Nonlinear Vector Network Analysis Solutions

Technical OverviewNonlinear Vector Network Analysis SolutionsMS4640A SeriesVector Network Analyzers, MicrowaveIntroductionThe Anritsu-HFE Nonlinear Load Pull System provides maximum performance and flexibility for load pull analysisof nonlinear active devices. The combination of Vector Star’s fast measurement processing and optimum dynamic range together with the MMSNT_LP software and associated system components provides for the first time the opportunity of real time load pull tuning. Real time tuning means analysis of DUT performance and operating conditions can be monitored simultaneously thereby providing immediate feedback to the designer. Optimum PAE, maximum power out, maximum gain, and other parameters are achieved in a minimum amount of time with the highest degree of accuracy. The software can calibrate and measure single-ended or differential devices, depending on the configuration of the test sets used.The basic configuration SM6430 Vector Star Nonlinear System includes:• V ectorStar MS4642A Vector Network AnalyzerMS4642A 10 MHz to 20 GHz VNAOption 51 – external loop accessOption 007 – Receiver offset• SM6435 Nonlinear Accessories• MMSNT_LP SoftwareThe MMSNT_LP software provides measurement integration and controls the Vector Star VNA,load pull tuner, DC bias, etc. to perform fully automated harmonic load pull analysis.R TTSWB Test Set•The test set connects and routes the signals of the nonlinear system and is controlled by the MMSNT_LP software. The RTTSWB electronics controls the DUT input power, switches the measurement signalsfrom the ultra-low-loss couplers and configures the test-set for S-parameters or load pull / source pullmeasurements.• RTT0812 Ultra Low Loss CouplerA critical element of the system are the directional couplers, with less than 0.05 dB insertion loss at2GHz. This ensures maximum available reflection gammas for optimal load pull measurements. Twocouplers are inserted on either side of the DUT; in the case of on-wafer measurements, two low-losscables and probes are needed. The couplers are small enough to easily fit into any typical on-waferdevice characterization measurement system. They allow easy access to the DUT via the probes andare available in 7mm or Type-N connectors.RTTLUS Active Loop TunerIn addition to the basic load pull system, the RTTLUS Active Loop Tuner is available for ultimate load pull tuning capabilities. The unit contains the microwave electronics and controlling system for building a single active loop and is controlled by the MMSNT_LP software. The RTTLUS Active Loop Tuner can be used in conjunction with existing manual or automatic passive tuners or the load pull system can be configured using only active loop tuners. When used in conjunction with an existing passive tuner, the passive tuner is tuned to the fundamental frequency of the DUT and the active tuners are tuned to the harmonics. Thus, the user can make use of any previously owned passive tuners in the Anritsu nonlinear system and add active tuners at any time to improve device characterization in the future.Software DescriptionThe MMSNT_LP is the comprehensive software providing advanced microwave measurements for nonlinear measurements.It can perform:- One-port, two-port and multiport scattering parameters measurements- Two-port or multiport active/passive load-pull measurements- Two-port or multiport large-signal time-domain waveform measurementsMoreover, the software has an internal scripting capability based on the Visual Basic for Application (VBA) language. By running custom-defined scripts (called “Macro Documents”) the user can perform advanced measurements and control external non-standard instrumentation.MMSNT_LP General features• Multi-threaded environment provides data processing while the measurement is running.• M ultiple document interface: multi-document and multi-view application ease multiple tasks for extreme productivity.• E xtensive graphic capabilities for customizing grids, masks, titles, comments, markers and many more on the log-magnitude, phase, real/imaginary, polar and Smith Chart plots.• S tandard data trace memory and math functions available: 6 memories with data*mem, data/mem, data+mem and data-mem operations.• U ser Profiles and Set-ups provide measurement and calibration templates for easy configuration of frequently used measurements.• G eneric template file allows to save the window appearance, settings and organization in user-defined templates.• Arbitrary Port Numbering: the user can rename the VNA physical ports.