Synchronization of unstable signal sources for use in a phase stable instrument

Abstract

A vector network analyzer (VNA) can include a control processor, a plurality of receivers coupled with the control processor, the plurality of receivers having a common signal generator source, and a coupler/power divider network configured to distribute each of a plurality of source reference signals to a corresponding one of the plurality of receivers.

1 . A vector network analyzer, comprising:
 a control processor;   a plurality of receivers coupled with the control processor, the plurality of receivers having a common signal generator source from the control processor; and   a coupler/power divider network configured to distribute each of a plurality of source reference signals to a corresponding one of the plurality of receivers.   
     
     
         2 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of receivers has an independent local oscillator (LO). 
     
     
         3 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 2 , wherein at least one independent LO is configured to generate multiple LO signals. 
     
     
         4 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of receivers is one of a group consisting of: a superheterodyne receiver, a homodyne receiver, and a direct conversion receiver. 
     
     
         5 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 1 , wherein the common signal generator source is a direct signal source. 
     
     
         6 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 5 , wherein the direct signal source is one of a group consisting of: a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a phase-locked loop (PLL). 
     
     
         7 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 5 , wherein the direct signal source is one of a group consisting of: a direct digital source and a direct analog source. 
     
     
         8 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 1 , wherein the common signal generator source is an indirect signal source. 
     
     
         9 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 8 , wherein the indirect signal source is one of a group consisting of: a single LO with a baseband signal and multiple LOs with a baseband signal. 
     
     
         10 . A vector network analyzer, comprising:
 a control processor;   a receiver coupled with the control processor;   switching circuitry coupled with the receiver;   a radio frequency (RF) bridge coupled with the switching circuitry;   a transmission line coupled with the RF bridge, wherein the transmission line is configured to be coupled with a load; and   a signal generator coupled with the RF bridge.   
     
     
         11 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 10 , wherein the RF bridge is configured to provide a plurality of reference signals to the switching circuitry. 
     
     
         12 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 10 , wherein the signal generator is configured to provide a source signal to the RF bridge. 
     
     
         13 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 10 , further comprising a local oscillator (LO) coupled with the receiver. 
     
     
         14 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 10 , further comprising a local oscillator (LO) coupled with the signal generator. 
     
     
         15 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 14 , further comprising a switch coupled with the signal generator and configured to switch between the RF bridge and the receiver. 
     
     
         16 . The vector network analyzer of  claim 14 , wherein the control processor is configured to phase lock the signal generator to a common reference.