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Contents
1 Objectives 2
2 Prelab Exercise 2
3 Background Theory 2
3.1 The amplifier which we will use - Mini-Circuits amplifier ERA−3+ 3
4 Experiment Procedure 10
1
4.4.2 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.5 Absolute Noise Power Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.5.1 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.6 Noise Figure of Cascade Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.6.1 Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.7 Dynamic Range and Minimum Detectable Signal . . . . . . . . . 21
4.8 Final Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1 Objectives
Upon completion of this study, the student will become familiar with the fol-
lowing topics:
1. Basic operation of the amplifier.
2. 1 dB compression point.
3. Third order intermodulation products.
4. Noise figure of an amplifier.
2 Prelab Exercise
1. Define the terms: ’dynamic range’, ’minimum detectable signal’, ’1 dB com-
pression point’ and ’third order intercept point’.
2. Explain how you intend to measure the noise figure of a preamplifier using
a spectrum analyzer, 50 Ω termination and another preamplifier.
3. Calculate the Minimum Detectable Signal (MDS) for B = 100 kHz, N F =
2.65 dB, G = 22 dB and SN R = 5 dB, according to the equation:
3 Background Theory
The components which we have discussed so far in previous experiments have
been primarily linear and passive, but any useful RF or microwave system, such
as a receiver, will require some nonlinear and active components. Such devices
include amplifiers, diodes and mixers, which can be used for detection, mixing,
amplification and frequency conversion.
An RF power amplifier is a type of electronic amplifier used to convert a
low-power radio-frequency signal into a larger signal of significant power.
2
3.1 The amplifier which we will use - Mini-Circuits am-
plifier ERA − 3+
An industrial preamplifier which we will discuss later is shown in Figure 1.
C1
Input capacitor
Amplifier R1
ERA-3
R2
C2
Output capacitor
C3
Figure 1 - A preamplifier.
The operating frequency range is the range of frequencies over which the ampli-
fier will meet the specification parameters. The amplifier may perform beyond
this frequency range (without any commitment).
3
S12
S11 S22
Amplifier
S21
4
gain recorded over the operation frequency range.
Gain (max)
Gain variation (dB)
Gain (min)
Gain(dB)
Frequency Range
Figure 3 - Gain flatness.
1 dB
RF output power
Linear compression
Region
RFInput power
5
3.9 Dynamic Range of an Amplifier
Suppose that we have an amplifier which fulfill:
Pout = 10Pin
for a specified range of input power. When the input power increases, the
amplifier is no longer a linear component and the output begins to saturate.
When the input power decreases to zero, there is still an output power from in-
ternal and external noise. This level of power caused by the amplifier’s internal
noise is often called noise floor level of the component. Typical values can range
from -60 dBm to -100 dBm over the bandwidth of the system, with lower values
being obtainable with cooled components. A quantitative measure of the onset
of saturation is called the ’1 dB compression point’, which is defined as the
input power for which the output is 1 dB below the power of an ideal amplifier.
If the input power is excessive, the amplifier can be destroyed. A typical graph
of the behavior of this amplifier is shown in Figure 5.
Ideal amolifier
burn
1dBcompression out point
point
output power(dBm)
small signal
gain dynamic
range
SNR
Noise level
6
If the input of a component consists of a single frequency (or tone), for
example vin = cos f1 t, then the output voltage will consist of all harmonics mf1 .
where m is called the order of the harmonics. For an amplifier we need only
order = 1, and the presence of higher harmonics is called harmonic distortion. If
an amplifier had a bandwidth of an octave or more, the second-order distortion
product of a low-frequency signal could be in the passband of the amplifier.
If the input to the system consist of two relatively closely, spaced frequencies
(two-tones), say vin = cos f1 t + cos f2 t, the output spectrum will consist of
all harmonics of the form mf1 + nf2 ,where m and n are positive or negative
2
integers. The order of a given product is then defined as |m| + |n| . The vin term
will produce harmonics at the frequencies 2f1 ,2f2 , f1 − f2 and f1 + f2 ,which are
all second order products. These frequencies can be filtered out, except the case
of a broadband amplifier.
