Wideband Noise Parameter Extraction Using Tuners

Perform ultra-wideband mmWave Noise Parameter Extraction

Accurate wideband Noise Parameter Extraction is increasingly important for mmWave LNA design as the demand for broadband wireless communication products is growing and vendors are not only looking for the best performing low noise devices, but one that can be used for many application across large sets of frequencies. Focus Microwaves has the largest set of wideband fundamental tuners covering multi-octaves making them ideal for wideband noise parameter extraction. 

For example, Focus Microwaves' CCMT-5020 (2-50 GHz) covers up to > 5 Octaves in a single sweep. Paring this wideband tuner to Keysight’s 50 GHz noise receiver and S93029B noise figure application enables high-accuracy wideband noise figure and noise-power measurements of amplifiers and transistors. Focus Microwaves’ noise parameter extraction routines leverage the PNA-X’s unique implementation of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements. For mmwave applications a RF down conversion stage might be required if the frequency of noise measured exceeds the receiver’s bandwidth. Focus offers noise modules which support down conversion for optimal speed and performance.

• On wafer and fixtured wideband noise parameter extraction
• Uses Keysight N524XA/B PNAx Series of network series
• Also supports Keysight N9069A/W9069A noise figure measurement application
• Focus mmWave wideband CCMT and DELTA fundamental tuners 
• Focus Device Characterization Software to control instrumentation and collect data
• Measure multiple parameters over multi-octaves of frequency