Using An Auxiliary High-Power, Broadband Amplifier To Test High-Power Microwave Components

By CAP Wireless, Inc.

High-power amplifiers are often used to boost power out of signal generators or network analyzers to provide sufficient power to adequately test high-power semiconductor amplification devices, limiters, and other components requiring a high drive level for proper operation. Although the implementation of a high-power amplifier to augment testing would seem to be straightforward, there are several considerations to keep in mind as the test setup is configured. This article seeks to address several of those.

A typical signal source from a network analyzer or synthesized signal source has the capability to source 10 to 15 dBm, operated at its limit. While this power level may appear to be sufficient for many test applications, actual implementation of the test system often significantly reduces the level of power available to the DUT from the signal source, often by as much as 20 dB. Effective levels of useable power at the Device Under Test (DUT) may range from -10 to -5 dBm maximum. This power level will be insufficient to drive mixers, high power amplification stages, limiters, and other components requiring high drive levels.