How to Perform Intermodulation Testing

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Signal Generator
+ Signal Generator
Signal Generator
+ Signal Generator

Increasing Intermodulation Testing Accuracy with A Pure Signal Generator

Accurately measuring intermodulation distortion (IMD) requires generating two or more clean, continuous-wave tones at precise frequencies and equal power levels to reveal an amplifier's nonlinear response. Traditional test setups using independent signal generators often struggle to maintain balanced tones and spectral purity, as oscillator variations, harmonics, and non-harmonic spurs can introduce artifacts and uneven power at the combiner. These inconsistencies degrade the accuracy and repeatability of IMD measurements, making repeatable testing difficult, particularly in radio and wireless communications, where adjacent-channel interference can limit performance.

An advanced signal generator with superior phase noise and a wide calibrated output power range produces precise two-tone signals for reliable IMD and third-order intercept modulation testing. This approach yields stable, repeatable third-order products essential for accurate nonlinearity characterization, design validation, and manufacturing test, enabling engineers to confidently develop high-performance wireless systems.

Intermodulation Distortion Testing Solution

Accurate intermodulation distortion testing demands two clean, continuous-wave tones at distinct frequencies with equal power levels to reveal amplifier nonlinearities like IP3. The Keysight cost-effective, compact signal generator simplifies this by providing superior phase noise, low harmonics, and minimal non-harmonic spurs for pure signal generation.

This architecture ensures observed IMD products stem solely from the device under test, while supporting a 9 kHz to 26 GHz range and -120 to +20 dBm output for precise calibration even at high powers. It also delivers exceptional signal purity with low phase noise of -130 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz (20 kHz offset), minimal spurious signals, and harmonics as low as -40 dBc at 1 GHz. The result is reliable, repeatable distortion measurements without generator artifacts, ideal for radio and wireless system validation.

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