GS-9200 MCPA Test System. Streamline the Transition from R&D to Manufacturing with a Standard Platform for Multi- Carrier Power Amplifier Testing

Transcription

1 GS-9200 MCPA Test System Streamline the Transition from R&D to Manufacturing with a Standard Platform for Multi- Carrier Power Amplifier Testing

2 MCPA Testing Needs Quickly ramp up multi-carrier power amplifier (MCPA) production with this automatic test system. Designed to increase product yields while reducing the overall cost of test, the GS-9200 MCPA test system includes everything you need to support production testing: A standard platform that can be tailored for individual testing needs Testing in multiple radio formats, including W-CDMA, cdma2000, and GSM Calibrated MCPA measurements and predistortion analysis High system up time, ensured by Agilent s worldwide, locally delivered support Challenges of 3G Testing As wireless communication companies roll out 3G networks and services, equipment manufacturers are being challenged to develop a new generation of test solutions. Initially the focus has been on verifying that product designs meet industry standards. But ultimately new 3G products must be integrated into the manufacturing environment, where testing techniques are often different from those of the design lab. One particular challenge for manufacturers is moving the complex MCPA feedforward and pre-distortion designs used in base-station transmitters from R&D into high-volume production. R&D and Manufacturing: Two Different Environments In the R&D environment, engineers can optimize test-equipment setups, cabling, and device-under-test (DUT) adjustments to obtain favorable results for individual measurements, such as adjacent-channel-leakage ratio (ACLR). Under lab conditions, engineers can control the DUT interface for example, input- and output-impedance matches to provide calibrated signal stimuli and measurements at the DUT ports. These procedures lead to accurate, repeatable MCPA test results. The manufacturing environment, however, has different testing goals such as high product volume and yield that often preclude accurate, repeatable measurements. To maintain high-volume testing, manufacturing test has the following requirements that differ from those of R&D: Multiple configurations for each test station Instruments integrated into a test system with system software Calibration techniques for multiple measurements Automatic-test procedures for unskilled test operators High-speed testing and repeatable results Reliable test systems with responsive support

3 Standard Test Platform A Standard Test Plaform Reduces Product Time to Market Figure 1. Starting with a standard platform saves time and cost in developing an MCPA test solution. Versatile MCPA Test System Eases the Transition To fulfill the new test requirements, Agilent s GS-9200 MCPA test system provides a standard test platform with automatic MCPA measurements for both the R&D and manufacturing environments. The same test system can verify R&D product designs and perform high-volume production tests. With this versatile test system, your products can be moved seamlessly from R&D into manufacturing. Test-system configuration and features can be tailored for individual testing needs. For example, the system can be modified for specific DUT requirements, including higher DC power, higher RF power, multiple connections, communications control, and fixturing. Tailoring the system for your unique needs allows you to speed new MCPA products into production and to the market (see figure 1). The testengineering effort is reduced, and you can concentrate on improving product quality and yield. The overall cost of test is reduced. 3

4 Test-System Features Meeting Changing Test Needs The flexible GS-9200 platform design lets you respond quickly to changing manufacturing needs, such as the need to add emerging radio formats. For example, today the test system supports W-CDMA, cdma2000, and GSM; other formats such as cdmaone are planned as system upgrades. The basic GS-9200 test system performs MCPA feed-forward testing with automatic measurements including ACLR, spectrum-emission mask (SEM), low- and high-power S- parameters, gain, spurious, and others. Optional complex stimulusresponse measurements provide MCPA distortion data for example, AM-AM and AM-PM values for predistortion algorithms installed in MCPAs during manufacturing. If predistortion testing is not initially required, the complex stimulusresponse measurements can be added after GS-9200 delivery. Accurate, Repeatable Measurements The GS-9200 provides accurate, repeatable measurements between different DUTs, test systems, and test locations, from R&D to different manufacturing sites. The key to accurate, repeatable measurements is system calibration, which characterizes the signal path between the test equipment and the DUT as shown in figure 2. Signal Path Characterization and Correction Figure 2. One of many examples of system calibration, moving the measurement plane to the DUT ports, improving measurement accuracy and repeatability Signal Generator Signal Distribution Optional Filter Optional Amplifier Port 1 Port 2 MCPA Network Analyzer 4

