1.

Assignment 4
Measurement of return loss, reflection coefficient and VSWR
Objective
Our object in this lab we to know what a return loss meant and its the relation it has with
reflection coefficient and VSWR. Moreover, we will be able to know how a return loss is
measured by utilising a directional coupler as well as know how a 50 termination can be
produced using a 50 surface mount resister and wavelength. Finally, we would, by the end of
the lab, measure the return loss for microstrip and coaxial 50 loads and investigate the
reflection produced by an LPF and attenuation bands.
Instruments
The following equipment was used for this experiment:
voltage controlled oscillator, microwave source
3-port circulator
directional coupler
crystal detector
matched load
2 50 coaxial termination
3 SubMiniature version A plug to plug connector
Coaxial short-circuit termination
Coaxial open-circuit termination
power supply
digital voltmeter
Procedure :

We set up the instruments mentioned above as to resemble Fig 5.4.5. The set up was to
measure the reflected power at five frequencies: 2.5, 2.75, 3.0, 3.25 and 3.5 GHz by the
crystal detector output. During the assignment, the circuit at point X was connected first
to a short-circuit termination. Afterwards, it was removed and instead the circuit was
connected to an open-circuit termination and the measurement was repeated. Third
measurement was done using a microstrip-matched load (ML) for five frequencies.
Afterwards, a 50 coaxial termination was connected instead at point X to measure the
reflected power at the same frequencies. Lastly, we connected an LPF and did the same steps to
measure the reflected power.

Circuits used in the experiment:

Fig 5.4.5

Conclusion: