Application Note: An Introduction To Active Load Pull

Active injection load pull, more commonly referred to as active load pull, relies on external sources to inject a signal into the output of the DUT. The goal of load pull is to measure the response of a device as a function of load impedance. To clarify, our load pull system must present a set of controlled impedances to the DUT while measuring a list of parameters at each point. Active load pull has historically been a product offered in limited release and requiring heavy support. It has been of interest to educational institutions with limited appeal in industry. After decades of minimal activity, active load pull is being revitalized and commercialized by the teams at Maury Microwave and Agilent Technologies.