Gain Compression for Amplifiers GCA (Opt S9x086A 086)

See Also

Other VNA Applications

Features, Requirements, and Limitations

Features

Requirements

Limitations with GCA

The following VNA Features are NOT Available in a Gain Compression channel:

Gain Compression Application Concepts

What is Gain Compression

An amplifier has a region of linear gain, where the gain is independent of the input power level. This gain is commonly referred to as small signal gain. As the input power is increased to a level that causes the amplifier to approach saturation, the gain will decrease. The 1 dB gain compression is defined as the input power level that causes amplifier gain to drop 1 dB relative to the linear gain.

You can quickly measure the gain compression using a compression marker on a power sweep trace.

Terms used in GCA

Linear Power Level  The specified input power that yields linear gain (also known as 'small-signal gain') in the amplifier.

Reference gain  The measured gain that is used as a reference for determining compression level.  The Compression Method that is used could cause this value to be different.

Compression level  The specified amount of gain reduction from the reference gain.

Target gain  The gain at the specified compression level.  Although this term does not appear in GCA, it is important to understand when discussing the various compression parameters.

For example, when using Compression from Linear Gain method with the following settings:

This is called 'Target' gain because GCA will search for the closest measured gain to 9.2000 dB. It may not measure this gain exactly.

Compression point  The operating point at which the measured gain is closest to the Target Gain. All compression parameters report data for this operating point.

Understanding the GCA Displayed Traces

One of the most important concepts to remember with GCA is that, each frequency data point represents many measurements using different input power levels.

Some things to notice about how GCA displays compression data:

  1. The X-axis values are ALWAYS frequency. Imagine behind each frequency data point, a traditional power sweep curve with corresponding measurements and calculations to find the specified compression point.

  2. The Y-axis values are always reported at the compression point. The value that is displayed depends on the compression parameter that you choose.  The S-parameters that are displayed in a GCA channel are always measured at the linear and reverse power level.

Example: Five of the six GCA compression parameters are displayed in the above image. The missing trace, DeltaGain21 is discussed below.  

Create a GCA Measurement

  1. Press Meas > S-Param > Meas Class....

  2. Select Gain Compression, then either:

Gain Compression Parameters

There are several Gain Compression parameters, as well as standard S-parameters and ADC parameters, that can be measured in a GCA channel.

How to add GCA Parameters

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Trace, then select trace.

  2. Press Meas, then select a parameter.

  1. Click Instrument, Trace, Add Trace.

  2. Click Response, Meas, then select a parameter.

Linear S-Parameters

For convenience, the standard S-parameters are offered in a GCA channel. S11 and S21 are measured at the specified Linear Input level. S22 and S12 are measured at the specified Reverse power level.

Note: When a DC meter is added, it will be displayed in the New Trace dialog and SMART Sweep Safe Mode dialog (in DC Parameters pull down menu).

Parameter

Description

When Measured

S11

Input Match

Always

S21

Gain

Always

S22

Output Match

See Reverse

S12

Reverse Isolation

See Reverse

AI1

Linear AI1

AI2

Linear AI2

ADC Parameters

Four ADC analog-to-digital converter measurements are offered in a GCA channel:

These DC measurements, along with Equation Editor, allow you to make PAE measurements at the Linear Input level and compression point.

These measurements are made at pins 7 and 8 of the VNA Power IO connector.

Compression Parameters

Note: The following table assumes: DUT Input = VNA port 1 and  DUT Output = VNA port 2.

When the Port mapping is different, the parameters in GCA are updated accordingly. For example, with Input = port 2 and Output = port 1, then "CompIn12" would be displayed.

The raw data for these parameters are always measured.

Parameter

Description

CompIn21

Input power at the compression point.

CompOut21

Output power at the compression point.

CompGain21

Gain at the compression point.

CompS11

Input Match at the compression point.

RefS21

Linear Gain value used to calculate the compression level.  This is calculated differently depending on the compression method.

DeltaGain21

CompGain21 MINUS Linear Gain (in Log Mag format).  This trace can be used to learn a lot about the DUT compression point. Learn more.

Compression Methods

GCA offers the following methods to find the compression point of an amplifier using GCA:

Compression from Linear Gain

The Reference Gain is measured using the specified Linear (Input) Power Level. The Target Gain is calculated as the Linear Gain minus the specified Compression Level. For example 8.3 dB - 1 dB = 7.3 dB.

