A low-cost pulsed Fourier transform network analyzer.

Abstract

Characterizing the frequency response of a material or device over microwave frequencies is a common practice for an RF engineer. New industrial and consumer applications are being developed based on the measurement of the electrical response in the RF and microwave frequency region of various materials ranging from blood glucose to concrete mixtures. Current measurement instrumentation carries a minimum cost in the tens of thousands of dollars which reduces the economical viability of many new possible applications. This thesis documents the development a low-cost pulsed Fourier transform network analyzer which can be used to measure the electrical properties of materials. New silicon-germanium integrated circuits allow for the pulse system to be implemented for under $300.