How To Characterize Power Amplifier Modulated Signal Distortion
Characterizing power amplifier modulated signal distortion with a VNA
Characterizing a power amplifier (PA) to ensure compliance with 5G New Radio (NR) standards requires wideband, calibrated vector signal generation and signal analysis. A single testbed with a vector network analyzer (VNA), vector signal generator, and multiple measurement software applications provides fully-calibrated signal generation at the PA input.
The measurement software applications enable accurate adjacent channel power ratio (ACPR) and low residual error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements directly on the VNA. During testing, the engineer operates multiple measurement applications without changing the configuration of the test setup.
See demo of power amplifier distortion test
Power amplifier modulated signal distortion characterization solution
Explore products in our PA characterization modulated signal distortion solution
-
![]()
N5182B MXG X-Series RF Vector Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 6 GHz
-
E5081A ENA-X Vector Network Analyzer
-
![]()
S960707B Modulation Distortion for E5081A up to 44 GHz
/E5081A-4N6_4port_06_transp_nshd.tif){kind=spacer}
/E5081A-4N6_4port_06_transp_nshd.tif){kind=spacer}
Resources & Insights
Additional resources for PA modulated signal distortion characterization
Related Use Cases
-
![]()
Learn More
How to Perform Power Sequencing
Designing and operating electronic systems requires power sequencing to ensure the proper functioning and safety of devices. Learn how to perform power sequencing using a triple-output bench power supply.
Learn More
-
![]()
Learn More
How to Simulate the Behavior of Solar Arrays in Space
Validating the performance of a satellite power system requires power sources that accurately simulate the behavior of solar arrays in space. Learn how to simulate all the I-V curves that a satellite will experience with a solar array simulator.
Learn More
-
![]()
Learn More
How to Make Resistance Measurements
Resistance measurements require eliminating error-inducing factors, such as residual test lead resistance, thermal electromotive force, and leakage currents in the measurement path. Learn how to address these measurement issues using a remote sense function (4-wire connection), offset compensation, and a guard function.
Learn More
Get in touch with one of our experts.
Need help finding the right solution for you?