0.05–3 GHz VNA characterization of soil dielectric properties based on the multiline TRL calibration. (12th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewandowski, Arkadiusz; Szypłowska, Agnieszka; Kafarski, Marcin; Wilczek, Andrzej; Barmuta, Paweł; Skierucha, Wojciech
• Is Part Of: Measurement science & technology. Volume 28:Number 2(2017:Feb.)
• Publication Date: 2017-01-12
• Subjects: soil relative dielectric permittivity -- vector network analyzer -- multiline through-reflect-line calibration; Physical measurements -- Periodicals; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; Equipment and Supplies -- Periodicals; Science -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; Technology -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; Mesures physiques -- Périodiques; Physical measurements; Scientific apparatus and instruments; Periodicals; 502.87
• DOI: 10.1088/1361-6501/28/2/024007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0957-0233

Abstract

Abstract: We present a methodology for characterization of soil relative dielectric permittivity in the frequency range 0.05–3 GHz. Soil samples are placed in a measurement cell constructed out of a EIA 1 - 5 / 8 " coaxial transmission line, and then measured with a calibrated vector-network-analyzer. From these measurements the relative dielectric permittivity is obtained by use of a modified Boughriet algorithm. In order to calibrate the vector-network-analyzer directly at the EIA 1 - 5 / 8 " coaxial-transmission-line measurement planes, we use the multiline through-reflect-line method. This method, while providing superior vector-network-analyzer calibration accuracy, is also easy to implement since it uses only transmission lines with known lengths and a single unknown highly-reflective termination. The implemented calibration method was compared to a simplified approach that uses the standard SOLT calibration in Type-N reference planes, and then accounts for the Type-N/EIA 1 - 5 / 8 " adapters by removing their electrical delay. Experimental results for teflon and soil samples with different moisture content and salinity confirmed the validity of our approach.