Noise Modeling and Characterization of Nonlinear RF/Microwave Components

A generalized scattered noise behavioral model for time-invariant nonlinear microwave circuits is presented. The formalism uses noise waves and large-signal scattering functions known as X-parameters to extract a multi-port network's noise correlation matrix. Further processing yields figures-of-merit including effective input noise temperature and noise factor. Within the small-input signal space, it will be shown that the above expressions reduce to a familiar form describing noise wave influence governed by the network's S-parameter functions. Using the generalized form, two examples given in context to embedded nonlinear one-port and two-port configurations are offered with each presented to matched termination networking. Both cases use a passive source and load in the analysis. Numerical versus simulated experimental results will be compared. Results in the two-port case yield its noise factor. Lastly, pursuant to this study, experimental work involving software simulation and hardware measurement activities will be proposed.