On the development of a novel high VSWR programmable impedance tuner

Abstract

Impedance tuners are key instruments used for load- and source–pull measurements. They are crucial for any active microwave components, circuits, and systems characterization and optimization. This paper reports theoretical, simulated, and experimental results related to the development of a novel programmable impedance tuner offering high-voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). After presenting the proposed tuner principle, a fabricated prototype operating at microwave frequencies and based on a 3.5 mm coaxial line is introduced with experimental results. Depending on the targeted frequency band, different pairs of slugs, with optimized length and characteristic impedance, can be used to obtain an optimal VSWR. This first prototype allowed us to demonstrate the interest of the proposed impedance synthesis principle and to identify ways forward to further improve its performances and push forward this promising technology.