3
The vin term will lead to third-order products, such as 3f1 , 3f2 , 2f1 +f2 ,which
can be filtered, but 2f1 − f2 and 2f2 − f1 cannot be filtered even for a narrow-
band system. These products, which result from mixing two input signals, are
called the ’intermodulation distortion’. Hence these two products will set the
3
dynamic range or bandwidth of the amplifier. Higher powers than vin can also
contribute to the intermodulation distortion, but generally these contributions
are not dominant.
These spurious signals are characterized with respect to the input signal by
means of a theoretical tool called ’the intercept point’. This point is defined
as the point where the linear curve of the input Vs. output power of the fun-
damental signal would intersect with the linear curve of the spurious signal if
saturation effects would not limit the output levels of these signals (see Figure
6). Since it is known that the second order spurious products (f2 ± f1 ) have a
slope of 2:1 with respect to the fundamental input power, the value of the spurs
can be estimated if the input power (Pin ) and the output second order intercept
point are known. The relationship is as follows:
A measure of the second or third-order intermodulation distortion is given
by the intercept points. An example of a graph with interception points is given
in Figure 6, for the frequencies f1 or f2 . The amplifier will work well for a input
power which is below the third interception point.
7
Third order 1 dB
intercept compression
point
output power(dBm)
small
signal second order
gain spurious product
free
dynamic
range
Noise level
Input
power(dBm)
8
3.11.2 Noise Figure Measurement - Gain Method
This method is based on direct noise measurement and is applied using the
measurement setting, as shown in Figure 7, and pre-determining the gain of the
DUT.
Assuming Sin = Nin we get:
Sin /Nin Nout kT BG1 G2 + Nadded Pmeasured
Ftotal = = = = (6)
Sout /Nout Sout kT BG1 G2 kT BG1 G2
Where FT otal - total noise factor of the DUT and the preamplifier.
Pmeasured - noise power in Watts, displayed on the spectrum analyzer.
B - noise bandwidth.
G1 and G2 - linear gains of the DUT and £ preamplifier ¤respectively.
k - Boltzmann constant (1.38 · 10−23 Joul · Kelvin−1 ).
T - temperature in Kelvin (room temp = 27 ◦ C = 300 K).
The noise factor of two cascading amplifiers is:
F2 − 1
Ftotal = F1 + (7)
G1
Where F1 and F2 - noise factors of the DUT and preamplifier respectively.
If the NF of the preamplifier and gain of the DUT are known, one can
calculate the noise factor of the DUT by:
F2 − 1
F1 = Ftotal − (8)
G1
NF=? NF=known
9
• Maximum accuracy could be achieved when Pmeasured ≥ DAN L + 10 dB
(DANL - ’Displayed Average Noise Level’ of the spectrum analyzer).
• Low price and measurement simplicity - only absolute power value read-
ing on spectrum analyzer, and minimum measuring set. It is possible to
perform quick noise figure measurement in a wide frequency range, thanks
to the sweeping capability of the spectrum analyzer.
• Output instability or other interference can be easily seen.
4 Experiment Procedure
10
S-PARAMETERS
S_Param
SP1
Start=10 MHz
Stop=1 GHz
Step=1.0 MHz
Term
Term Term2
Term1 va_mc_ZFL-1000LN_19930601 Num=2
Num=1 Amp1 Z=50 Ohm
Z=50 Ohm
2. Simulate all the S parameters (S11 , S22 , S21 and S12 ) of the preamplifier
as a function of frequency. Frequency range 50M Hz − 1GHz. Save the data
on magnetic media.
4.2.2 Measurement
For the old network analyzers 3. Set the power level of the network
analyzer to -10 dBm by pressing POWER, Level, -10 dBm and set the
frequency range to 50 M Hz − 1 GHz
4. Connect a coaxial cable between port 1 and port 2 of the network analyzer,
as shown in Figure 2 (If the network analyzer can’t reach to a power level of
−10 dBm, than add an appropriate attenuator, as shown in Figure 5). Preform
a transmission calibration.
11
RF RF
out IN
Coaxial cable
Figure 2 - Transmission calibration, without attenuator.
5. Disconnect the coaxial cable from port 1 and connect the amplifier between
port 1 and the coaxial cable, as shown in Figure 3. Connect the amplifier to a
DC power supply of 12V. Measure S21 and S12 . Save the data on magnetic
media.
Important: Pay attention to the polarity and to the input power level,
otherwise you may blow up the amplifier!
