System overview

Introducing Open Loop Active Source/Load Pull Measurements

The open loop active load pull technique has been developed over the last ten years at Cardiff University and replaces passive tuners with RF sources. By varying the amplitude and phase, any impedance can be created at the DUT interface. With advances made in the test and measurement arena, these signals can be very stable, repeatable and changed very quickly. This allows load pull measurements to be performed much faster and may broaden the application of these measurements.

Open Loop Active Load Pull measurement Advantages

• Unconditional stability
• Complete control of all load/source impedances, inside or outside the Smith Chart
• Allows for source/load pull at high power levels
• All electronic solution ideal for on-wafer measurements
• High measurement accuracy for source/load reflection coefficients
• Suitable for generation and measurement of modulated and pulse signals
• Simple calibration process based on traditional reference standards
• Fast calibration process - As the impedance is continually measured, no need for time consuming pre-calibration of tuners
• Capability can be expended to baseband frequencies
• Default broadband 50ohm impedance maximizes device stability