The innovative wideband modulated load pull solution from Rohde & Schwarz is introduced. This solution provides an extension to conventional vector network analyzer (VNA)-based solutions for non-linear device characterization, and it is based on the R&S RTP oscilloscope.
In order to support the development of RF components for next-generation wireless technologies, load pull with wideband modulated signals enables accurate validation of key performance indicators across varying impedances, such as error vector magnitude (EVM) and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR).
Rohde & Schwarz’s new wideband modulated load pull solution approaches RF frontend testing in a unique way. Wideband modulation characterization of RF frontends over a range of impedances is made possible by this approach, which uses the R&S RTP oscilloscope in place of a conventional vector network analyzer (VNA).
With a test setup that includes a vector signal generator and vector signal analyzer, a conventional modulated load pull solution verifies modulation characteristics under various impedances.
Various load scenarios are simulated using a passive tuner. Despite being commonly utilized, this approach has a number of important drawbacks, including a large frequency response and measurement uncertainties due to the tuner’s group delay in amplitude and phase. For narrowband applications, these might be disregarded, but for higher signal bandwidths, they become important.
Innovative Oscilloscope-Based Approach
The Rohde & Schwarz wideband modulated load pull solution addresses these limitations with a new test setup that is ideal for verifying power amplifier performance when connected to an antenna, which typically shows a dispersive impedance.
This solution is based on the R&S RTP084 oscilloscope, equipped with the wideband modulated load-pull option R&S RTP-K98, and paired with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator.
The oscilloscope’s internal architecture guarantees absolute phase and time synchronization for forward and reverse wave measurements. The dual path vector signal generator R&S SMW200A ensures accurate timing and phase consistency between the input and tuning signal for load pull operation.
The R&S RTP-K98 software processes the data from the oscilloscope, controls the signal generator, and makes the necessary calculations to reach the desired impedance value. As a result, it is ideal for testing the functionality of RF frontends, which are frequently utilized across numerous transmission bands and broader frequency ranges, such 5G or Wi-Fi.
Fast acquisition and analysis are combined with superior signal integrity in the R&S RTP oscilloscope. 750,000 waveforms/s can be acquired and processed at a high rate thanks to dedicated acquisition and processing ASICs.
Long acquisition times are made possible by the special 3 Gpoints per channel, and the high-precision digital trigger operates at an industry-leading 16 Gbps using hardware-based clock data recovery (CDR) on embedded clock signals.
Key Comments
Markus Lörner, Market Segment Manager RF & Microwave Components at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “Our innovative approach for wideband modulated load pull utilizes standard test instruments readily available in many labs, directly addressing the growing need for verifying wideband RF frontends across varying impedances, as experienced in wideband antenna usage. The incorporation of the oscilloscope as the key instrument is a game-changer, offering rapid wideband signal capture, which is absolutely vital in this application.”
The new wideband modulated load pull solution is available now from Rohde & Schwarz.
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