Compression from Max Gain

The linear region of an amplifier gain may not be perfectly linear.  The highest gain value that is found at each frequency is used as the Reference (S21) Gain.  The Target Gain is found in the same way as Compression from Linear Gain.

Compression from Saturation

This method is used to better find the compression point when measuring amplifiers with non-linear gain as shown in the following image:

The Max power out value * is found at each frequency. Then input power is lowered until the output power decreases by the specified 'From Max Pout' value. This is the compression point.^

Backoff and X/Y method

These two compression methods are very similar.

GCA searches for these points differently for 2D sweeps and SMART sweep.

The following images show how Backoff and X/Y method is calculated at ONE frequency.

The compression point (yellow circle) is where 10 dB more input power yields 1 dB less gain than at the reference point (blue circle).

The compression point (yellow circle) is where 10 dB more input power yields only 9 dB more output power than at the reference point (blue circle).

Acquisition Modes

The GCA offers three modes for data acquisition: Two 2D sweep modes, and SMART sweep.

To see a traditional power sweep at a single frequency, use the Compression Analysis feature. Learn more.

2D (two-dimensional) Sweeps

This is the easiest method to understand, and the least efficient for finding the compression point. Both 2D sweep modes work as follows:

  1. All GCA measurements begin by measuring S-parameters at the specified Linear Power level. Reverse parameters are measured ONLY if Full 2-port calibration is applied or if a reverse parameter is displayed. Learn more about Cal choices.

  2. Gain measurements are then made at ALL of the specified frequency and power values. Although these are conceptually 2-Dimensional sweeps, a single sweep is constructed in firmware.  See Data Points Limit.

  3. After data has been measured, a search is performed to find the compression point. You can choose to interpolate between the two measured points closest to the target gain. Learn more.

As each sweep is performed, dots are plotted next to the Ch indicator in the lower left corner of the display to indicate progress for the current sweep.

Note: For Backoff and X/Y compression method, GCA does not verify that the specified Start - Stop power range is at least the size of the specified Backoff or X value. The closest compression point is always reported.

Note: SMU Hardware List trigger mode is NOT supported in GCA 2D sweeps.

2D Sweep Modes

The following examples show (frequency, power) values for three frequency points and three power points, resulting in a total of 9 measurements:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

f1,p1

f1,p2

f1,p3

f2,p1

f2,p2

f2,p3

f3,p1

f3,p2

f3,p3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

f1,p1

f2,p1

f3,p1

f1,p2

f2,p2

f3,p2

f1,p3

f2,p3

f3,p3

Viewing and Saving 2D Data

It is NOT possible to plot ALL of the 2D measurement data on the VNA display. However, it can be saved to a *.csv file and then read into an Excel spreadsheet.  The initial S-parameter measurement data is not saved to this file. Learn more.

You can also view on the VNA all power sweep information at a selected frequency using the Compression Analysis feature.

SMART Sweep

SMART Sweep is usually the fastest and most accurate method to measure Gain Compression. Unlike the 2D acquisition modes which measure all of the specified frequency / power points, SMART Sweep performs a series of power search iterations. At each frequency, an 'intelligent guess' of input power is made to find the compression level that is within tolerance. This guess is further refined with each successive power search iteration sweep.  

SMART Sweep continues to iterate until one of the following conditions occur:

  1. ALL data points are within tolerance. When the compression level for a data point achieves the specified tolerance, it continues to be measured and input power changed to improve the measurement within tolerance.

  2. The specified compression level can NOT be achieved for the remaining frequencies that are not in tolerance. Either the Start power is too high or the Stop power is too low.

  3. Maximum iterations have been achieved.  If a measured gain is not within the specified tolerance before the specified Max number of Iterations has been reached, then the last power reading is used as the compression point.

The Iteration Counter, Dots, and Bangs(!)

Next to the Ch indicator, in the lower left corner of a GCA window, the following annotation appears:

  • An iteration counter is incremented each time input power is adjusted.

  • A dot appears when another 10% of the frequency points are within tolerance.

  • ! (bangs) are displayed after the last iteration. Each bang represents 10% of the data points that are NOT within tolerance.

