Keysight accelerates power amplifier DPD test speeds

Article By : Keysight Technologies Inc.

Keysight's new test method significantly shortens Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) test times for power amplifiers.

Keysight Technologies Inc.’s new Iterative Learning Control (ILC) test method significantly shortens Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) test times for power amplifiers (PA).

PA are a core component in wireless communication devices. Characterization of these components is a critical but time-consuming task that can take hours or even days during the R&D phase. By shortening the time it takes to complete the design and validation process, power amplifier manufacturers are able to accelerate their time-to-market.

Keysight meets this need by introducing the innovative ILC DPD test method that shortens DPD test time to minutes and accelerates R&D time from test validation to product design and optimization. As a part of Keysight’s comprehensive High Frequency Measurement Solution portfolio, the ILC test method runs on the N9055EM0E Power Amplifier Measurement Application and uses the VXG Vector Signal Generator and PXA Signal Analyzer to provide industry-leading test performance for signal generation and analysis.

The ILC DPD test method enables faster test speeds, features an integrated user interface, and provides industry-leading measurement accuracy and performance.

Fabless semiconductor manufacturer Hexawave is the first to deploy the ILC test method to characterize its new HWA1330 5G gallium arsenide (GaAs) PA up to 4W in the 3.3GHz to 3.8GHz frequency range. The ILC test method was critical in validating that the HWA1330 can meet design targets including more than 30% power added efficiency (PAE), 35.5dB power gain, and below -50dBc adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) at 100MHz bandwidth and 8.5dB peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) with DPD.

“Power amplifiers are critical in communication systems. Our HWA1330 power amplifier is an industry leader and Keysight’s innovative test method allows us to rapidly and reliably validate our 5G New Radio power amplifier designs to stay at the forefront of the industry,” said Dr. Mong Lin, President at Hexawave.

“Keysight is pleased to strengthen our technical leadership in power amplifier characterization by introducing the new ILC DPD test method. It’s a great example of how our experts keep finding innovative solutions to meet our customers’ testing challenges,” said Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Devices and Solutions Group.

 

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