On Tue, 10 Aug 2004 01:53:44 GMT, "Joe Rocci" wrote:

Here's an idea that's just whacky enough that it might work...has anyone
tried it?

If you have a dual-trace scope with enough bandwidth, you might be able use
Lissajous patterns. The idea would be to drive the complex load through a
directional coupler with fairly good directivity. A sample of the incident
signal would go into the scope X input and a sample of the reflected signal
would go into the Y input. With a pure reactance as a calibration load,
adjust the X and Y scope gain for a perfect circle on the display. Replace
the test load with a complex load, and the magnitude and inclination of the
line/oval display can tell you amplitude and phase of the reflected signal,
from which any other metric can be calculated.

Nice idea, Joe! If it could only be made to work, you'd be a genius.
--

"What is now proved was once only imagin'd." - William Blake, 1793.