S-parameter Data Correction Using Time Domain Gating for PCB and Cable Applications
This paper describes how to remove the measurement artifacts caused by discontinuities in high frequency S-parameter data caused by the test connectors on the Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and cables. The frequency domain S-parameters are converted to the time domain to get the impulse response. Time domain gating is then used on this impulse response to remove reflections due to end connectors and/or other discontinuities. The gated impulse response is then transformed back to the frequency domain. The final result is a much improved S-parameter data set with unwanted resonance removed, allowing the PCB trace or cable loss to be determined.