Method and arrangement for through-line mismatch RF testing

摘要

A method and arrangement for facilitating through-line mismatch RF testing using an air-isolated coaxial line having an inner conductor surrounded by a coaxial shielding. At least one circular opening is provided through the shielding. A radially adjustable piston is provided in each opening such that it is electrically connected to the shielding and such that its protrusion from an inside of the shielding towards the inner conductor is adjustable. The position of the radially adjustable piston is calibrated with a known level of RF mismatch so that a desired level of mismatch can be created through adjustment of the piston. By adjusting the piston so that it does not protrude beyond the inside of the shielding, the arrangement is effectively set to zero and does not have to be disconnected after use.

主权项

1. A method of facilitating through-line mismatch RF testing using an air-isolated coaxial line having an inner conductor surrounded by a coaxial shielding, the method comprising the steps of:
providing at least one circular opening through said shielding; providing a corresponding radially adjustable piston in each said opening such that the piston is electrically connected to said shielding and such that a protrusion of the piston from an inside of said shielding towards said inner conductor is adjustable, wherein different amounts of protrusion of the piston towards the inner conductor create different levels of RF mismatch; pre-calibrating a known protrusion of the piston toward the inner conductor with a known amount of RF mismatch; and based on the pre-calibrating step, adjusting the piston to protrude toward the inner conductor by an amount calculated to create a desired level of RF mismatch.