Characterization of A 2 GHz Submicron Bipolar 60 Watt Power Transistor with Single Tone, Multi-Tone, and Cdma Signals

Linearity characterization of RF power devices usually involves a CW power sweep showing the 1 dB compression point of the device. RF power amplifier designers are requiring that devices be characterized with ‟application type” signals. In this paper single tone, multi-tone and CDMA signals are used to characterize a 60 watt submicron bipolar device. Relationships between device characteristics such as 1 dB compression, intermodulation distortion, and spectrum regeneration are discussed.