• N ative mode conversion enables the visualization of differential/common-mode parameters as well as single-ended ones.• Customizable reference impedance for single-ended and differential/common-mode parameters.• T ime Domain Reflectometry (TDR) with time-domain gating is native, and enables the visualization of the step or impulse responses of the circuit under test. Multi-port time-domain gating allows elimination ofunwanted responses in the frequency domain.• Eye Diagram provides convenient analysis of circuit signal integrity.• M ultiport Fixture de-embedding removes the effects of fixtures or adapters, even in multiport environments with signal crosstalk.• Data export to most common files (Touchstone, ASCII text, etc.)• C ut-and-paste plot and data capture for seamlessly including figures and data to a word processor, spreadsheet or other similar programs.• Excel Link allows seamless integration with spreadsheets for fast data export and report generation.• P owerful Macro Language allows automating the measurements and controlling external custom instrumentation.• E xtensive Dynamic Calibration reduces calibration time and minimizes complexity by solving even the most challenging calibration setups.• E rror Reporting produces an ASCII log file to facilitate debugging and error reporting. This file contains valuable information for identifying possible instrument communication failures.• C onfiguration file: a .INI configuration file stores all the test-set information and allows easy upgrade and hardware substitution.2Calibration FeaturesThe software provides a two-port or multiport scattering parameter calibration. The multiport calibration is required, for example, in the Vector Star nonlinear system with differential load-pull option, since the test-set is configured with four ports. Additionally, a power calibration is required. With the time-domain waveform capability, an additional phase calibration is performed. The software handles the hardware calibration with an advanced multiport error model. The unique features include:• Flexible calibration standard configuration.• A utomatically optimizes the number of standard connections and guides the user to accomplish the entire multiport calibration in few steps.• S upport for partial re-calibration, i.e. the possibility of resuming an existing calibration and re-performing the measurements of selected standards without having to perform a complete calibration.• I ncludes a setup guide “wizard” that steps the user through the procedure of setting up a calibration routine and parameters, performing a calibration, making the measurements, and exporting the data.• Calibration standard measurement monitor for easy connection verification.• The ability to generate system error coefficient files.The software unrivaled calibration “mix-and-match” capability allows the user to combine different sets of two-port calibrations to fulfill the multiport calibration, and the software automatically computes the optimal calibration standard sequence depending on the hardware connectivity properties.Built-in Calibration AlgorithmsThe calibration is accomplished in two steps: the scattering parameters calibration and the power calibration. Supported two-port scattering parameters calibration algorithms:- ESOLT, Enhanced Short-Open-Load-Thru calibration- SOLT, QSOLT (Quick SOLT)- LRM, Line-Reflect-Match- LSM, Line-Short-Match- TRL, Thru-Line-Reflect (single line and multi-line)- TSD, Thru-Short-Delay- SOLR, Reciprocal line calibration (“unknown thru”)Calibration StandardsThe calibration set-up imports calibration kits and is guided by a user-friendly graphical interface. The user has the ability to define the calibration elements using advanced standard models. The software also supports user-defined calibration kits that specify the characteristics of the available calibration standards.Measurement FeaturesThe software measures all the relevant large-signal parameters and source/load termination impedances in real-time by measuring the incident and reflected power waves at the DUT ports and computing the parameters of interest. The measurements do not rely on any tuner pre-characterizations or on any on-line measurements; therefore the measurement accuracy is improved by eliminating any uncertainty associated with electrical or mechanical repeatability.Depending on the test-set hardware, typical measurements may include- Power sweeps- Bias sweeps- Load impedance tuning, at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies- Source