Basics of Power Amplifier and Front End Module Measurements

The power amplifier (PA) – as either a discrete component or part of an integrated front end module (FEM) – is one of the most integral RF integrated circuits (RFICs) in the modern radio. In this application note, you will learn the basics of testing RF PAs and FEMs through an interactive application note with multiple how-to videos.

When characterizing the performance of an RF PA, engineers can use a wide range of measurements and test techniques to understand the gain, linearity, and efficiency of the device.


  Table of Contents:

 

  • Gain and Output Power
  • Calibrating Power Measurements with a Power Meter
  • Measuring Gain with a Vector Network Analyzer
  • Return Loss and Reverse Isolation
  • Noise Figure
  • Noise Unit Conversion
  • Noise Figure Measurements
  • Y-Factor Method Using a Calibrated Noise Source Harmonics
  • Intermodulation Distortion
  • Theory of Intermodulation Distortion
  • IMD Measurement Configuration
  • Efficiency
  • Drain Efficiency
  • Power Added Efficiency

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Learn more about power amplifiers

In "Testing PAs under Digital Predistortion and Dynamic Power Supply Conditions,” learn more about linearization techniques such as digital predistortion (DPD) to improve linearity and dynamic power supply (DPS) techniques such as envelope tracking (ET) or direct polar (DP) modulation to improve efficiency.

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