Comparing different theoretical designs of six-port reflectometer junctions

A derivation of numerical procedures for comparing theoretical designs of six-port junctions for use in measuring the voltage reflection coefficient of passive loads is presented. It is shown that the maximum uncertainty in measuring any passive load can be minimized by a suitable choice of components, in each of four different designs. The relative merits of these designs in terms of selecting a best compromise for use in a dual six-port network analyzer are discussed.