SMART Sweep and Compression Method

The intelligent guess process works differently depending on the compression method.  This is important because Backoff and X/Y compression methods subject the DUT to significant changes in input power during an iteration sweep.  This can affect the DUT and the measurement results.

Learn all about Backoff and X/Y compression methods.

ALL GCA measurements begin by measuring S-parameters at the specified Linear Power level. Reverse parameters are measured ONLY if Full 2-port calibration is applied or if a reverse parameter is displayed. Learn more about Cal choices.

Note: The DUT can be subject to significant changes in power from one iteration sweep to the next. This can be minimized by the use of SAFE Sweep and careful selection of the corresponding settings.

Using the Gain Compression Application

The following is a general procedure for performing a GCA measurement. The challenge with GCA is configuring a measurement that yields the true compression performance of YOUR DUT. This requires knowledge of the Gain Compression settings and knowledge of the DUT.

See specific dialog boxes below.

  1. Disconnect the DUT if preset or default power levels may damage the VNA or DUT.

  2. Preset the VNA, or configure a suitable User Preset that will be safe in case the DUT is connected.

  3. Create a GCA channel. Learn how. The default trace is S21.

  4. Start GCA Setup dialog and configure the measurement settings based on the DUT, adapters, attenuators, booster amplifiers, and fixtures to be used in the measurement.

  5. Save the instrument state (optional).

  6. Connect DUT and apply bias and RF power as appropriate. The default measurement for a GCA channel is S21 (amplifier gain). Inspect the gain measurement to ensure the DUT is operating as expected.

  7. Add GCA compression parameter traces. Learn how.

  8. Adjust the measurement settings to yield satisfactory compression parameters. See GCA Measurement Tips.

  9. Start and complete the GCA Calibration wizard.

How to start the Gain Compression Setup dialog

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Freq > Main >  GCA Setup....

  1. Click Stimulus

  2. Select GCA Setup...

Frequency tab - Gain Compression -dialog box help

Configures the frequency settings over which Gain compression is to be measured, as well as the measurement method.

Sweep Type

Choose a method in which to sweep frequency: Linear, Log, and Segment Sweeps. This setting applies to all data acquisition modes.

Notes

  • Log and Segment Sweep are NOT available on GCX.

  • CW Sweep is NOT available in GCA.  However, to see a traditional power sweep at a single frequency, use the Compression Analysis feature.

  • To use CW Sweep in GCX, set all ranges to Fixed on the Mixer Frequency tab. This has the same effect as setting all ranges to Start = Stop Frequency.

Segment Sweep Notes (GCA ONLY)

Data Acquisition Mode

Specifies HOW the gain compression data is collected.

SMART Sweep

  • At each frequency, input power is 'intelligently' adjusted to find a measured gain equal to the target gain.

  • Faster and more accurate than 2D sweeps to measure Gain Compression point at a number of frequencies.

  • Learn ALL about SMART Sweep

2D (two-dimensional) Sweeps

  • Sweep Power per Frequency   Performs a series of power sweeps at each successive frequency.

  • Sweep Frequency per Power  Performs a series of frequency sweeps at each successive power level.

  • Learn ALL about 2D sweeps

Sweep Settings

Click each to learn more about these settings.

  • Number of points  Number of frequency points to measure. The Frequency points may be limited due to the number of specified Power points. See Data Points Limit.

  • IF Bandwidth   Set this value to yield acceptable trace noise when measuring gain at the linear power level. This level of noise contributes directly to the accuracy of compression point. A lower value (narrower IFBW) allows for more accurate, but slower, measurements.  See GCA Measurement Tips to see how to best set IFBW.

  • Start / Stop, Center / Span frequencies.  Set the frequency range over which to measure Gain compression.

Data Points Limit

The maximum number of measurement data points depends on Acquisition method and Compression method as follows:

SMART sweep

2D sweep

Compression method

Number of frequency points is reduced to ensure the total number of data points does not exceed the specified limit. Frequency points = maxpoints/2.

Number of power points is reduced to ensure the total number of data points does not exceed the specified limit.