5 The signal path includes cables, switches, combiners, attenuators, amplifiers, filters, and optional external components. With the test system s network analyzer, you can characterize the signal-path gain, loss, and frequency response through the measurement network. Then, by storing correction factors in the test equipment or test-system computer, you can remove the path irregularities from the measurements. This procedure effectively moves the measurement plane to the DUT ports, making the measurement path transparent. After the system calibration, you can run different measurements on multiple DUTs of the same type without having to calibrate the system again. Another GS-9200 feature enhances measurement accuracy by compensating for the DUT-connector adapters for example, type-n to SMA which can affect measurement results. Figure 3 shows the connector-adapter de-embedding technique, which is similar to the system calibration process. In this case, the network analyzer characterizes the cabling with and without the connector adapters. This results in the measurement planes being moved from the cable connectors to the DUT connectors, thus bypassing the adapters and improving measurement accuracy. De-Embedding DUT Adapters Network Analyzer Port 1 Port 2 Figure 3. De-embedding connector adapters is another GS-9200 measurementaccuracy enhancing feature. Adapter A Input Measurement Plane DUT Adapter B Output Measurement Plane A 21 S 21 B 21 Adapt. A DUT Adapt. B A 11 S 11 B 11 Port 1 Port 2 A 22 S 22 B 22 A 12 S 12 B 12 5

6 Production-Test Benefits Reduced MCPA Tuning Time The GS-9200 has a unique visual-tuning aid (Agilent patent pending) that speeds the tuning process for MCPA feed-forward designs. This test aid reduces the impact of interaction between tuning parameters because the test operator tunes the MCPA while viewing a graphical representation of the combined MCPA parameters (see figure 4). A real-time display shows the tuning progression, toward or away from the graphical center along parameter axes, and indicates when optimal tuning has been achieved. A System You Can Rely On The GS-9200 keeps on testing your MCPA products to meet critical delivery schedules. We designed the system for high reliability and up time, and Agilent s support is available worldwide and delivered by local experts. We respond to calls within four hours with troubleshooting help aided by remote web-based system analysis. Even before you call, you can isolate problems with a built-in system self test, which is a confidence check that system equipment and signal paths are functioning correctly. Through years of supporting system solutions, Agilent has learned that the fastest, most cost-effective method of achieving high system uptime is through cooperative support. We work closely with you at all times to keep your system running. You perform the initial troubleshooting with help from an experienced Agilent engineer, who can discuss testsystem problems with you over the phone and recommend the fastest repair strategy. Through a secure remote connection between Agilent and your GS-9200 system computer, an Agilent support engineer can analyze problems and determine solutions. Even the test setup and cabling can be viewed remotely because every GS-9200 comes with a handheld camera that you can use in troubleshooting discussions with our support engineers. MCPA Tuning is Aided with Visual Graphic Figure 4. The GS-9200 visual tuning aid simplifies MCPA feed-forward tuning, resulting in faster optimum adjustments. 6

7 Getting Your Production Running Making you successful is our job, from defining a test solution to implementing production testing. Besides fast system delivery (our target is four weeks for the standard system), we will install the GS-9200 in your production area and provide you with two-day start-up assistance from an Agilent technicalconsulting engineer. Technical consultants can help you start testing your MCPA products and offer suggestions on DUT fixturing and test plans. If you need additional help, an Agilent engineer can discuss your needs and recommend a consultingservice package. Even before the GS-9200 is installed, your test engineers and operators can start learning how to run the system. You can design product training suited for your needs by selecting from the following standard training modules: System overview Test-execution environment TestExec SL overview Test-plan development Functional measurements for test engineers System-operation measurements Software for Non-Experts and for Test Developers The GS-9200 software is easy to use for test operators and flexibly designed for test developers. For test operators, the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system provides logon security, and the GS-9200 graphical user interface is intuitive. With the Agilent TestExec SL test-executive software, test engineers can develop MCPA test plans that include test sequencing, new tests and functions (implemented through COM object), signal-path characterization, and measurement-data storage (see figure 5). With the test-system bar-code reader, specific test data can be correlated with an individual DUT serial number. Test results can be exported to a database for analysis of factors such as MCPA parameter drift. GS-9200 measurements and utilities are test-executive independent, allowing customers to integrate other sequencers. Figure 5. With the Agilent TestExec SL software, test developers can create test plans for the GS-9200 such as the S- parameter measurements shown in the computer display window. 7

