TEST & MEASUREMENT APPLICATION NOTES AND WHITE PAPERS

• On-Wafer Characterization At sub-THz Frequencies

  New technologies and applications extend into sub-THz frequencies in the D band and beyond. New semiconductor technologies and processes need to be commercialized to support these efforts.

• Certium VCS Test System For Aircraft Manufacturers

  New aircraft need to have their radiocommunication systems tested with compact voice communication systems like CERTIUM VCS. This is cost-effective, space-saving, and scalable thanks to its IP-based infrastructure.

• RF Amplifier Output Voltage, Current, Power, And Impedance Relationship

  How much output voltage, current, and power can you expect from your amplifier? In rare cases, this can be answered by applying Ohm’s law, assuming that the net power or power delivered to the load is the rated power output of the amplifier. In most cases, practical issues such as VSWR and forward power concerns must be considered before applying Ohm’s law. This application note addresses this issue and discusses an approach to be used that applies actual test data when calculating output parameters.

• Circuit Models For Plastic Packaged Microwave Diodes

  This paper reports on the measurement and establishment of circuit models for SOT-23 and SOD-323 packaged diodes. Results indicate that the 1.5 nH estimate for the SOT-23 is a useful result, as is 1.2 nH for SOD-323 single packaged diodes. It was also determined that the effective inductance of the SOT-23 may be reduced to approximately 0.4 nH by adding a second bond wire and modifying the microstrip line. Other lead configurations, including parallel bond wires and common cathode configurations, were also studied.

• Measurement Setup For Phase Noise Test At Frequencies Above 50 GHz

  Recent semiconductor technologies require more of the frequency range beyond 50 GHz, especially in wideband applications, such as 802.11ad, microwave links, or automotive RADAR. Low phase noise is essential for these applications to work properly, and accurate measurement of phase noise is needed to improve the performance. However, test setups at these frequencies become difficult, especially when cross correlation of two receive paths is needed to suppress additional phase noise.