HP 8753E - Diagram of Gain Compression; Swept Power Measurement of Amplifiers Fundamental Gain Compression and 2 Nd Harmonic Output Level

Input Power (dBm)
(b)
Input Power (dBm)
pb697d
Figure 6-85. Diagram of Gain Compression
Figure 6-86 illustrates a simultaneous measurement of fundamental gain compression and
second harmonic power as a function of input power.
CHl Spi 100 NAG
.2 clE/ REF 10 dB
GAIN OHPR SSIOtj
I
I
I
I I
I I
I I
1
CHI
CH2
CH2
START -5.0 dBnl cw i 200.000 000 HHZ STOP 10.0 dBrn
B 102 NAG
10 a24 REF -30 dB
L
I I
I
I I
I I
I I
1
START -5.0 dBm
cw 1 200.000 000 MHZ STOP
10.0 dBm
Figure 6436.
Swept Power Measurement of Amplifier’s Fundamental Gain Compression and 2nd
Harmonic Output Level
In a compression measurement it is necessary to know the RF input or output power at a
certain level of gain compression. Therefore, both gain and absolute power level need to be
accurately characterized. Uncertainty in a gain compression measurement is typically less
than 0.05 dB. Also, each input channel of the analyzer is calibrated to display absolute power
(typically within +0.5 dBm up to 3 GHz, and + 1 dB up to 6 GHz).
Application and Operation Concepts
6-156