Monolithic network analyzer

A novel type of network analyzer has been designed which is capable of being implemented entirely in monolithic integrated circuit form. The new analyzer is capable of measuring all four scattering parameters of a two-port device without the necessity to remake connections which could cause errors, uses coherent signal processing to maintain a high signal-to-noise ratio and allow external modulation, and uses lumped (passive and active) circuit elements rather than distributed elements to reduce size. Viewed externally, the analyzer is an active element which only needs a bipolar power supply and the two-port under test to be attached, in order to determine the four scattering parameters from the voltages appearing at the indicator ports. Analyzer circuits designed for CMOS have been included to demonstrate that truly monolithic, self-contained construction is possible and facile. Different implementations are possible depending on how much signal processing is desired within the chip, as opposed to processing provided by an external computer.