Mesuro Active Load Pull Breaks Non-Linear Barriers
Mesuro recently announced frequency extensions to its MB series of active load pull solutions at the IMS 2010 International Microwave Symposium, May 23 - 28. Additionally, Mesuro shared the results of its work with industry leaders to design harmonically tuned, near theoretically-efficient power amplifiers (PAs).
Mesuro's solutions are meeting the needs of both commercial and military applications for obtaining highly efficient, high power PAs. These designs will extend battery life, lower operating temperatures, improve reliability and offer smaller overall footprints.
At IMS, Mesuro is demonstrating high power measurements on a Cree Device in the Tektronix booth No.1033.
Active Source/Load Pull from UHF to Millimetre Wave
The MB series now offers all electronic active load pull capability from 200MHZ to 67GHz. While traditional passive tuning is physically limited by long wavelengths at UHF frequencies, Mesuro's electronic solution is not affected by wavelength. Additionally, active tuning for fundamental or harmonic frequencies up to 67GHz is now available.
"Our customers require active tuning for a wide range of applications," said Dr. Richard Emsley, CEO, Mesuro. "Whether it is for designing new wireless applications in the now available analogue TV bands or measuring the harmonics of military PAs, active load pull enables engineers to optimise their design in fewer iterations."
Validating the Accuracy of Large Signal Models
The Mesuro MB150 150W solution, combined with waveform engineering techniques, enables high power PA designers to calibrate their large signal models for different classes of operation. For example, the system allows for quick evaluation of devices in Class F, inverse Class F and class J modes of operation for both ET and Doherty configurations.
"By comparing the measured impedances at the fundamental, 2nd and 3rd harmonics, as well as the voltage and current waveforms at the transistor current generator, we have been able to confirm the accuracy of our large signal models for our GaN HEMT transistor portfolio," said Ray Pengelly, Strategic Business Development Manager, Cree.
Achieving Record Efficiencies on Existing Technologies
The ability to achieve near theoretical-efficiencies requires accurate harmonic tuning. Mesuro's active tuning capability can be applied to both the source and load side of a device and allows for complete control of all in-band and out-of-band impedances. Mesuro, in association with TriQuint Semiconductor and Cardiff University, is presenting results at IMS showing a commercial GaAs pHEMT device achieving efficiencies in excess of 90% at P1dB in a class-B bias.
"By using Mesuro's waveform engineering techniques, our customers have a 100% success rate for improving their PA efficiencies and performance," added Dr Emsley.
About Mesuro Limited
Headquartered in Cardiff, UK, Mesuro focuses on commercialising RF test and measurement technologies resulting from Cardiff University's world-renowned Centre for High Frequency Engineering. Mesuro's measurement solutions overcome many of the limitations inherent in traditional design and testing processes by providing complete information and control of high frequency signals of the circuits under test. This allows for the development of an integrated development process that streamlines the development and testing cycle and reduces time to market. In addition to offering turnkey active load pull solutions, Mesuro also offers a wide range of testing services.
SOURCE: Mesuro