Characterization of a total power radiometer

Abstract

The performance parameters of a total power radiometer designed as a noise measurement system for the frequency range of 12-18 GHz were investigated. The total power radiometer included a low-noise radio frequency section, a narrow-band intermediate frequency section, an average power detector, and a symmetric microwave switch. The radiometer's stability versus time was 0.343 × 10 -5 mW/h and its stability against temperature fluctuation was 0.0035 mW/K. The temperature fluctuation of the radiometer was less than 4 mK. We proved that there was no need for active temperature control to obtain stable radiometer gain. © TÜBITAK.