8 Measurement Technology Automatic Measurements Test developers can create GS-9200 test plans that use automatic measurements available in the system measurement library. The GS-9200 software combines multiple instrument functions and tests with test-system signal routing to perform the following measurements for different MCPA-assembly levels. 1. Main power-amplifier measurements: Average power S 11, S 21, S 12, and S 22 parameters ACLR for W-CDMA single and multiple carriers Adjacent-channel power ratio (ACPR) for cdma2000 single and multiple carriers AM-AM and AM-PM for CW signals 2. Error power-amplifier measurements: Average power S 11, S 21, S 12, and S 22 parameters ACLR for W-CDMA single and multiple carriers ACPR for cdma2000 single and multiple carriers 3. Sub-assembly (components such as combiners, attenuators, and delay lines) measurements: S 11, S 21, S 12, and S 22 parameters Group delay 4. Integrated MCPA measurements: Average power Power added efficiency (PAE) Gain (with modulated signals) S 11, S 21, S 12, and S 22 parameters High-power S 22 parameter AM-AM and AM-PM for CW signals ACLR for W-CDMA single and multiple carriers ACPR for cdma2000 single and multiple carriers SEM Multi-tone inter-modulation distortion (IMD) Spurious 8 Harmonics Code-domain power (CDP) Modulation accuracy, including error-vector magnitude (EVM) and complimentary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) The following complex stimulusresponse measurements are done under modulated conditions for predistortion MCPA designs. 5. Pre-distorter and main power amplifier measurements: AM-AM for modulated signals AM-PM for modulated signals 6. Integrated MCPA measurements: AM-AM for modulated signals AM-PM for modulated signals CCDF Power-distribution function (PDF) EVM Latest Test Technology The GS-9200 test-system includes the latest Agilent instruments, providing you with the most up-to-date testing capability available. Many instruments have specific MCPA testing features such as the E4438C signal source with W-CDMA, cdma2000, and GSM radio formats. Another example is the improved ACLR or ACPR measurement DPD Features RF Source Data Processing DUT Corrected I&Q range provided by the combined E4438C signal source, E4445A spectrum analyzer, and N4256A amplifierdistortion test set (ADTS). Other instruments in the standard system include the E8356A RF vector network analyzer for S-parameter measurements and signal-path characterization, E4417A power meter for accurate power measurements and system calibration, and 6674A or 6692A DC-power supply for providing DUT power. Digital Predistortion (DPD) DPD Feature delivers to MCPA manufacturers calibrated and corrected (for DUT gain, DUT delay and LO drift) I & Q samples of both the DUT s input and out put at nominal DUT power under realistic modulated conditions. - Realistic signals, so that no discrepancy appears between the distortion characterization and the ACP cancellation verification phases - Corrected signals and system level specification ensures optimum test margins - Better distortion characterization that guarantees predistorter operation and improves its performance DUT RF Output DUT RF Input Graphical Display Figure 6. Digital Predistortion measurement architecture DUT Output I&Q DUT Input I&Q Step 1 Step 2 RF Analyzer and Data Aquisition

