Active Load Pull Measurement Using Error-Model RF Signal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load pull testing methods require extra hardware for adjusting impedance, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system utilizing a signal analysis module, signal generator module, and control module to generate an RF test signal based on error parameters of an error model, allowing for active load pull testing with reduced hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive load pull technique using mechanical tuner is used to adjust impedance, then impedance adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity and hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tuner system with an electronic signal processing approach. The control module calculates the required RF test signal characteristics based on error parameters and desired reflection coefficient, then the signal generator module generates the appropriate signal electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical impedance adjustment components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an error model as an intermediary mathematical representation that characterizes the measurement system's transmissivity, reflectivity, and directivity properties. This error model serves as a mediator between the desired reflection coefficient and the actual RF test signal generation, enabling precise impedance control without mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If two measurement receivers are used to measure transmitted and received signals for impedance adjustment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a mathematical copy of the measurement system's behavior through the error model, which captures the transmissivity, reflectivity, and directivity properties. This mathematical copy allows the system to predict and compensate for measurement errors without requiring additional physical measurement receivers, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extra hardware is added to enable active load pull testing, then adaptability is improved, but loss of energy and resource efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing measurement system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both standard measurements and active load pull testing using the same hardware components. The control module calculates appropriate RF test signals based on error parameters and desired reflection coefficients, allowing the existing signal generator and measurement receivers to serve dual purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated active load pull hardware and improving resource efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A measurement system (10) for active load pull testing is described. The measurement system (10) comprises a signal analysis module (20), a signal generator module (22), a control module (30), and a DUT connector (16). The DUT connector (16) is connectable to a device under test in order to receive an output signal of the device under test (14). The signal analysis module (20) is connected to the DUT connector (16), such that the signal analysis module receives a measurement signal corresponding to the output signal. The signal generator module (22) is configured to generate a radio frequency, RF, test signal. The signal generator module (22) is connected to the DUT connector (16), such that the RF test signal is applied to the device under test (14). The signal analysis module (20) is configured to digitize the measurement signal, thereby obtaining a digitized measurement signal. The control module (30) is configured to control the signal generator module (22) to generate the RF test signal based on the digitized measurement signal, based on known error parameters of an error model of the measurement system (10), and based on a desired reflection coefficient at a reference plane (34) associated with the device under test (14), wherein the error model describes transmissivity, reflectivity, and/or directivity properties of the measurement system (10) with respect to the reference plane (34). Further, an active load pull measurement method is described.