RF RF
O UT IN
ERA-3+
12
Measure S11 and S22 . Save the data on magnetic media.
RF RF
OUT IN
E R A -3+
Load
50Ω
Compare the measured result to the simulated result. Compare the measured
SWR input, SWR output and gain to the data sheet (see appendix A).
For the new network analyzer 3. Set the power level of the network
analyzer to -5 dBm by pressing Sweep Setup, Power, -5 dBm and set the
frequency range to 50 M Hz − 1 GHz.
4. Connect a 6 dB attenuator to port 1 of the network analyzer and a coaxial
cable between the attenuator and port 2 of the network analyzer, as shown in
Figure 5. Preform a transmission calibration.
13
Network Analyzer HP-8714
RF OUT RF IN
Attenuator
10.7 MHz
BPF
Figure 5 - Transmission calibration, with attenuator.
5. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the attenuator and connect the amplifier
between the attenuator and the coaxial cable, as shown in Figure 6. Connect
the amplifier to a DC power supply of 12V. Measure S21 and S12 . Save the
data on magnetic media.
Important: Pay attention to the polarity and to the input power level,
otherwise you may blow up the amplifier!
RF RF
OUT IN
Attenuator ERA-3+
14
6. Disconnect the amplifier and the coaxial cable from the network analyzer
and preform reflection calibration.
7. Connect the IN port of the amplifier to the attenuator and the attenu-
ator connect to port 1 of the network analyzer. Connect the OUT port of the
amplifier to a 50 Ω termination, as shown in Figure 7.
Measure S11 and S22 . Save the data on magnetic media.
RF RF
OUT IN
Attenuator
E R A -3+
Load
50Ω
15
GAIN COMPRESSION
HARMONIC BALANCE SWEEP PLAN
XDB
HarmonicBalance SweepPlan
HB2
HB1 SwpPlan1
Freq[1]=RFfreq
Freq[1]=1.0 GHz Start=-30 Stop=10.0 Step=1.0 Lin=
Order[1]=5
Order[1]=5 UseSweepPlan=
GC_XdB=1
SweepVar="Pin" SweepPlan=
GC_InputPort=1
SweepPlan="SwpPlan1" Reverse=no
GC_OutputPort=2
Pout GC_InputFreq=1.0 GHz
Term GC_OutputFreq=1.0 GHz
P_1Tone Term2 GC_InputPowerTol=1e-3
PORT1 va_mc_ZFL-1000LN_19930601 Num=2 GC_OutputPowerTol=1e-3
Num=1 Amp1 Z=50 Ohm GC_MaxInputPower=100
Z=50 Ohm Var
Eqn VAR
P=dbmtow(Pin) VAR1
Freq=RFfreq Hz RFfreq=1GHz
Pin=-5
2. Draw the graph of the idealized linear power gain and the graph of the
actual power curve.
Do so by constructing the equations:
Linear=Gain[1]+XDB1,HB1,HB1,HB,Pin
Gain=dBm(XDB1,HB1,HB1,HB,Vout[1])-XDB1.HB1.HB.Pin
Where ’Linear’ is the idealized linear power gain and ’Gain’ is the graph of
the actual power curve.
3. Find the exact 1 dB point at the data display window by placing two
markers, one marker on the linear curve and the other on the actual curve and
turn on delta marker mode. What is the input power which result in a difference
of 1dB between the markers? Save the data.
4.3.2 Measurement
For the old network analyzers 4. Set up the network analyzer by pressing
BEGIN, Amplifier and Transmission. Choose power sweep instead of fre-
quency sweep by pressing SWEEP, Power Sweep. Choose Continuous Wave
for only one frequency of 1GHz by pressing FREQ, CW, 1GHz. Set the power
sweep range to its maximum by pressing POWER, PwrSweepRange, -6 to
Max (dBm), Prior Menu, Start, -6 dBm, Stop, 20 dBm.
5. Connect a 20dB attenuator to the network analyzer with a coaxial ca-
ble, as shown in Figure 5. Preform a transmission calibration and connect the
amplifier between the attenuator and the coaxial cable, as shown in Figure 6.
Connect the amplifier to a DC power supply of 12V.
