S-parameter calibration procedure for multiport microwave imaging systems

TL;DR

This paper presents a straightforward, automated S-parameter calibration method for multiport microwave imaging systems using a single calibration module, simplifying the calibration process and ensuring consistent antenna calibration.

Contribution

The proposed calibration procedure uniquely uses only one additional component and automates the process, improving efficiency and accuracy in multiport microwave imaging systems.

Findings

Calibration is achieved with a single ECal component.

The method allows transfer of one-port calibration to all antennas.

The procedure is simple, automated, and non-perturbative.

Abstract

Multitude of antennas are typically used in microwave imaging systems. Here we outline a simple and effective calibration method for multiport imaging systems. By using only one additional component, an electronic calibration module (ECal), one port is calibrated and the calibration plane is thereby moved to the antenna connector. Assuming all antennas interact with the test phantom in the same way, the one-port calibration is transferred to all other antennas. For full calibration including the transmission path between antennas, the unknown thru technique is used. This calibration procedure is simple and it can be fully automated, and no RF components are perturbed.