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Noise Characterization Application Software
(MT993B and MT993C)

[Click on these images for larger views.] Figure 1-1. Noise Block Diagram as displayed by the MT993B software application, showing a typical equipment setup for performing noise characterization measurements.

Figure 1-2. Interactive Measurement Mode as displayed by the MT993B software application.

Figure 1-3. Swept Noise data as displayed by the MT993B software application.

Figure 1-4. Noise Statistics display as it appears in the MT993B software application.

The Maury Windows® 98/2000/XP power characterization application (MT993B) performs rapid and accurate noise characterization measurements using the Maury automated tuner system (ATS), a noise source, a local oscillator (if needed) a bias supply, and a noise gain analyzer (noise figure meter). This software also allows for the use of a noise figure test set. It improves the accuracy and reduces the tedium inherent in traditional manual methods. It is designed to operate with Maury RF device characterization solutions to determine the noise parameters of a linear device, module or subassembly. Used in such a setup, this software allows fixture or probe station network characteristics (if known) to be de-embedded to the device input plane. The program is provided as part of a complete RF device characterization solution specified for noise characterization, separately as model MT993B, or combined with the power characterization software (MT993A) as model MT993C.

Noise Parameters

Good noise performance is a critical element of most receiving systems. Low noise equals lower transmitter power requirements, with savings in size, weight, battery life, and cost. Knowledge of a device's noise parameters is valuable to receiver/amplifier designers, saving hours of design time and reducing, or eliminating, "cut-and-try" iterations.

Maury noise application software enables an automated tuner system to make fast, accurate measurements of minimum noise figure, optimum source reflection coefficient, and equivalent noise resistance. It also provides the gain parameters of the device and has a built-in general purpose S-parameter measurement program. All measurements can be de-embedded to the device input and output planes. Both data and graphical hard copy outputs can be provided.

The block diagram interface display (Figure 2-1 at right) shows a typical noise measurement setup. Sample output displays (below Figure 2-1) show typical views of the Interactive Measurement mode (Figure 2-2), the Swept Noise mode (Figure 2-3), and the Noise Statistics window (Figure 2-4) as they are displayed by the MT993B software.

[Clicking on these images will open larger views in separate browser windows.]

Computer hardware requirements are detailed on the Complete Automated Tuner Systems page and the measurement equipment supported by this software is listed on the ATS Software Supported Equipment page.

Block Diagram Interface (Figure 2-1)

Complete system configuration (including test equipment, equipment drivers, measurement parameters, and test conditions) can be performed from this GRAPHICAL INTERFACE display. It is an interactive display, from which users can configure, save, recall, and control various test setups for different applications. These block diagrams can be edited at any time. Each icon in the block diagram represents actual instruments in the test setup, and each is configurable to match the characteristics of those instruments. Each instrument represented in the block diagram can be independently turned on or off as desired, to simulate various operating conditions.

Interactive Measurement Mode (Figure 2-2)

Figure 2-2 shows a single frequency display that permits users to: a) measure the device noise parameters; b) measure noise figure and gain at any available source or load impedance; c) select the impedances used inthe noise parameter determination or let the software determine these automatically. Constant noise figure and gain circles can also be plotted on the source and impedance Smith chart.

Swept Noise Display (Figure 2-3)

Figure 2-3 shows a typical swept noise display. In this display the measured parameters can be simultaneously displayed versus frequency. a mouse or cursor key controlled marker provides for readouts at measured or interpolated points. Data smoothing (1st or 2nd order) is available, and graphics scales are user-controlled. Noise parameters as well as maximum gain, associated gain and stability factor (k) are tabulated and available for printout below the plots.

Noise Statistics Display (Figure 2-4)

Figure 2-4 show a typical Noise Statistics display in which the agreement between the noise parameter solution and individual points can be seen. The noise parameter solution is also displayed so the effect of changing options can be immediately observed. This display may be toggled between calibration and DUT measurement data so the effect of calibration options can be seen on the measured DUT data.