Modification of transformer coupled permeameter for frequency extension.

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Materials Science
• Advanced Measurement Techniques

Background:

• Previous transformer coupled permeameter (TC-Perm) system operated from 10 MHz to 20 GHz.
• High-frequency limitations were due to unwanted mode excitation around 22 GHz.
• Low-frequency limitations were caused by high noise figures (NF) of the vector network analyzer input.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify the TC-Perm system to extend its operational frequency range.
• To improve high-frequency performance by suppressing unwanted modes.
• To enhance low-frequency sensitivity by reducing the system's noise figure.

Main Methods:

• Modified jig design with a ground plane and vias to suppress unwanted modes.
• Incorporated a low noise amplifier and analog switches to reduce system noise figure.
• Tested the modified system's transmission characteristics and noise performance.

Main Results:

• Extended the high-frequency limit to 44 GHz with clean transmission characteristics.
• Reduced the noise figure to 2.7 dB below 100 MHz.
• Achieved a broadband operation range of 1 MHz to 44 GHz.

Conclusions:

• The modified TC-Perm system offers significantly extended broadband frequency coverage.
• The enhanced system is suitable for characterizing magnetic materials for 5G mmWave noise suppression.
• The improvements enable more comprehensive material analysis for advanced wireless communication technologies.