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Parameters,
S-Functions, Poly-
harmonic Distortion
Models, Waveform
Engineering, Hot S-22,
NonLin-S, Active Harmonic
Load Pull, NVNA, OpenWave Forum. MVP
Nonlinear Device Characterization
is heating up and everyone from test equipment Elektrobit
manufacturers to software developers are involved. MIMO-OTA
Founded in 1958
Will their efforts transform the microwave component industry? Emulation
mwjournal.com
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Cover Feature
Fundamentally Changing
Nonlinear Microwave
Design
Nonlinear: Of or relating to a device whose behavior is described by a set of
nonlinear equations and whose output is not proportional to its input.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
S
-parameters have been used to represent Why Change is Happening
linear networks for simulation and design Nonlinear devices perform critical functions
since the 1960s. Measuring S-parameters from frequency conversion to signal amplifica-
was made possible with the introduction of the tion. Under large-signal drive conditions, they
network analyzer. Designers could then inte- distort waveforms (time domain) or generate
grate S-parameter black-boxes along with harmonics, inter-modulation and spectral re-
Parameters,
other electrical components using linear fre- growth (frequency domain). Sometimes the
quency-domain simulators. The measure, mod- behavior is exploited, as in the case of a mixer
el and simulate triumvirate has proven quite or frequency doubler; sometimes it must be
successful for high frequency electronic design managed, as in the case of a linear amplifier.
of linear devices. Unfortunately, the nonlinear Market demands for more bandwidth
behavior of high-frequency semiconductor de- driven by the explosive growth of social media
vices cannot be represented by S-parameters. and smart phonesalong with the desire to
Nonlinear device characterization has always reduce telecommunications carbon footprint
been challenging and limited. To better serve is forcing our industry to deliver products that
designers, test equipment manufacturers, soft- are more linear (to increase capacity) and ef-
S-Functions, Poly-
ware providers and integrated device manu- ficient (to lower power consumption). As these
facturers would like to offer similar black-box demands become more stringent, the indus-
characterization for nonlinear devices. try faces an inflection point as to how to reach
Over the past two decades, developments in these goals. What is the most efficient way to
nonlinear measurement, modeling and simula- capture, portray and address nonlinear behav-
tion have been introduced in literature. This ior in the design process?
past year, Microwave Journal and others have
harmonic Distortion
published numerous articles describing prod- Representing Nonlinear Devices
ucts based on these efforts. In this article, we Microwave electronics are developed
take a glimpse at the history of development, through a variety of custom modeling/design
what is currently available, and how the future
of nonlinear characterization/simulation and
David Vye
Models, Waveform
the microwave electronics industry are inter-
twined. Editor, Microwave Journal
MEASUREMENT
LARGE SIGNAL LO
SIGNAL SOURCE 2
SOURCE 1 PULSE
GENERATOR
OUT 1 OUT 2
PULSE TO RECEIVERS 1
MODULATOR 2
PULSE
MODULATOR 3
4
R1 R3 R4 R2
A C D B
COMB
GENERATOR
www.agilent.com
Product specifications and
descriptions in this document
subject to change without notice.
Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
Printed in USA, March 22, 2010
5990-5594EN