Controllable Multiplexer for High Frequency Signals

Abstract

Calibration of a multichannel oscilloscope using a single channel source requires a significant amount of manual labour or an automated system. Adding automation will relieve the human resource for other tasks, thus dramatically improving efficiency. Additionally, it reduces the factor of human error which in the end improves reliability and reproducibility of the whole process. Purpose of this project was the design and realization of an external automation system for the calibration of multichannel oscilloscopes for SGS Fimko Ltd’s calibration laboratory. The objective of the thesis work was to implement and test an embedded system which acts as a controllable multiplexer/demultiplexer for high frequency signals, from DC up to at least 2.5 GHz. The characterizing of the boards was carried out using a vector network analyser and the testing of the communication and logic were tested with an oscilloscope. The final product was found to be usable for calibration procedures on the previously mentioned range when applying the correction factors to the measurement results. For further studies it is recommended to use more measuring equipment as well as designing a custom RF board.