For the new network analyzer 4. Set up the network analyzer by pressing
16
Meas, S21. Choose power sweep instead of frequency sweep by pressing Sweep
Setup, Sweep Type, Power Sweep. Choose Continuous Wave for only one
frequency of 1GHz by pressing Power, CW Freq, 1GHz. Set the power sweep
range by pressing Start, -5 dBm, Stop, 10 dBm.
5. Connect a 10 dB attenuator to the network analyzer with a coaxial cable,
as shown in Figure 5. Preform a transmission calibration and then connect
the amplifier between the attenuator to the coax cable, as shown in Figure 6.
Connect the amplifier to a DC power supply of 12 V .
Important : Pay attention to the polarity and the input power level, other-
wise you could blow up the amplifier!
6. A graph of the P out/P in versus P in is displayed. Place a marker on
the graph and find the P in which result in a 1 dB drop in the P out/P in value.
Save the data on magnetic media.
According to the data sheet, the 1dB compression point at 1GHz is 12.53dBm.
Compare your result to the theoretical.
4.4.1 Simulation
1. Simulate the preamplifier according to Figure 9.
HARMONIC BALANCE
HarmonicBalance
HB1
Freq[1]=1 GHz
Freq[2]=999 MHz
Order[1]=3
Order[2]=3
17
2. Drew a graph of P out [dBm] as a function of frequency.
Double click on the graph, go to ’Trace Options’ and change the selected type
from ’Auto’ to ’Spectral’. Double click on the graph, go to ’Plot Options’ and
set the frequency range to 990MHz-1010MHz. Save the data on magnetic
media.
A typical view of intermodulation products is shown in Figure 10.
IM,dBc=A
Amplitude
2F!-F2 F2 F1 2F2-F1
Frequency
Figure 10 - Intermodulation products.
4.4.2 Measurement
5. Connect the system as indicated in Figure 11.
Comb
pad pad Analyzer
iner
Sig. 3dB- 6dB
BPF
Gen.1 pad pad
18
6. Set Sig Gen.1 to frequency 1000M Hz and amplitude −15dBm.
Set Sig Gen2. to frequency 999M Hz and amplitude −15dBm.
Watch the fundamental and third order products on the spectrum analyzer
(set the spectrum to an average of 20). Save the data on magnetic media.
7. Fill in Table-1:
Signal [dBm] 1st order freq.&Amp. 3rd order freq. &Amp. IP3 [dBm]
-15
-20
Table-1
8. Compare your simulated result to your measured result of the IP3 and to
the theoretical one.
4.5.1 Measurement
1. Connect a 50 Ω termination to the input of the spectrum analyzer, as shown
in Figure 12.
For the new spectrum analyzers Press Marker, More, Function, Marker
Noise.
19
For the old spectrum analyzers Press MKR FCTN, MK NOISE, ON.
Save the data on magnetic media.
4.6.1 Measurement
1. Set the power level of the network analyzer to −10 dBm and the frequency
range to 50 M Hz − 1 GHz. Connect a coaxial cable between port 1 and port
2 of the network analyzer, as shown in Figure 2 (If the network analyzer can’t
reach to a power level of −10 dBm, than add an appropriate attenuator, as
shown in Figure 5). Preform a transmission calibration.
2. Connect two series amplifiers to the network analyzer (don’t forget the
attenuator, if needed), as shown in Figure 13.
Important: Pay attention to the polarity and to the input power level,
otherwise you may blow up the amplifier!
RF RF
OUT IN
ERA-3+ ERA-3+
3. Measure the linear gain (S11 ) of two cascade amplifiers (G1 G2 ) at 100 M Hz.
Save the data on magnetic media.
4. Connect two amplifiers in series, as shown in Figure 14.
20
Spectrum Analyzer Agilent-ESA
ERA-3+
ERA-3+
Load
50Ω
21
Signal Generator Agilent 8648 Spectrum Analyzer ESA-E
515.000,00 MHz
ERA-3+
ZFL-1000LN
2. Set the spectrum analyzer to center frequency 500 M Hz, span 100 kHz,
attenuation 0 dB and average on.
Set the signal generator to 500 M Hz and an amplitude which is comparable
to SNR of 5 dB.
Verify that the calculated MDS (question 3 from the ’Prelab Exercise’) is
within 3 dB of the measured MDS.
3. Calculate the dynamic range (DR) as:
22