Accurate Measurement and Control Sytem for RF Broadband Power Amplifier

A new measurement system has been developed for broadband RF power amplifiers dedicated to EMC applications. The system allows the power output of the amplifier to be measured while correcting the variations of broadband coupler’s frequency response. This is achieved by measuring, simultaneously, the power and the frequency of the RF signal. These measurements are made using a developed broadband RF frequency meter and a power detector. Tests are presented and carried out using industrial amplifiers to evaluate the proposed solution. Measuring the RF signal frequency passing through the amplifier is an additional information that allows more accurate power level measurement and improves the monitoring of the amplifier.