A new error reduction technique for reflection coefficient measurements for use in quick laboratory tests

Abstract

Reflection coefficient measurement is one of those fundamental methods for determining the performance of radar absorber materials, and reflections due to these measurements are originated from the discontinuities in the measurement system and they result in error. In this paper, a new technique for the calibration of the scalar reflection coefficient measurements in the frequency range of 3-18 GHz in a portable two-sectioned metallic chamber is being proposed for use in quick laboratory tests with reasonable error (redacted error). Calibration measurements are performed by two calibration standards in frequency domain and transformed to time domain for further calculation. Proposed technique exhibits a good agreement with the theoretical values for especially in compact chambers where plane-wave conditions are not fully satisfied, and it is not in need of any complex time gating process. Furthermore, it does not require considering the phase differences which occurs at the measurement plane, providing a cheap and faster solution, reducing time and complexity in characterization of radar absorber materials. This technique with the mentioned test set-up could supply scalar reflection coefficient measurements with overall 0.55 dB error level and useful for practical applications where high level of accuracy is not required.