  • Compression from linear gain

Data points = freq points

Max  = 100,001

Data points = (freq. points) * (power points)

Max power points = 2,001

Max data points = 100,000

  • Compression from max gain

Data points = freq points

Max  = 100,001

  • X/Y and Backoff

Data points = 2 * freq points

Max  = 100,001

  • Compression from Saturation

Data points = freq points

Max  = 100,001

Note: Although the dialog box will allow you to enter any number of frequency or power points, the values are checked when OK or Apply is pressed. If a limit is exceeded, the relevant data points are reduced to the maximum allowable number without warning.

Power tab - Gain Compression dialog box help

Configures RF power and Power Sweep settings for Gain Compression measurement.

Power ON (All channels)  Check to turn RF Power ON or clear to turn power OFF for all channels.

Input Port

Select the VNA port that is connected to the DUT Input.

Linear Power Level  The input power that yields the linear gain of the DUT. The linear gain is used as the reference gain when calculating the Compression from Linear Gain.  Input match is also measured at this power level.

Source Attenuator  Specifies the attenuator setting associated with the port connected to the input of the DUT. This attenuator will affect the range of available power into the DUT Learn more about Source Attenuation.

All VNA channels in continuous sweep must have the same attenuation value. Learn more.

Receiver AttenuatorLearn more about Receiver Attenuation.

Source Leveling Mode   Specifies the leveling mode. Choose Internal or Receiver R1. Learn how to configure Receiver Leveling. Open Loop should only be used when doing .

Output Port

Select the VNA port that is connected to the DUT Output.

Reverse Output Power  Sets power level into the output of the DUT for reverse sweeps. Port power is automatically uncoupled.

Reverse power is applied to the DUT ONLY under the following conditions. Otherwise, this setting is ignored.

  • When Linear Output Match or Linear Reverse Isolation parameters are requested.

  • When Full 2-port correction is used. You can perform a full 2-port cal and downgrade to an Enhanced Response Cal to prevent reverse power from being applied to the DUT. Learn more.

Source Attenuator  Specifies the attenuator setting for the port connected to the DUT output. This setting will affect the range of available power at the DUT output port.

Auto - Selects the proper attenuation setting automatically.

Power Sweep

Power Points  Number of power points to measure for 2D acquisition modes.  The Power Points may be limited due to the number of frequency data points. See Data Points Limit.  This setting is NOT available in SMART Sweep, which uses only enough power points to find the specified compression level.

Start and Stop Power

  • 2D sweep   In Backoff, X/Y, and Compression from Max Gain methods, sets the range of power levels that are applied to the DUT to find BOTH the Reference Gain and Compression point. Make sure this range is wide enough to include both. For example, if the Backoff level is 10 dB, then the power range must be greater than 10dB.  Otherwise, GCA will report a compression value using the closest reference gain and compression point, which may be inaccurate.  In Compression from Linear Gain, the reference gain is measured at the Linear Power Level, so the Start and Stop power levels are used to find the compression point.

  • SMART sweep  Sets the range of power over which GCA will search for the compression point. The reference gain is found using the Linear Power Level, Backoff, and X values, depending on the Compression Method. To reduce the number of iterations that are required to find the compression point, limit the Start / Stop power range to the input levels that will achieve compression. Do not include the linear region.

Note: If your DUT requires more input power to achieve compression below 3.2 GHz, use the PNA-X Hi-power mode, available from the RF Path Configuration dialog. The disadvantage to this is higher harmonic content.

Power Step (Size)  Calculated value from current Start, Stop, and Points settings. This setting can NOT be changed directly.

Path Configuration  click to launch the RF Path Configuration dialog.

Compression tab - Gain Compression dialog box help

Compression Method

Learn ALL about these Compression Methods

  • Compression from Linear Gain   The specified compression Magnitude Level is measured from the linear gain. The linear gain is measured using the Linear Input Power that is specified on the Power tab.

  • Compression from Max Gain  The specified compression level is measured from the maximum gain level.  In SMART sweep, the Max Gain value is updated as each iteration occurs. To increase the chances of measuring the actual maximum gain of the amplifier, Safe Sweep should be invoked using low Coarse and Fine increments.

  • Compression from Back Off  This compression method uses the Compression Level and Back Off values for finding the compression point.

  • X/Y Compression  This compression method uses the specified parameters (X and Y) as the criterion for finding the compression point.