impedance tuning, at the fundamental and harmonic frequenciesIf an external spectrum analyzer is used then:- Inter-modulation Distortion- ACPRTime-domain voltage/current waveforms are available. With a multiport test-set, the above features can be accomplished for both the common-mode and the differential-mode signals.3Measurable PerformancesThe software can perform both scattering parameter measurements and load-pull/source-pull measurements. Each measurement acquires all the incident and reflected power waves at the DUT ports, at the fundamental and specified harmonics. A specific output data window can be fully customized depending on the user’s needs.Common parameters of interest are readily available as buttons in the toolbar or menu items. Among the parameters available include:- Load and Source Reflection Coefficients (at all harmonics)- DUT Input Reflection Coefficient (at all harmonics)- Power level delivered to the loads (at all harmonics)- Available Input Power Level (at all harmonics)- Net-input Power Level (at all harmonics)- Transistor bias point (input and output voltages and currents)- Device Efficiency (i.e. power added efficiency)- AM/AM and AM/PM conversionData visualization and plottingData plotting is handled by specialized views, which can be easily customized. More than one window can be opened for each view type. There is no software limit on the number of windows provided that the computer has enough memory and processing power.- R unView Window provides a user-defined text list of parameters of interest, which is updated at each measurement.- L oad control Window monitor the source/load impedances values on a Smith Chart plot, at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies.- Sweep Window User-selectable Cartesian plot, display Pin /Poutcurves, Pin/efficiency curves, etc.- Time-Domain Window displays the voltage/current waveforms or dynamic load lines.Contours and Stability CirclesThe software can plot stability circles on the source/load Smith Charts, and also display contours (constant-value loci) of the desired performance.Input/Output Data- Import/export of multiport S-parameter data in Touchstone format or text _le.- Ability to do N-port de-embedding.- Mixed-mode (diffierential/common mode) S-parameters available for display or export.- Cut-and-paste plot and data capture for seamlessly including figures and data to a word processor,spreadsheet or other similar programs.- Standard S-parameter plot formats available: Log Magnitude, Linear Magnitude, Linear Phase, Polar, Smith Chart, Real/Imaginary.- Standard plot scaling, labeling, titles, etc.- Standard data trace memory and math functions available.- Generic template file for viewing multiport datasets in single-ended and differential format. The ability to save user defined templates.- Excel link allows one-click data export to Excel spreadsheets.4Time Domain WaveformThe time-domain waveform measurement capability allows the measurements of the DUT large-signal voltages/ currents while tuning the source/load impedances, at the fundamental and harmonic. It is therefore a valuable tool for determining and setting the working class of on-wafer devices, and for enhancing the amplifier efficiency by waveform engineering techniques.Time Domain Transform- Native time domain transform capability for scattering parameters.- Impulse and Step transforms.- Time domain gating.- M easure the time-domain voltage/current waveforms at the reference planes by measuring the voltage/current harmonic phasors and computing the time-domain signal as a Fourier series.- User-selectable number of harmonics.- Export data as a text file or to Excel. Cut-and-paste graphic plots to any program- Dynamic load-line plotting- R eal time measurements: get the actual values of the source/load impedances associated with the measured waveform. See the waveform distortion change while sweeping the source/load impedances. Measure the effects on the efficiency and output power.Multiport Mixed-Mode Load-PullA unique feature of the MMSNT LP software is the support of four-port test-sets devised for the large-signal characterization of balanced devices (i.e. devices with two inputs and two outputs). Examples of such devices are: - balanced amplifiers, two inputs and two outputs- differential amplifiers, two inputs and a single-ended output- differential amplifiers, a single-ended input and two outputs- balanced oscillators or transmitters, two outputsThe software has a native support for multiport scattering calibration, power calibration and time-domain phase calibration. The measurable parameters depend on the test-set hardware, and a short list is shown below.