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Re: [TowerTalk] Test Fixture for Common Mode Chokes

To: "towertalk@contesting.com" <towertalk@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Test Fixture for Common Mode Chokes
From: Brian Beezley <k6sti@att.net>
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2026 09:19:03 -0800
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
This plot shows how the conventional S21 method can overestimate the resistive part of common-mode choke impedance:

https://i.postimg.cc/fy30Qk3f/R.png

The Y21 method can plot the shunt capacitance at each VNA port. This stray capacitance reduces accuracy when using the S21 method. This plot compares port 1 shunt capacitance for similar chokes made and measured by different hams:

https://i.postimg.cc/pdtQQQms/C1.png

Using a Y21 capacitance plot, you can adjust your fixture for minimum stray capacitance without using an external instrument to measure it. I think this is a nifty trick! It will improve accuracy for S21 measurements you make with no external software to implement the Y21 method.

Brian

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