  • Compression from Saturation  Similar to Compression from Max Gain, except the specified compression level is measured from the maximum power out level. Use this method to better find the compression point when measuring amplifiers with non-monotonic gain. In SMART sweep, the Max power out value is updated as each iteration occurs. To increase the chances of measuring the actual maximum power out of the amplifier, Safe Sweep should be invoked using low Coarse and Fine increments

Phase

Note: Gain Compression Phase is a Licensed Feature. Learn more about Licensed Features.

When Compression from Linear Gain is selected and the Data Acquisition Mode in the Frequency tab is set to Sweep Power Per Frequency (2D) or Sweep Frequency Per Power (2D), the following Phase functions are enabled.

Magnitude Only  Measures compression against magnitude.

Phase Only  Measures compression against phase.

Magnitude or Phase  Measures compression against magnitude or phase.

Phase Level  Specifies the phase to interpolate compression point.

Phase Details...  Accesses the Advanced Phase Settings dialog.

Gain Compression Measurement Class Dialog

Gain Compression Converters Measurement Class Dialog

Compute Linear Power from Percent of Span  Specifies the aperture as a percentage of span to compute linear input power.

Smooth Power Sweep Using  Enables the power sweep to be smoothed.

Aperture  Aperture used for smoothing the power sweep.

Use Reference Mixer  Enables a reference mixer. To improve the noise of the phase measurements in Gain Compression Converters (GCX), an optional user supplied external reference can be added to the R1 loop. The LO for the reference mixer should be common with the LO for the DUT mixer. After this hardware is added, and this function is enabled, the GCX application will use the reference mixer to improve the phase measurements.

Force Source Power Out Port 1  This function is used when GCX channels with a reference mixer and one GCA channel without a reference mixer are set up simultaneously and you want to use the same path configuration for all channels. This remaps the source port to Port 1.

SMART Sweep

Learn ALL about Smart Sweep.

Tolerance  Specifies an acceptable range for measuring the compression level. Reducing this value can significantly increase the number of iterations that are required to find the compression point.

Maximum Iterations  Specifies the maximum number of power search iterations SMART Sweep is allowed. Reducing this value can cause SMART sweep to terminate before all compression levels are found to within the specified tolerance.

Show Iterations  When checked, the compression parameter traces are updated at the completion of each power search iteration. When cleared, compression parameter traces are updated when SMART Sweep completes the power search iteration process.

Read DC at Compression Point  When checked, only the DC readings at the compression point in the last iteration of a smart sweep will be taken. By default, the DC traces are read at each point in the sweep. In some cases, the user may only want to read the DC meter at the compression point to improve measurement speed.

2D Sweep - Compression Point Interpolation

When a 2D Sweep is selected (on the Frequency tab), check this box to calculate and display interpolated compression traces.

The Target gain is calculated using a complex linear ratio between the two closest measured values.  All compression parameters are then interpolated using this same ratio.

Clear the box to display compression parameters for the closest compression point, either high or low, to the level specified in the Compression Method setting.

End of Sweep Condition  Specifies the power level applied to the DUT at the completion of a GCA measurement.

GCA performs numerous power and frequency sweeps on the DUT during the overall measurement process. This setting has no affect on these intermediate sweeps. This setting only applies at the end of the very last sweep in the GCA channel.

In addition, this setting applies ONLY to the GCA channel. All other channels operate independently of this setting. Therefore, the power applied to the DUT after all channels have been measured may be different from this setting.

Choose from:

  • Default  Use the default VNA method.  Learn more.

  • RF OFF   RF power is turned off when GCA completes a measurement cycle.

  • Start Power  RF power is set to the start power level.

  • Stop Power  RF power stays at the stop power level.

Settling Time

Used ONLY in SMART Sweep when Back Off or X/Y compression algorithms are selected.

This setting allows additional dwell time when the input power changes from the back-off level to the compression level. Learn more.

SMART Sweep Safe Mode dialog box help

For use with SMART Sweep ONLY.

When enabled, Safe Sweep increases the input power to the DUT by the specified amounts, allowing the compression point to be achieved gradually. While this will increase the number of iterations required to achieve compression, it also minimizes the possibility of driving the DUT too far into compression.  

