New noise measurement method of noise parameters at microwave frequencies

This paper proposes a new method for noise parameter measurement of microwave devices. Instead of measuring the noise figure, the optimum source impedance Γopt is determined by measuring the noise powers corresponding to cold impedances, then, the minimum noise figure Fmin (or minimum effective noise temperature Tmin) and noise conductance Gn are determined by connecting a calibrated hot noise source. Measurements with highly mismatched impedances (magnitude of the reflection coefficient close to one |Γ|1) are possible, which is not the case with the classical method. Automatic tuner and isolators used in the classical method are no longer necessary. Using our method, noise measurement system cost will be reduced and measurement time will also be minimized.