On-Board Test and Measurement: A Needed Enabler for Adaptive and Reconfigurable Spectrum Use

The microwave test and measurement industry has traditionally focused on test equipment for laboratory characterization. Such measurement instrumentation is often adequate to completely characterize devices designed for fixed spectrum usage. However, with the advent of adaptive and reconfigurable circuits and systems for agile spectrum usage, test and measurement capabilities must now extend to deployable, modular solutions that can be included within wireless systems. This paper discusses the motivation for these systems, and gives an example of how in-situ measurement can be used to update transmitter array calibrations in real time.