You can specify nonlinearity in parts per million or, especially for RF components, in terms of the 1-dB compression point or third-order intercept point.
Test and Measurement Tips
How can I quantify a device’s nonlinearity? part 3
A higher third-order intercept point results in lower intermodulation products at any given input power level below compression. In part 1 of this series, we discussed the 1-dB compression point as a figure of merit for device linearity. In part 2, we examined a circuit that adds two fundamental input signals of frequencies f1 = […]
Should I use a spectrum, signal, or vector network analyzer? part 1
Signal analysis is invaluable for applications ranging from amplifier characterization to signal intelligence. In a recent series, we discussed specs such as 1-dB compression and third-order intercept points. At the end, I pointed to some application notes that explain how to use specific spectrum, signal, and vector network analyzers to make these measurements. These instruments’ […]
4U high power supply delivers 45 kW for EV testing
Chroma announces the release of its next-generation bidirectional DC power supply, model 62450D-2000HL, delivering a game-changing single-unit power density of 45kW in a 4U high form factor. In an industry-first, the 62450D-2000HL enables one-key switching between two output ranges within a single unit, effectively providing the output range of two units in one. Users can […]
Solar-array simulator gets boost to 8.4 kW
Keysight Technologies, Inc. expands the MP4300A Series Modular Solar Array Simulator (SAS) with two new mainframe and module models, delivering total power up to 8.4-kW in a 2U footprint. The SAS solution is a six-channel modular platform that emulates the behavior of photovoltaic (PV) segments and simulates all conditions a craft or satellite will encounter in space with high fidelity. […]
IMS 2024 roundup: test equipment
Washington, DC — The 2024 International Microwave Symposium took place here in June at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. As always, RF/microwave/mmWave test equipment was all over the exhibit hall. Frequency-domain test equipment — spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, power meters, and signal generators — were, of course, dominant. Other equipment, such as oscilloscopes […]
New products at the EMC & Compliance International Conference
At the annual UK event, Tekbox, Y.I.C. Technologies, and Harogic Technologies were among the companies exhibiting new EMC measurement equipment. The EMC & Compliance International conference and training was held again in Newbury, UK, from May 22 to 23 this year (Reference 1). This was my first opportunity to attend this annual conference hosted by […]
How to measure PCB trace or power/return plane impedance
PCB impedances can adversely affect signal quality and EMI. Make sure those impedance values are what you expect. Uncontrolled or unexpected impedances on printed circuit board (PCB) traces and power/return planes can negatively impact the performance of electronic devices. Those impedances result from unavoidable but controllable parasitic capacitances and inductances that result from PCB structures […]
USB oscilloscopes add automotive 10Base-T1S protocol analysis
Pico Technology, a manufacturer of USB oscilloscopes, has added 10Base-T1S protocol analysis to software that operates the company’s line of USB oscilloscopes. That brings to 40 the number of serial protocols that the company supports. PicoScope 7 software is a free download. 10Base-T1S is a two-wire Ethernet standard that specifies a physical layer for automotive […]
How can I quantify a device’s nonlinearity? part 2
A figure of merit called the third-order intercept point indicates how well an RF device minimizes third-order intermodulation products. In part 1, we looked at the 1-dB compression point, which serves as a figure of merit for devices such as RF power amplifiers. An additional specification, the third-order intercept point, abbreviated IP3 or TOI, is […]
