RF power-amplifier test reference setup
Reference Solutions also include utilities such as example program source code—highly optimised for specific applications—which show users how to get the most out of their test system. Agilent has shown that Reference Solutions not only enable quick evaluation of a test solution for specific applications but also dramatically reduce the time it takes to integrate a new test system into a test environment.
The first Reference Solution is an RF power amplifier (PA) manufacturing test solution with envelope tracking capability. It includes a graphical user interface program for easy solution evaluation, example source code optimised for speed, extremely fast modulation analysis, and excellent accuracy and measurement repeatability.
“Power amplifier manufacturers seldom have exactly the same test requirements, but they all want to quickly and easily bring their devices to production when developing a new test system,” notes Mario Narduzzi, marketing manager, Modular Solutions Division, Agilent. “This Reference Solution for RF PA manufacturing test meets these needs by providing the essential components of a power amplifier test system.”
The RF PA Reference Solution is built around the Agilent M9391A PXIe VSA and the M9381A PXIe VSG. It uses Agilent measurement software that provides consistency with Agilent benchtop signal generation and analysis instruments. The solution delivers high test throughput, reduces cost, and allows for rapid integration into a PA test environment. It supports the testing of devices that use envelope tracking for improved power efficiency by including the Agilent E33522B waveform generator, which is synchronised to the M9381A VSG.
The M9391A VSA and the M9381A VSG use hardware-accelerated measurements, combined with Agilent’s fast baseband tuning technology, to provide unprecedented servo-loop test times through rapid frequency and amplitude adjustments, enabling test times of less than 300 msec for complete test programs. Exploiting the same user interface and measurement IP of the X-Series measurement applications ensures high confidence in measurement results through the entire design and production life cycle. It also allows reuse of existing test code and reduces test development time, facilitating migration between test hardware. The Reference Solution includes control of the Agilent N6700B low-profile modular power system mainframe and the Agilent U2004A power sensor, used for loss calibration.
The M9391A VSA and the M9381A VSG have up to 6 GHz frequency coverage and 160 MHz bandwidth, and are license-key-upgradeable to adapt to new and changing requirements.
Agilent; www.agilent.com/find/pxi-poweramplifiertest
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