S-parameters

(Syndicated content from: http://signal-integrity-tips.com/2009/s-parameters/)

Although scattering parameters (S-parameters) have been used by RF and microwave engineers for over 40 years, their adoption still isn’t universal in the signal integrity field. With this informal poll I’m hoping to understand what the barriers (if any) are.

[poll id="33"]
[poll id="34"]

In case I’ve peaked your interest, here are an application note and a seminar presentation on network analysis with S-parameters. They aren’t specific to signal integrity, but are nevertheless very useful in signal integrity engineering:

• "Network Analyzer Basics", slides and comprehensive speaker notes from our “Back to Basics” seminar series. Slides 27-29 have an good introductin to S-parameters.
• "S-Parameter Techniques for Faster, More Accurate Network Design", an update of the classic Application Note AN 95-1, Agilent Technologies, PDF slides plus interactive features. Or download a scan of Richard W. Anderson’s original AN 95-1 S-parameter application note.