Note:  Safe Sweep does NOT minimize the dramatic change in input power with Backoff and XY method.  However, Safe Sweep with Backoff and XY methods DOES prevent the DUT from being exposed to too much input power. Learn more.

Safe Mode (Enable)  Check to enable Safe Sweep.

Coarse Increment  Sets the maximum change in input power, up or down, which will be applied to the DUT from one iteration to the next. Default = 3.0 dB.

Without Safe Sweep, the maximum change in input power can be the entire Backoff or X value when using these compression methods.

Fine Increment   Once the Fine Threshold has been achieved, this becomes the maximum change in input power, up or down, which will be applied to the DUT. Default = 1.00 dB

Fine Threshold  Specifies the compression level in which Safe Sweep changes from the COARSE to the FINE increment. Default = 0.5 dB. This means that, by default,  the VNA uses the Fine Increment adjustment when compression reaches 0.5 dB.

Max Output Power  To protect the VNA from damage, when the VNA port that is connected to the DUT Output measures the specified value, the input power to the DUT is no longer incremented at that frequency. In these cases, the compression point would probably not be achieved.

DC Parameters  Select a DC device from the pulldown list. (Modification Distortion Only)

Note: When a DC meter is added, it will be displayed in the New Trace dialog and SMART Sweep Safe Mode dialog (in DC Parameters pull down menu).

Max DC Power  Enter the limit value of the DC device. When the Max DC Power is above the limit value, the power sweep is clipped and returns to the previous safe value. The units are changed automatically per the Type setting in the DC meter dialog. (Modification Distortion Only)

Compression Analysis

Compression Analysis changes the current trace into a power sweep trace at a specified CW frequency . The current parameter and acquisition method is unchanged. For example, with a CompGain21 trace displayed and SMART Sweep selected, enable Compression Analysis. The trace becomes a power sweep trace at the specified CW frequency. The Y-axis displays S21 Gain at each X-axis power point.

When Smart sweep is used, a complete power sweep is not performed, but only the data points that are required to find the compression point. To see a traditional power IN vs power OUT compression sweep, use one of the 2-D acquisition methods.

You can create PNOP or PSAT markers on a CompOut trace with Compression Analysis mode ON. Learn more.

How to perform Compression Analysis

With any compression parameter (such as CompGainS21) displayed:

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Click Math > Analysis > Compression Analysis....

  1. Click Response

  2. Select Math

  3. Select Compression Analysis

Compression Analysis dialog box help

Notes: When an S21 or S11 trace is active, any compression parameter (such as CompGainS21) must also be displayed.

Compression Analysis is NOT allowed for S12 or S22 traces.

Scroll up to learn more about Compression Analysis.

Analysis Frequency: CW  Enter a frequency to use for the compression analysis trace.

Compression Analysis  Check to perform compression analysis. A compression trace is displayed at the Analysis (CW) Frequency.

Use Discrete Frequencies  Check to allow Analysis Frequencies at only the discrete points where data is measured. Clear to allow Analysis CW Frequencies that are interpolated from the data points. Then select ANY CW frequency between the start and stop frequencies of the GCA channel.

X-Axis

  • Use Measured Pin  The X-axis displays the actual power that is applied to the DUT after match correction and R-channel drift correction.

  • Use Source Pwr Settings  The X-axis displays the power level of the stimulus.

Saving GCA Data

Beginning with VNA release A.08.20, GCA data can be saved to a *.csv file in both 2D and SMART Sweep modes (previously only 2D modes). Also, a Delta Gain, AI1, and AI2 columns have been added to the data. Learn about ADC parameters.

How to save GCA data

With a GCA Compression trace active:

Using Hardkey/SoftTab/Softkey

Using a mouse

  1. Press Save  Recall > Save Other > Save Data....

  2. File Type= CSV Formatted Data (*.csv)
    or
    GCA Sweep Data (*.csv).

  1. Click File

  2. Select Save Data
  3. File Type= CSV Formatted Data (*.csv)
    or
    GCA Sweep Data (*.csv).

Notes

SMART Sweep data with 5 iterations and 3 frequency points. The yellow highlight is added here for readability.

When saving or recalling 2D data:

GCA Measurement Tips

There are many settings in the Gain Compression Application. Here are a few tips when using GCA to learn as much as possible about the compression characteristics of your DUT in the most efficient manner.