9 Test-System Equipment Polynomial Curve Fit to Data - Sample input and out put signals - AM-AM and AM-PM characterize DUT - Find polynomial curve fit, invert the polynomial, and apply to the input signal - Complete data available for more advance model One Connection for Multiple Tests The GS-9200 system-architecture diagram (see figure 7) shows the testsystem instruments and DUT connected through the N1806A precision system interface (PSI), a specialized instrument containing RF switching and signal conditioning needed for multiple test setups. The PSI (see figure 8) is the heart of the GS-9200 because it provides signal routing for DUT measurements, system calibration, and system self test. The PSI reduces DUT setup time and improves measurement accuracy because it allows the GS-9200 to perform multiple measurements without disconnecting the DUT or re-calibrating the system equipment. Expandable System for Worldwide Operation The GS-9200 hardware includes a rugged 1.6m-high, dual-bay rack with an industrial computer and flat-screen display, which is mounted to the rack. Blank panels allow for rack-equipment expansion resulting from added test capability (for example, multiple signal sources) or option upgrades (for example, pre-distortion testing). Rack doors protect the instruments in a manufacturing environment. For worldwide operation, the GS-9200 is available with just about any AC-main voltage configuration from 200 to 415 VAC. The test system meets worldwide safety regulations, including the European CE rating. A reusable shipping crate is provided for moving the test system between different manufacturing sites. GS-9200 System Architecture Figure 8. The PSI is a specialized instrument that provides signal routing and signal conditioning for GS-9200 measurements. Figure 7. The PSI connects the GS-9200 equipment and DUT together, allowing multiple measurements without disconnecting the DUT. 9

10 Performance Characteristics GS-9200 Performance Summary GS-9200 typical-performance characteristics 85 db dynamic range for complex signals such as four W-CDMA carriers with 64 channels each High-power network and spectrum analysis up to +25 dbm input and dbm output 800-2,200 MHz frequency range covering most wireless bands Harmonics and spurious measurements up to 13 GHz High-power S 22 measurements Low residual EVM performance of 1.3% at 800 MHz and 1.8% at 2,200 MHz GS-9200 Measurement Confidence The following GS-9200 performance characteristics provide typical measurement-confidence values at the DUT connections when the test system is operated at room temperature (70 F) and after system 60-minute warm-up time and calibration. The measurement-confidence values are based upon system static characteristics 1, which are typically 10 times better than the corresponding confidence values. However, these measurement-confidence values are not hard specifications because of possible wide variations in DUT characteristics. Network Measurements S 11 -parameter measurement confidence S 21 -parameter measurement confidence S 22 -parameter measurement confidence DUT-delay measurement confidence ±0.004 units typical 2 for 1.02 VSWR (-40 db return loss) ±0.1 db, ±1 typical for 50 db range CW signal-source for DUT input, and DUT full-power output ±0.004 units typical 2 for 1.02 VSWR (-40 db return loss) Input to output ±0.1 ns typical for 1 ns to 1 µs range Spectrum Measurements ACLR (or ACPR) measurement confidence 3 range SEM measurement confidence EVM measurement confidence ±1 db typical for single carrier, one active W-CDMA channel, and up to -60 dbc range ±1 db typical for four carriers, each with one active W-CDMA channel, and ACLR up to -55 dbc ±1 db typical for W-CDMA and cdma2000 and BTS P out < dbm (120 Wrms) ±0.3% typical for W-CDMA in 1-10% range Power Measurements Power measurement confidence 4 For -50 to +20 dbm range P ave Modulated power gain PAE 5 ±0.2 db typical ±0.5 db typical ±3 % typical 1 A static characteristic is the test-system performance achieved when the system test ports are connected together. Contact Agilent for GS-9200 static-performance details. 2 VSWR measurement accuracy improves with larger VSWR values. 3 Assumptions are that the DUT takes an input of -20 to -10 dbm and produces dbm output power, and the DUT delay-response variation is within 0.5 n sec for a 30 MHz span. Measurement range can be increased over the -60 or -55 dbc values, resulting in degradied measurements uncertainty. 4 Assumption is that the DUT has better than 20 db return loss at input and output ports. 5 If a measured PAE is 10%, then the uncertainty is 10 ±0.3 %. 10

