Spectral noise density and random errors of pulse frequency characteristic meters

Formulas are derived for estimating the errors of automated pulse-reflectometer systems for measuring the frequency and phase characteristics of microwave components. The factors influencing errors in measuring the coefficient of transmission or reflection are analyzed. Sweep instability noise is investigated on the basis of a stroboscopic convertor consisting of a sample and store device which forms a stairstep signal from a periodic sequence of pulses under the influence of gaping pulses applied to the switch in a particular order. The energy characteristics of the process of the output of the convertor are studied. The required accuracy can be obtained in automated pulse reflectometer systems by additional digital processing of the signals from a gating oscilloscope in the time or frequency domain.