086 RF Component and System Measurements

Day 1

The Approach to RF and Microwave Technology

This first lecture will demonstrate typical ways to approach and deal with RF and microwave techniques and problems. We introduce parameters that describe reflections and mismatch and learn how to use the Smith Chart as a powerful tool for impedance transformations.

Building blocks and components are often described by 2-port parameters. We therefore introduce measurement setups for Z-, Y- and S-parameters and learn how to use the parameters to describe the behavior of circuits.

• Basic Definitions
• Passive Components at RF
• Reflection and Matching
• The Smith Chart
• 2-Port Parameters

Day 2

The Effect of Transmission Lines

Transmission lines form the connections between RF and microwave measurement equipment and the devices under test. Therefore, we need to understand the characteristics of those transmission lines and their possible impact on the measured parameters. Practical situations in measurement setups will be demonstrated and discussed in great detail.

• Transmission Lines
• The Characteristic Impedance
• Transmission Line Input Impedance
• Transmission Line 

Nonlinear Distortions and Noise

Nonlinear distortions and noise limit the performance of any wireless system and in the same way of RF measurement equipment. We will introduce the underlying sources to nonlinear distortion and noise and identify the characteristic parameters to describe those effects.

• The Generation of Nonlinear Distortions and Noise
• Noise Figure
• Intercept Points
• Phase Noise and Its Characterization

RF Laboratory Accessories

RF laboratory accessories are different from those used at lower frequencies and can substantially affect the dependability and accuracy of measurements. We will therefore focus on the use of cables, attenuators, couplers, filters, mixers, and low noise amplifiers in a RF lab.

• RF Cables
• RF Connectors and Their Handling
• Attenuators
• Combiners and Splitters
• Directional Couplers
• Non-Reciprocal Components
• RF Filters
• Mixers
• Low Noise Amplifiers

Day 3

RF Signal Generators

Operation principles of synthesizers and modulators used in microwave signal generators will be discussed. The design of generators requires certain compromises and practical generators always have their limitations. Practical hints for the use of signal generators in a measurement system will be revealed.

• The PLL Synthesizer
• The Direct Digital Synthesizer
• Frequency Accuracy and Drift
• Analog Modulation
• Digital Modulation
• I/Q Modulation
• sr Modulation
• Correction of the Frequency Deviation Error
• The Use of Generators in Harmonics and Distortion Measurements

Swept Tuned Spectrum Analyzers

The function of a swept tuned spectrum analyzer will be studied via a practical example. From this we will understand the importance of the spectrum analyzer settings and their impact on the performance. Like any other electronic device, the spectrum analyzer introduces nonlinear distortions and noise to the signal under test. These effects are described in detail. We will learn to find optimum settings to maximize the dynamic range for a given measurement.

• Basic Function
• Spectrum Analyzer Settings and Their Impact on the Performance
• Nonlinear Distortions and Noise
• The Dynamic Range of a Spectrum Analyzer

Day 4

Vector Signal Analyzers

By use of the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), the vector signal analyzer can perform the same measurements as the swept tuned spectrum analyzer. That includes frequency and level, harmonic distortion, and intercept point measurements. However, the dynamic range is smaller.

As opposed to the swept tuned spectrum analyzer, the vector signal analyzer also provides information on the phase of the signal.

Further, due to the increased Intermediate Frequency (IF) bandwidth, it can display time-dependant signals. The decomposition into in-phase and quadrature components gives information that is necessary if Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) modulation formats are used.

• Basic Function
• Frequency Domain Measurements
• Time Domain Measurements

Network Analyzers

The function of various types of network analyzers will be studied. Systematic errors will be discussed and available methods of their correction introduced. We learn how to use vector network analyzers for reflection and transmission measurements as well as for the measurement of nonlinearity parameters.

• Network Analyzer Architectures
• Systematic Errors and Their Impact
• Calibration of Network Analyzers
• Deembedding and Port Extension
• Measurements at Differential Ports
• Common Mode, Differential Mode and Mixed-mode S Parameters

Day 5

Hands-on Exercises

Participants will apply their acquired knowledge on measurements on prepared devices.

Spectrum Analyzers

• Acquiring a Signal, Measuring Power and Frequency
• Measuring the Occupied Bandwidth of a Modulated Signal
• Intermodulation Measurements, OIP2 And OIP3
• Measuring the Signal to Noise Ratio
• Cold Source Noise Figure Measurement
• Phase Noise Measurements
• Frequency versus Time of a FSK Signal
• Lock Time Estimation on a PLL

Network Analyzers

• Calibration with the Calibration Kit
• S Parameters of a LNA
• Measurements on SMD Components
• Impedance Measurement on a PCB Antenna
• Swept Power Measurement
• Measurements on Differential Structures

Said about the course from previous participants:

"This course gives all basic knowledge on RF. Examples and simulations are very clear and interesting."

"It covers a wide range of things, of equipment that RF engineers are usually using."

"Basics on RF measurements and some details / ideas of RF design."

"Lot of practical examples, very useful. Good mix of topics covered! Experimental part good!"