DUT Compression Characteristics and GCA  

Although GCA provides excellent results with a wide variety of amplifiers, it works best with amplifiers which have a monotonic compression curve.  In some cases where the compression curve is not monotonic, for example if the amplifier gain expands before it compresses, the correct compression level may not be found.

To help a SMART sweep find the correct compression point, limit the Start and Stop power levels around the anticipated compression point.  Learn more.

The following two power-sweep traces are examples of non-monotonic gain:

DeltaGain

A DeltaGain trace is the best way to see how closely GCA is actually measuring to the desired compression level.  In addition, you can view the phase of DeltaGain to see the phase deviation between the compressed gain and the reference gain. DeltaGain is calculated as:

With SMART Sweep, DeltaGain (in LogMag format) shows how soon certain frequencies achieve the specified tolerance.  Learn more.

Some other settings which may be helpful:

The following image shows a DeltaGain21 trace using SMART Sweep. The Limit Lines were added manually.

In the above image:

Relevant Settings

Method = Compression From Linear Gain

Compression level = 1

Iteration Tolerance = 0.05 dB.

Maximum Iterations = 10

Displayed

Results

A data point on -1.00 indicates that, at that frequency, the exact compression level (1 dB) was measured.

Several frequencies did not achieve the specified tolerance (0.05 dB) before the Max Iterations (10) was reached.

  • FAIL and red data points outside the limit lines.

  • Nine dots (....) indicate that 90% of the data points achieved the specified compression level.

  • one ! indicates that 10% of the data points did not achieve compression.

  • Learn more about the Iteration Counter and annotation.

SMART Sweep Tips

Single Frequency Macros

Note: Beginning with VNA rev. A.09.00, the Compression Analysis feature provides an easier method of viewing a traditional power sweep at a single frequency than the GCA macros. However, the Macros are still maintained on the VNA hard drive.

The macros perform a single power sweep on the DUT using a standard channel with corresponding stimulus settings. The macro can show measurement differences from the compression analysis traces due to bias/thermal/settling effects of the DUT. So, the macro can help confirm a DUT is exhibiting some type of settling behavior which will need to be handled in some way.

Also, the macro is a great GCA programming example.

With a 2D sweep (NOT SMART Sweep) a script that is stored on the VNA hard drive automatically creates a traditional power sweep measurement in a standard channel using the same stimulus setting as the GCA channel. Use a marker in the GCA channel to specify the frequency for the measurement.

The script has two modes of operation:

  1. View Mode displays all of the previous 2D sweep data at that frequency.

  2. Measure Mode performs a new measurement at that frequency.

Both modes create a new S-Parameter channel using the same stimulus settings as the GCA channel, including port power, attenuator, IF Bandwidth, and dwell settings. The new channel does not support calibration or pulse characteristics.

To see noise on a measurement, use the Measure macro in continuous sweep. Adjust the IFBW and averaging until the noise versus sweep speed meets your needs.

To see other effects of your DUT at a specific frequency, use the View macro and the Measure macro with 2D sweep mode. Both macros present data using a standard channel. The View macro shows 2D data at a specific frequency, while the Measure macro shows freshly-measured data at the same frequency. Ideally, the data from these two would be identical. However, changes in your DUT behavior due to heating or other effects can cause these to be different. If significant differences exist, try:

How to setup the Macros

Each macro must be setup separately.

  1. Press Macro > Key Setup > Macro Setup....

  2. Select a blank line, then click Edit.

  3. In Macro Title, type a short description such as Meas GCA or View GCA.

  4. Click Browse, then navigate to C:\Program Files(x86)\Keysight\Network Analyzer\Applications\GCA\GCA.vbs

  5. In Macro run string parameters:

    1. Type M for the Measure macro or V for View macro.

    2. Optional: Supply the following additional parameters in any order:

  1. Click OK.

How to run the Macros

On a GCA channel:

  1. Create a 2D sweep. Either Power per Freq or Freq per Power. Both macros always create a power sweep at the frequency of interest.

  2. Create a CompIn trace.

  3. On the CompIn trace, right-click and select Add Marker. Drag the marker to the frequency of interest.

  4. Press Macro, then select either by the short description your provided in Step 3.