Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
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station (MS) uses the random access channel ������������
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(RACH) link to initially communicate with ���������
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the base transceiver station (BTS). Once ����� ��� �������� �����
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the BTS to MS instructions are decoded via �� ���������
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the slow associated control channel (SACCH), ��� ������������
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the RF output power level in the MS is ����������������� ���
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dynamically set. The purpose is to provide ���������
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the minimum necessary output power[1], in ������
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such a way that the BTS receives signals ��������
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from many MS at approximately the same ����� �������
received signal strength (RSS). The end effect ����
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is that overall parameters such as talk time ���
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and standby time are vastly improved, with �������� �����
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minimum interference. Hence, it is paramount ���������
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that the RF power amplifier (PA) be tested �����������
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and evaluated at all required power levels. ���
Methodology
The RF input and RF output of the ampli- ������������������������� ��������������������������
fier device mounted in a typical evaluation ����������������� ������
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PC board are connectorized with SMA-type ��������
miniature coaxial connectors. These are part ����������
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of the 50 impedance system together with ���������� ������������
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the microstrip traces on the board. Hence, ��������
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it is important that all RF connections are ��������� ����� ���������
low-loss 50 coaxial type.
To minimize any source of error or uncer-
tainty during the measurement, it is impor- ���������������������������������
tant that the RF coaxial contacts are clean. ��������������������
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Use laboratory-grade alcohol to remove any ������� ��������������� ��������� ��������������������
contaminant. Due to “skin effect,” most if ������������������ ������������������������������� ��������������������������� ���������
not all, of the RF current flows near the surface ������������������������������� ��������������������� ����������������
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of the conductor.
A GSM/EDGE modulated signal from
a suitable generator is applied to the RF Figure 1. Typical laboratory bench test equipment line-up.
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Figure 2. The GMSK signal spectrum at full power, +33 dBm at 824 MHz (a). Phase error display of the same signal is shown in (b). Power vs. time repre-
sentation of the same signal in (c).
amplifier evaluation board via the bench
setup as shown in Figure 1. The RF output ������������������� ����������� ������������������� ���������������
under a 50 load is monitored via an RF ����������������������������������
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power meter, spectrum analyzer and an ����������������
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optional vector signal analyzer. ����
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offset frequency that corresponds to the first ���� ��
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Test setup RF power meter and sensors be zeroed ed by the arbitrary function generator. In
A detailed block diagram is shown in and calibrated and set to the correct operat- order to maintain a bounded spectrum dur-
Figure 1. ing frequency before any measurements ing RF power increase or decrease, a gradual
The input section has: take place. change is required on Vramp. This is usu-
RF digital signal generator; Then, a bench calibration is performed, ally implemented with a ¼ period sin2(x) or
bandpass filter; to determine the input and output insertion sin3(x) function applied to the rising edge. In
isolator; losses, entered as offsets into the power similar fashion a ¼ period cos2(x) or cos3(x)
directional coupler; and meter. Hence, channel 1 (assigned to the input) is applied to the falling edge. In general, the
RF power sensor. measures exactly the input RF power and cubic function will provide a gentler rise and
The output section has: channel 2 (assigned to the output) measures fall than the square function, however, the latter
RF load attenuator; the output power. The gain of the device has a faster time response.
directional coupler; in dB is determined immediately by taking A proper ramping profile can be generated
RF power sensor; the difference of these readings in dBm. by considering the following:
spectrum analyzer; and The maximum amplitude (typically
vector signal analyzer. Ramp control signal 2 V to 2.5 V).
