A clear-cut introduction to the de-embedding concept: less is more

The first chapter is intended primarily for those readers who are new to the de-embedding concept. To serve as a gateway into this fascinating but also challenging field of knowledge, the present chapter will show how to extract the full potential of the microwave de-embedding concept, from the theoretical background to practical applications. As a broad definition, de-embedding can be regarded as the mathematical process by which electrical reference planes can be set to desired locations. Its importance originates from the fact that electrical characteristics are not always directly measurable at the reference planes of interest. Hence, moving the electrical reference planes mathematically enables one to discover precious information. With the aim to provide an introductory and comprehensive overview of the de-embedding concept, this chapter discusses its effectiveness for different purposes: measurements, modeling, and design. Experimental results will be analyzed to act as a valuable support for gaining a clear-cut understanding.