Use the following guidelines for two-tone OIP3 measurement:
- As Figure 3-4 shows, combine two signal generator outputs using an in-phase power
splitter
and combiner. A 6-dB attenuator is recommended at the signal generator outputs
to prevent the generators from talking to each other and resulting in signal
generator IMD3 spurs.
- Set both the signal generator outputs to a power
level and frequency spacing so that it yields the desired output power
(POUT) at the device.
- It is recommended for the output power level to remain within the linear
operation range of the TRF0206-SP device. For example,
if the total desired output power at the device is 8 dBm, then set the signal
generators so that each of the fundamental output power results in 2 dBm per
tone. As a
general
rule, it is recommended to keep the total output power level approximately 6 to
8 dB lower than the 1-dB compression point. See the device data sheet for the
output power levels supported by the device.
- For the OIP3 test, the two tones can be spaced by the specified frequency.
- Set the spectrum analyzer attenuation setting appropriately so that the spectrum analyzer non-linearity does not affect the measurements.
- Keep spectrum analyzer RBW and VBW settings identical for main tone and IM3 products.
- For output IP3 calculation, take into account
combined losses at the desired frequency band between the TRF0206-SP device output to the spectrum analyzer
input. The combined power loss is due to PCB output trace, RF coax cable, 0/180°
passive balun, and any attenuator pad used for external matching purposes. The
calculated OIP3 is given in Equation 1.
Equation 1. Output IP3 = (PIN_SA – IMD3) / 2
+ PIN_SA + PLOSS
where,
- PIN_SA = Input
power per tone into the spectrum analyzer
- PLOSS = Power loss from the device output to
the spectrum analyzer input
- IMD3 = Higher power of the two intermodulation
distortion products recorded at either 2f1 – f2 or 2f2 – f1
- In Equation 1, PIN_SA + PLOSS = POUT is the amplifier
output power per tone.