TEST & MEASUREMENT APPLICATION NOTES AND WHITE PAPERS

  • Characterization Of An Amplifier With The Combination Of Network And Spectrum Analysis

    The general characterization of complex DUTs such as amplifiers requires the measurement of several parameters. Thanks to its versatility, the R&S® ZNL is an economic solution that can characterize a variety of DUTs both via network analysis and spectrum analysis.

  • Directivity And VSWR Measurements: Understanding Return Loss Measurements

    The characterization of microwave networks requires discriminating between forward and backward traveling waves. Unfortunately no directional device is perfect, leading to potentially dramatic measurement errors. In this note we show that return loss and VSWR measurements are greatly complicated by the finite performance of the directional device used to measure the reflected power.

  • DPX® Acquisition Technology For Spectrum Analyzers Fundamentals

    Signal detection is the first step in characterizing, diagnosing, understanding, and resolving any problem that relates to time-variant signals. Engineers are requiring better tools to help find and interpret complex signal behaviors and interactions. The Tektronix Digital Phosphor technology, or DPX®, can be used in Real-Time Spectrum Analyzers (RSAs) to reveal signal details that are completely missed by conventional spectrum analyzers and vector signal analyzers. This white paper describes the methods behind the DPX Live RF spectrum display, swept DPX, Time-Domain DPX Displays, DPX Density™ measurements, DPX Density™ and Frequency Edge triggers.

  • 5G New Radio Over-The-Air Base Station Receiver Tests

    This application note describes all mandatory RF receiver tests, according to the Release 16 (V16.3.0). It also offers a brief introduction about the different R&S OA antenna test solutions and how they are applicable for base station conformance testing.

  • Reduce Risk With A Better Measurement Process

    Measurement risk is the probability of making an incorrect decision. Many quality standards require calibration to reduce measurement risk. This white paper explores calibration, how it mitigates risk, as well as different calibration deliverables that can reduce testing costs.

TEST & MEASUREMENT SOLUTIONS

The SMS7630 Series comprises low-cost, surface mountable, plastic packaged silicon mixer Schottky diodes designed for RF and microwave mixers and detectors. They include low barrier diodes and zero-bias detectors that combine Skyworks advanced semiconductor technology with low-cost packaging techniques. All diodes are 100 percent DC tested and deliver tight parameter distribution, which minimizes performance variability.

The dB-3907 TWT Amplifier (TWTA) is designed to use two wideband, periodic permanent magnet (PPM)-focused TWTs to amplify CW, AM, FM or pulse-modulated signals. The dB-3907 offers higher saturated output power and improved harmonic performance when compared to a single TWT approach.

The Si4133G Dual-Band RF synthesizer is a fast settling integer-N synthesizer

The EVO-RSA-6070A is part of the EVO Series of extended frequency spectrum analyzers from Avcom designed for higher performance and agility in applications with continuously changing requirements. The included SDR-style technology analyzer includes a wide bandwidth receiver and employs FPGA, DSP, and high-performance processors.

Electrostatic discharge testing is utilized worldwide by electronics manufacturers to determine the ESD susceptibility of their devices. It is extremely difficult to estimate the exact cost of ESD loss annually, but it can safely be stated that ESD requires the development and testing of many hardware prototypes and contributes to a high number of warranty claims and loss of consumer confidence if failure occurs in the hands of the customer. Given the high cost in time and materials associated with ESD hardware testing, the ability to simulate the ESD testing process in XFdtd is extremely valuable, allowing engineers to pinpoint locations susceptible to ESD damage and optimize ESD mitigation during the concept and design stage of product development.

Holzworth Instrumentation was founded as a phase noise measurement company. Along the path to phase noise analysis solutions, our high performance building blocks were developed and sold in the form of RF Synthesizers, Phase Detectors, etc. The HA7401A is a Fixed Frequency Phase Noise Analyzer, and the HA7402A is a Phase Noise Measurement Engine.

The Si894x is a galvanically isolated delta-sigma modulator which outputs a digital signal proportional to the voltage level at the input. 

The dB-9002 from dB Control is a custom-mounted Dual Instantaneous Frequency Measurement (DIFM) unit designed to operate in the C, X, and Ku-band frequency range and provide highly accurate measurements at 100 ns to CW pulse width measurements.