It is important that the dual-channel The Vramp control signal is generat- The pulse duration is 577 µs for one
active slot (i.e., slot 0) and 12.5% duty cycle. A typical display of the frequency spectrum Bench calibration
The repetition rate is 4615 µs or as obtained by the spectrum analyzer with No PA module is required, only the input
approximately 217 Hz. a GSM/EDGE personality is shown in Figure and output component sections. The input
The rise and fall times of the pulse 2 (GMSK at 824 MHz) and Figure 3 (EDGE insertion loss is determined first, then the
are such, that they conform with Annex B in[2]. at 1910 MHz). output section loss. The first is entered as
In general, more than one ramping profile Required test equipment includes: an offset in channel 1 of the RF power meter,
is required to satisfy[2] over RF power output, RF digital signal generator GMSK and thus moving the measuring plane exactly at
battery voltage and temperature. EDGE modulation capable in the bands of the input of the PA. The second is entered
As a starting point, rise and fall times of interest; as an offset in channel 2 of the same meter,
the ramp can be approximated to those in spectrum analyzer with GSM personality; thus moving the measuring plane exactly
annex B[2], that is approximately 14 µs to 16 µs vector signal analyzer with GSM at the output of the PA.
and same time frame rate of 4615 µs. personality; Proceed as follows:
To communicate with the ArbFuncGen printer for the above units, if required; Isolate the input section.
a GPIB/IEEE 488.2 controller card (available, RF power meter, dual channel with Calibrate and zero both channels of the
for example, from National Instruments or sensors calibrated to the band of interest; RF power meter. Set to the desired frequency.
equivalent) and GPIB control software (such arbitrary function generator, for Vramp Set the RF signal generator to 0 dBm CW
as NI 488.2) installed in the PC is needed. generation; output connected to the input section.
Then install the waveform creation software oscilloscope, four channels with 10x Connect channel 1 power sensor to the
(such as Tektronix AXW-100 for model voltage probes and 1x current probes; coupled port at the directional coupler. Connect
AFG-310 function generator or an Agilent directional couplers, 10 dB coupling channel 2 to the output of the input section.
34811A for model HP 33120A function genera- (input) and 20 dB coupling (output); Measure the insertion loss in dB by
tor). Interconnecting GPIB cables are required bandpass filter and isolator for the bands taking the difference in dBm between channel
between the computer and function generator. of interest; 2 and 1 readings.
In developing the Vramp profiles, it is load attenuator 20 dB, 5 W; Enter this value as a channel 1 offset in
useful to have an oscilloscope connected to dc power supplies, regulated 0 to 5 Vdc, the RF power meter.
the output of the arbitrary function genera- 2 A output (two); Confirm that both channel 1 and chan-
tor. Final verification can be made in the RF DVM for accurate voltage measurements nel 2 measure exactly the same value. If not,
output power with a spectrum analyzer in the (two); and repeat the procedure.
zero-span (time domain) mode. interconnecting RF and dc cables. Isolate the output section.
Conclusion
A method for measuring RF parameters in
mobile handset power amplifiers is presented
with a bench test equipment line-up and its
calibration method. A summary table contain-
ing the minimum standards set out by ETSI
for GMSK and EDGE modulation is given to
facilitate the user’s access and understanding
of the limiting values. Representative power
amplifier waveforms are shown from a typi-
cal RF power amplifier under test using the
methodology herein described. RFD
References:
1. US CFR Title 47, Part 24, § 24.232(c)
(“Mobile/portable stations are limited to 2 W
EIRP peak power and the equipmentmust em-
ploy means to limit the power to the minimum
necessary for successful communications.”)
See also US CFR 47, Part 24, §24.52 ”RF
Hazards.” These are FCC regulations from
www.fcc.gov.
2. ETSI TS 100 910 Digital Cellular
Telecommunication System-Radio Transmis-
sion and Reception-3GPP TS 05.05. Euro-
pean Telecommunications Standard Institute
(ETSI Sophia Antipolis France, available from
www.etsi.org).
3. ETSI GSM 11.10 Digital Cellular
Telecommunication System-Mobile Station
Conformance Specification. European Tele-
communications Standard Institute (ETSI
Sophia Antipolis France, available from
www.etsi.org.