RadiMation Application Note 115

How to measure amplifier harmonics using RadiMation

This application note explains how RadiMation^® can be used to perform accurate measurement of the harmonics that are generated by an amplifier.

Overview

There are two possible setups of the used equipment to measure amplifier harmonics.

1. Measure the initial power on the first harmonic and the rest of the harmonics with a spectrum analyser.
2. Measure the initial power with a broadband power meter and measure the harmonics with a spectrum analyser.

A schema of the test setup:

Configuring the testsite

Using a spectrum analyser

To use only the spectrum analyser we need to configure the the Forward power meter to be the spectrum analyser device driver in the testsite. Keep in mind to not select any device for the sensor power meter on the second tab.

Using a broadband powermeter and a spectrum analyser

When using the powermeter to setup the required testlevel and a spectrum analyser to measure the harmonics we need to setup the forward power meter to the power meter and on the devices 2 tab we select the spectrum analyser.

Configuring the calibration

To start the harmonics calibration first, open an EUT file and select from the menu:

    Calibration

       EUT Calibration

          Harmonics

The configuration window for the harmonics calibration will be shown, which allows to configure all the parameters.

Test results

In the test results it is possible to show the forward power measured. When only a spectrum analyser is used, the forward power will be the same as the first harmonic. When also a broadband power meter is used, the forward power measurement will be the measured broadband power, and it thus will be higher than the power of the first harmonic alone.