Agilent Technologies 8719D, User Manual

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S-Parameters
The key provides access to the S-parameter menu which contains that can be
used to select the parameters or inputs that the type of measurement being performed.
Understanding S-Parameters
S-parameters (scattering parameters) are a convention used to characterize the way a device
modifies signal flow. A brief explanation of the S-parameters of a two-port device is provided
here. For additional details, refer to Hewlett-Packard Application Notes A/N and A/N 154.
S-parameters are always a ratio of two complex (magnitude and phase) quantities. S-parameter
notation identifies these quantities using the numbering convention:
s out in
where the first number (out) refers to the test-device port where the signal is emerging and
the second number (in) is the test-device port where the signal is incident. For example, the
S-parameter identifies the measurement as the complex ratio of the signal emerging at the
test device’s port 2 to the signal incident at the test device’s port 1.
Figure 6-9 is a representation of the S-parameters of a two-port device, together with an
equivalent flowgraph. In the illustration, “a” represents the signal entering the device and “b”
represents the signal emerging. Note that a and b are not related to the A and B input ports on
the analyzer.
Figure 6-9. S-Parameters of a Two-Port Device
Application and Operation