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Large-Signal Network Analyzer (LSNA)

MT4463A - A Product of Maury Microwave and NMDG Engineering

The Maury/NMDG Large-Signal Network Analyzer (LSNA) is the latest advancement in large-signal network analysis. It was developed by NMDG Engineering and Maury Microwave, using technology licensed to Maury by Agilent Technologies (patents pending). It combines a unique set of hardware and software tools that calibrate and measure non-linear component characteristics, with mathematical tools for describing and interpreting non-linear behavior. The LSNA is, at present, the only commercially available solution that provides for accurate and complete measurement of two-port DUT characteristics in large-signal environments where non-linear component behavior may occur.

Key Literature
Large-Signal Network Analyzer, Bringing Reality To Waveform Engineering ..... June 2003 ..... 500 KB
Maury Microwave's Technical Data Sheet 4T-090 rev A (June, 2003) which discribes the model MT4463A Large-Signal Network Analyzer developed and manufactured by NMDG Engineering and Maury Microwave. An explaination of LSNA theory and methodology with discussion of the Maury/NMDG system concept is followed by a brief list of LSNA hardware included in the system. Integreated and turnkey (bundled) solutions are also mentioned along with a list of applications and benefits.

LSNA Application Notes Library

Applications
• Transistor reliability/Repeatability
• Breakdown Current
• Forward Gate Conductance
• Transistor model qualification under realistic large-signal conditions
• Transistor model improvement using realistic large-signal measurements
• Application of PA design theory through waveform engineering
• resistive Mixer Studies
• System-level studies using simple-to-complex signals with a single connection

Benefits
• Comprehensive understanding of complete large-signal DUT behavior under realistic RF or µwave excitation
• Reduced manufacturing costs by minimizing design cycles
• Optimize model parameters to LSNA measurements
• Benchmark a wide range of device models (e.g., BSIM, MM11, EKV, VBIC, MEXTRAM, HICUM, etc.)
• Higher confidence in your model versus small-signal modeling techniques

System Concept
The LSNA is designed to measure incident and scattered traveling voltage waves (or voltages and currents) in time, frequency domain or time-frequency domain (related to envelope simulation), as they appear at both signal ports of any two-port DUT under-going periodically modulated excitation. This is done while taking into account the possible interactions of what might be less-than-ideal qualities of the instrument in relation to the signal environment. This information represents the complete large-signal (non-linear) behavior of a device. The LSNA is a unique tool that measures the relevant spectral components of a two-port DUT under periodic, realistic RF or microwave excitation, and displays the resulting data as, a) Physical Quantity Sets (i.e., V-I and A, B) and b) Representation Domains (i.e., frequency (ƒ), time(t), and envelope). The measured data can be linked into other tools like ADS and ICCCAP using the supported CITIFile format.

Large-Signal Modeling Techniques
The LSNA measurements enable your R&D engineers or modeling engineers to use the most advanced modeling techniques now available from different research institutes.

• EMPIRICAL MODELS
(Electrical circuit schematics with non-linear components defined by analytical functions)

• STATE-SPACE MODELS
(Describe voltage and current relationships by means of a state-space approach)

• BLACK BOX FREQUENCY DOMAIN MODELS
(Describe the relationships between incident and scatteredc phasors by describing functions)

LSNA Hardware
System components included*:

(1) TEST SET (MT4466A)

(2) DOWN-CONVERTER (MT4464A)

(3) HARMONIC PHASE REFERENCE (MT4465A)

* A Power Meter (i.e., Agilent E4418B), a microwave source and a Windows® compatible PC are also required, and can be included if desired.

The basic Maury LSNA (MT4463A) consists of four components: (1) Test Set MT4466A; (2) Down-Converter MT4464A; (3) Harmonic Phase Reference MT4465A; and a Windows® comatible PC (not shown). A Power Meter (e.g., Agilent E4418B) and other optional equipment is available to complement these components and extend the functionality of your LSNA.
LSNA Hardware Optional components: • DC BIAS SUPPLIES (4142/4156)...with ATS: all DC sources supported by ATS Modulation Source) • ESG E4433B-ESG-D Series RF SIGNAL GENERATOR (250 KHZ to 4 GHz) ---UND-INTERNAL DUAL ARBITRARY WAVEFORM GENERATOR(optional to ESG) General Specifications: • RF Bandwidth: 0.6 to 20 GHz • Maximum RF Power: 10 Watts • Modulation Bandwidth: 8 MHz • Modulation: Must Be Periodic