Noise Figure Measurements on Amplifiers in Pulsed Mode

Power amplifiers in digital TDMA mobile phones are fed with current only during the active slot to save power. Using conventional measuring equipment, the noise figure, an important parameter in power amplifiers, can only be determined with the amplifier in continuous operation. However, continuous operation can lead to amplifier overload and produce distorted results. Now there is a convenient way of determining the noise figure of amplifiers with pulsed power supply: using a Spectrum Analyzer (FSP or FSE or FSIQ or ESI), Noise Measurement Software FS-K3 and a function or pulse generator.