Precision RF/MW Measurement Techniques and Standards at NMIJ/AIST A BROADBAND ATTENUATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM

Widarta, Anton (National Metrology Institute of Japan)

Jurnal Instrumentasi
Vol 42, No 2 (2018)

Abstract— An accurate-broadband attenuation measurement system was established at National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ/AIST) to renew the Japan national standard of attenuation. The system works on the principle of intermediate frequency (IF) substitution technique using a calibrated resistive step-attenuator assembly as an IF reference standard. The standard is traceable to the voltage ratio of the inductive voltage divider (IVD) at frequency of 1 kHz. Some unique measurement techniques for achieving highly accurate measurements are presented and discussed in detail. The measurement capability of the system is 0 to 110 dB in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 50 GHz with the expanded uncertainties are from 0.002 dB to 0.068 dB. Keywords— radio frequency; microwave; power; attenuation; impedance; noise; measurement; standard; uncertainty.