of said device under test.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1 wherein step (a) includes connecting a one-port tuner to said input port of said device under test.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for simultaneously measuring a plurality of noise powers which are contained within different frequency ranges and are present at an output port of a device under test which also has an input port, comprising: (a) a source admittance having a source port adapted to connect to said input port of said device under test; (b) a power divider having an input port and a plurality of output ports, said input port of said power divider connected to said output port of said device under test; and (c) a plurality of noise meters, each of said noise meters connected to a respective one of said output ports of said power divider, each of said noise meters capable of being set to measure noise powers within different frequency ranges.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
129 words
An apparatus for simultaneously measuring a plurality of noise powers which are contained within different frequency ranges and are present at an output port of a device under test which also has an input port, comprising: (a) a source admittance having a source port adapted to connect to said input port of said device under test; (b) a power divider having an input port and a plurality of output ports, said input port of said power divider connected to said output port of said device under test; and (c) a plurality of noise meters, each of said noise meters connected to a respective one of said output ports of said power divider, each of said noise meters capable of being set to measure noise powers within different frequency ranges.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 6 where said input port of said power divider is connected to said output port of said device under test via a low-noise amplifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said input port of said power divider is connected to said output port of said device under test via a frequency conversion stage.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said source admittance comprises a calibrated noise source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said source admittance comprises a one-port tuner.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-03-04 | 1994-09-03 | 1995-03-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-03-04 | 1998-09-03 | 1999-03-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-03-04 | 2002-09-03 | 2003-03-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |