Comparison of TRL calibration vs. 2x thru de-embedding methods

In this paper, TRL (Through-Reflect-Multiple Lines) and 2x thru de-embedding schemes of AFR (Automatic Fixture Removal) and SFD (Smart Fixture De-embedding) are compared from various perspectives: calibration fixture design, calibration / de-embedding procedure, and the measurement accuracy. Especially for the accuracy comparison, one of our test boards which support TRL calibration up to 40 GHz was used. In order to derive a valid conclusion, the calibration / de-embedding standards were thoroughly examined and calibration stability and de-embedding accuracy were tested. The comparison showed excellent correlation in IL, RL, NEXT and FEXT over the full frequency range of measurement, while the 2x thru de-embedding method significantly simplifies the de-embedding procedures.