Ultra-linear power amplifier characterization using dynamic range extension techniques

The rapid growth of the wireless industry requires more efficient utilization of the available frequency spectrum. This has resulted in requirements for highly linear Multi-Channel Power Amplifiers (MCPAs) to support increases in voice and data traffic. To characterize the resulting ultra-linear MCPAs and to comply with intermodulation levels less than -80 dBc requires measurement systems with dynamic range performance beyond what is currently available. A new instrument, which extends the dynamic range of current distortion measurement systems by at least 25 dB, has been developed to meet this challenge.