11 Ordering Information The following describes the GS-9200 equipment, software, and options. Standard options are currently available. Upgrade options will be available in the future. Additional capability is available through system tailoring. GS-9200 MCPA Test System (includes the following equipment and software) System hardware equipment System test equipment Two-bay, 1.6 m high rack with AC-power distribution and RF-signal cabling VAC-main selectable by customer Industrial computer with flat-panel display Bar-code reader for DUT serial number Handheld video camera for remote system troubleshooting Signal source with selectable modulation format Spectrum analyzer Network analyzer Power meter with two average power sensors DC-power supply (0-60 V, 35 A, 2 kw) for DUT Precision system interface for equipment interconnect and signal conditioning RF-interface calibration kit for type-n connectors System and equipment operation manuals System software Windows 2000 GS-9200 automatic measurements for W-CDMA radio format Agilent TestExec SL 5.0 test executive Secure remote-access System warranty and support Two-day on-site system start-up assistance One-year warranty with cooperative support GS-9200 Standard Options System testing options System warranty and support options Transistor Test WCDMA,GSM cdmaone/cdma 2000 radio formats Spectrum-analyzer demodulation measurements Spectrum-analyzer extended dynamic range Alternative high-power DC power supply (0-60V, 110A, 6.6kW) for DUT Alternative peak-and-average sensor for power meter RF-interface calibration kits for 3.5mm and 7-16 connector types Complex stimulus-response measurement compatibility prepares system equipment and wiring for pre-distortion-measurements (required for complex stimulus-response measurement upgrade option) Additional manual set Product training, one to five days on site On-site support Extended support and warranty for three or five years total Technical consulting (beyond the two-day on-site system start-up assistance) High input power (40dBm) High output power (54dBm) Test suite for transistor manufacturing (high speed, measurement of gain, IRL, efficiency, and ACP) Also has full GS-9200 measurement capability GS-9200 Upgrade Options Automatic measurements for cdma2000 and cdmaone (software upgrade requires cdma2000 and cdmaone radio formats for signal source) Automatic complex stimulus-response measurements (software and hardware upgrade for pre-distortion measurements) GS-9200 Tailoring Options Available upon request System modifications and enhancements include additional signal source (up to four total for test system), additional spectrum analyzer, different DC power supply, DUT control, and others. Additional Information GS-9200 product information is available on the following web site: 11

12 Agilent Technologies Test and Measurement Support, Services, and Assistance Agilent Technologies aims to maximize the value you receive, while minimizing your risk and problems. We strive to ensure that you get the test and measurement capabilities you paid for and obtain the support you need. Our extensive support resources and services can help you choose the right Agilent products for your applications and apply them successfully. Every instrument and system we sell has a global warranty. Support is available for at least five years beyond the production life of the product. Two concepts underlie Agilent s overall support policy: Our Promise and Your Advantage. Our Promise Our Promise means your Agilent test and measurement equipment will meet its advertised performance and functionality. When you are choosing new equipment, we will help you with product information, including realistic performance specifications and practical recommendations from experienced test engineers. When you use Agilent equipment, we can verify that it works properly, help with product operation, and provide basic measurement assistance for the use of specified capabilities, at no extra cost upon request. Many self-help tools are available. Your Advantage Your Advantage means that Agilent offers a wide range of additional expert test and measurement services, which you can purchase according to your unique technical and business needs. Solve problems efficiently and gain a competitive edge by contracting with us for calibration, extra-cost upgrades, out-ofwarranty repairs, and onsite education and training, as well as design, system integration, project management, and other professional engineering services. Experienced Agilent engineers and technicians worldwide can help you maximize your productivity, optimize the return on investment of your Agilent instruments and systems, and obtain dependable measurement accuracy for the life of those products. Get the latest information on the products and applications you select. Agilent T&M Software and Connectivity Agilent s Test and Measurement software and connectivity products, solutions and developer network allows you to take time out of connecting your instruments to your computer with tools based on PC standards, so you can focus on your tasks, not on your connections. Visit for more information. By internet, phone, or fax, get assistance with all your test & measurement needs Online assistance: Phone or Fax United States: (tel) Canada: (tel) (fax) China: (tel) (fax) Europe: (tel) (31 20) (fax) (31 20) Japan: (tel) (81) (fax) (81) Korea: (tel) (82 2) (fax) (82 2) Latin America: (tel) (305) (fax) (305) Taiwan: (tel) (fax) Other Asia Pacific Countries: (tel) (65) (fax) (65) tm_asia@agilent.com Product specifications and descriptions in this document subject to change without notice. Agilent Technologies, Inc Printed in USA March 22, EN