- Differential and common mode input/output powers, fundamental and harmonic frequencies- Source/load differential and common mode impedances- Differential and common mode time-domain voltage/current waveforms- Differential and common mode DUT input reflection coefficientAdditional Features- Macro Language for automated repetitive processes.- A utomation interface: control the MMSNT LP from to any ActiveX-compliant client or programming language like C/C++, HP VEE®, MATLAB®, LabVIEW® and many others.- Bias Console to perform S-parameter under different bias condition5Software Specification SummaryComputer Platform x86-compatible systemOperating System Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000Hardware Requirements 1 GHz processor or higher(minimum) 256 MB RAM100 MB Hard Disk free space1 GPIB interface board*1 or more RS232 ports*(USB-RS232 converters may be used)(*) External interfaces (GPIB, RS232) are not required if the software is run in “demo mode”Hardware SupportThe MMSNT LP software has an extensive instrumentation support, as shown below.Additional non supported items can easily be implemented.Network Analyzers- Anritsu: MS4640A Vector Star family (two-port and multiport), 37000X Lighting family (two-port and multiport) Spectrum Analyzers- Anritsu: MS266X, MS271X- HP/Agilent: PSA family, 856x family- Rohde & Schwarz: FSPOscilloscopes- HP/Agilent: 71500 microwave transition analyzers family, Infinium family- Tektronix: DPO family, DSA familyRF generatorsAny SCPI-compliant generator is supported, plus:- Anritsu MG3690 or MG37020 Series Sources- HP/Agilent: 834x family and 834x-compliant instruments, ESG family- Rohde & Schwarz: SMHU- Marconi: 2040RF power meters- Anritsu: ML243X, ML248X, ML249X- HP/Agilent: 436, 437, 438, E4418- Rohde & Schwarz: NRVSDC power supply- HP/Agilent: 6032, 66xx family, E3632, 4142- Tektronix: PS2521GDC multi-meterAny SCPI-compliant multi-meter, voltmeter, ammeter is supported, plus:- HP/Agilent: 3078, 34970- Keithley: 196, 2376RTTSWB Test SetUnit DescriptionThe RTTSWB Test Set, shown in Fig. 1 is the core of the HFE Real Time Tuning System (RTT),a comprehensive solution for linear and nonlinear device characterization.The unit contains proper microwave electronics and controlling system for the measured RF signals routing. The unit is hosted inside a 3U case with EMI front and rear panels.Figure 1, The RTSTSWB Test Set front panelFigure 2. RTTSWB Test Set real panel7RTTSWB Test Set Technical SpecificationsEach unit is controlled by the PC through the RS485 connector and has the schematic shown in Fig. 3InputPowerFigure 3. The RTTSWB Test Set Block DiagramThe unit is connected to the Vector Star and to the test-set directional couplers, and provides the routing matrix for the stimulus and test signals. The unit includes:- M SW1 Microwave Switch. This SP4T switch routes the stimulus signal to properly drive the DUT. Please refer to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 for further information.- P IN-diode variable attenuator. The variable attenuator is used to vary the DUT stimulus signal power. It has more than 60 dB of dynamic range and ultra-fine amplitude control with the PC through RS485 or by the manual knob on the front panel.- M SW2 Microwave Switch. This SP4T switch routes the test signals from the test-set directional couplers to the VNA. Please refer to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 for further information.A TTL input on the rear panel provides the trigger signal for pulsed-RF measurements. In this way the unit can be used to make pulsed S-parameter or pulsed load-pull measurements.The connection to the input power amplifier is used during the load-pull measurement as shown in Fig. 5, while during the system calibration or the S-parameter measurement the couplers must be connected to SP1 and SP2 output as shown in Fig. 4.The GS output is available for measuring the source reflection coefficients. This measurement is obtained by reverse feeding the source tuner as shown in Fig. 6.8Figure 4. Typical Configuration for Test-Set CalibrationFigure 5. Typical Configuration for Load-Pull Measurements(sourcemeasurement)Figure 6. Typical Configuration for Load-Pull Measurements and Reverse Source Measurement (Γ’s)9RTTSWB Test Set Technical SpecificationsPower Supply From 100 VAC to 230 VACUse a fuse of 1 AT40 W power consumptionFrequency Range0.5-18 GHzMaximum Input Power