RF power amplifier characterization

RF power amplifier characterization

Ensuring the high performance of RF power amplifiers

Before your new design hits the market, you need to ensure it performs in line with the target specifications. Verifying the physical performance of active components such as RF power amplifiers and RF frontends is a challenging and extensive task. Continuous wave tests are typically performed using a vector network analyzer acting as a one-box RF frontend (RFFE) tester for intermodulation or port impedance. On the other hand, wideband testing for modulation performance and effects typically requires a vector signal generator and a signal analyzer. Rohde & Schwarz offers leading-edge instruments to help you with these challenges.

Webinar: Analog RF & Microwave signal generation - output power considerations - Teaser
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Webinar

Analog RF & Microwave signal generation - output power considerations

This webinar is intended for engineers working on the design and testing of RF and microwave devices and applications.

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Webinar: Linearization of RF amplifiers
Webinar: Linearization of RF amplifiers
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Webinar

Linearization of RF Power Amplifiers - connecting simulation and measurements on physical devices

This webinar is intended for engineers who design and test RF power amplifiers, concentrating of possible amplifier efficiency improvements by adopting dedicated topologies and linearization.

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Webinar: mmWave and sub-THz active load-pull, gain compression and S parameter measurement
Webinar: mmWave and sub-THz active load-pull, gain compression and S parameter measurement
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Webinar

mmWave and sub-THz active load-pull, gain compression and S parameter measurement

We will examine techniques that measure S-parameters at user-specified power levels, discuss making accurate and repeatable gain compression measurments, as well as non-50 ohm active load-pull measurements on DUTs under large signal conditions which make validating non-linear device models possible, and how to create ideal matching networks to maximize DUT performance.

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Highlighted applications

Examining receiver noise figure

Examining receiver noise figure

RF system noise contributions define receiver capabilities and sensitivity. The noise figure measures how the critical components affect the signal.

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R&S®SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator

Choosing the right signal source for reliable measurements

The primary goal when measuring a DUT is that the parameters to be measured are ideally unaffected by ambient conditions and unwanted influences from the test setup. While environmental influences are easier to compensate, more effort may be required on the test setup side. This article, originally printed in Microwave Journal, examines on three typical measurements how the signal source can degrade measurement accuracy, often without the user realizing the unwanted effects.

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Characterization of an amplifier with the combination of network and spectrum analysis

The general characterization of complex DUTs such as amplifiers requires the measurement of several parameters. Some may require more than one test device or expensive equipment. Thanks to its versatility, the R&S®ZNL is an economic solution that can characterize a variety of DUTs both via network analysis and spectrum analysis.

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RF port impedance verification

RF port impedance verification

Well-matched RF ports are a crucial part of any RF system; they protect the amplifier and maximize power transmission.

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Verifiy beamformer ICs for phased array antennas

Verifiy beamformer ICs for phased array antennas

Highly integrated beamformer ICs reduce the size of antenna feed electronics. To quickly and comprehensive evaluate the device with up to 18 ports, you want to look at all ports at the same time.

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Intermodulation measurements on RF amplifiers

Intermodulation measurements on RF amplifiers

For a typical RF or microwave amplifier that handles multiple carriers simultaneously, you need to ensure optimal system performance.

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Dynamic noise figure measurements

Dynamic noise figure measurements

The noise figure is a measurement used to characterize the amplifiers, frequency converters and other devices.

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Wideband amplifier characterization

Wideband amplifier characterization

The required bandwidth span for power amplifiers is growing, driven by the latest 5G and satellite enhancements. This makes wideband testing crucial.

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Amplifier characterization using full load pull

Amplifier characterization using load pull

Load pull enables model extraction and validation as well as performance, ruggedness and efficiency testing.

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Related videos

High dynamic uninterrupted level sweep

R&S®SMA100B – High dynamic uninterrupted level sweep

This video shows how to profit from the high dynamic uninterrupted level sweep feature of the Rohde & Schwarz ® SMA100B for measuring gain transfer curves of amplifiers.

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Measuring harmonic distortion of high power amplifiers

R&S®SMA100B – Measuring harmonic distortion of high power amplifiers

This video shows how the R&S®SMA100B can provide ultra high output power signals with lowest harmonics at the same time.

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Intermodulation Measurements on an Amplifier

Intermodulation measurements on an amplifier

This video shows how to perform intermodulation measurements on devices under test, in this case an amplifier, on the R&S®ZNA.

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FSW-K18 supports amplifier characterization with CW and modulated stimulus

R&S®FSW-K18 supports amplifier characterization with CW and modulated stimulus

The R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer with the R&S®FSW-K18 amplifier measurement option and in combination with the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator characterizes amplifiers and other two-port devices with any given stimulus.

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Noise Power Ratio measurements

Noise Power Ratio measurements

A combination of the R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer equipped with the R&S®FSW-K19 option can be used to characterize two-port devices such as satellite transponders, power amplifiers and converters.

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NPR Measurements

NPR Measurements

NPR is core measurement within the satellite industry used to measure the linearity of an active component or full transmission path or channel within a satellite communication link.

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Spurious measurements

Spurious measurements

In order to measure the low levels of spurious emissions, it is often necessary to reduce the resolution bandwidth, which increases the measurement time. The R&S®FSW-K50 spurious measurement option automates spurious searches, which are performed faster than the standard spurious search measurements available in spectrum analyzers.

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Related products

R&S®ZNA Vector Network Analyzers, Front view

R&S®ZNA
R&S®ZNB vector network analyzer, front low

R&S®ZNB
R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator, front view

R&S®SMW200A
R&S®FSW Signal and spectrum analyzer, Front view

R&S®FSW

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