RadiMation Application Note 121

How to measure amplifier harmonics using RadiMation

In this application note we explain how you can use RadiMation to perform accurate measurement of the harmonics that are generated by an amplifier.

Overview

There are two ways 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 test

To start the harmonics test open a EUT file and choose the menu:

    Calibration

       EUT Calibration

          Harmonics

Test results

In the test results it is possible to show the forward power measured. When only using a spectrum analyser this will be the same as the first harmonic and when also using the broadband power meter this of course will be the broadband power measured.