Level Option High Power(OPT. HP)+10 dBm (at all connectors)+40 dBm at SP2 and PS2 AUX+10 dBm at the remaining connectorsInput Power Control Range60 dB minimumDimensions250 x 140 x 300 mm (W x H x D)This product is designed to comply with the requirements of EN61010-1/IEC61010-1 “Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use”RTT0812 Ultra Low Loss CouplerUnit DescriptionThe RTT0812H Ultra-Low-Loss Directional Coupler is one of the key components of the HFE Real Time Tuning System (RTT), a comprehensive solution for linear and nonlinear device characterization.The unit is a directional coupler, with two coupled ports, that sample the forward and backward propagating wave along its main line. Unlike common directional coupler, the unit has unique features:• Very high power handling• Ultra-broadband• Extremely low insertion loss.Coupling PerformanceNominal Value: 26dBSpecification:26 ± (from 1.2 GHz to 12 GHz)Usable at lower frequencies with reduced coupling(29 dB at 0.8 GHz, 38 dB at 0.5 GHz)1011DirectivitySpecification:>10 dB (from 0.5 to 12 GHz)Main Line Insertion LossSpecification:<0.2 dB (from 0.5 to 12 GHz)Main Line Return LossSpecification: >20 dB (from 0.5 to 12 GHz)Specification SummaryFrequency Range0.8-12 GHz (between coupling’s 3 dB points)usable at lower frequencies with reduced couplingMaximum Input Power Level Main Line 500 W continous 2 kW peakMain Line Connectors Coupled Line ConnectorsTwo Ports with a choice of:- 7 mm connectors- Type-N female connectors- Type-N male connectorsTwo Ports with SMA female connectorsRTTLUS Active Loop TunerUnit DescriptionThe RTTLUS Loop Unit is the core of the Anritsu active load pull technology. The unit contains the microwave electronics and controlling system for building a single active loop. The unit is the base of the Anritsu/HFEReal Time Tuning System (RTT), the Anritsu/HFE comprehensive solution for Active and Passive Load-Pull measurements.RTTLUS Tuner consists of:- B roadband tunable YIG filter. Narrow passband (typically 20 MHz) provides desired frequency pass-through and avoids unwanted loop oscillations at undesired frequencies.- P IN-diode variable attenuator. More than 40 dB of range providing ultra-fine amplitude control by software or front panel knob. Use to vary loop gain.- Motorized Phase Shifter. Vary the loop electrical length using the fast precision mechanical servo system.- The unit has external loops allowing the YIG filter to be bypassed and substituted with different filters.- Software-controlled tuning by PC through the RS485 connector1213The unit is hosted inside a 3U case with EMI front and rear panels. Each unit is controlled by the PC through the RS485 connector and has the schematic reported in Fig 3. The unit contains the components for a complete active loop.Broadband tunable YIG filter. The YIG (Yttrium Iron Garnet) filter with its very small passband (20MHz) makes the loop frequency selective, thus avoiding unwanted loop oscillations at undesired frequencies, and acts as electronic phase shifter.PIN-diode variable attenuator. The variable attenuator is used to vary the loop gain. It has more than 40 dB of dynamic range and ultra-fine amplitude control by the software or by the manual knob on the front panel.Figure 9. The RTTLUS Loop Unit Block SchematicMotorized phase shifter. The Mechanical phase shifter varies the loop’s phase shift and is actuated by a precise and fast mechanical servo system.The unit has extra connectors which let the YIG shifter to be bypassed and substituted with different filters, according with the user needs. In normal operation, a coaxial cablelink is presentbetween the connectors labeled \YF OUT” and \PS IN”.INYIG Tuned FilterVariable AttenuatorPhase ShifterFigure 10. Typical Active Load-Pull Configuration with the RTTLUS Loop UnitRTTLUS Active Loop Tuner Specification SummaryFrequency Range RTTLUS_LRTTLUS_H 0.8-4.5 GHz1.8-18 GHzMaximum Input Power Level +10 dBm (at all connectors) Loop Amplitude Power Dynamic Range40 dB minimumLoad Stability Maximum Phase Random VariationsMaximum Magnitude RandomVariations ± 3º (after warm-up)± 0.05 dB (after warm-up)Warm-up Time Frequencies above 10 GHzFrequencies below 10 GHz 20 minutes 5 minutesDimensions250 x 140 x 300 mm (W x H x D)Power Supply From 100 VAC to 230 VACUse a fuse of 1 AT40 W power consumptionA separate document found on the Anritsu website () provides specifications for the MS4640A-series 20, 40, 50 and 70 GHz VNAs.1415Technical Data Sheet No. 11410-00535, Rev. 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