Preface

Summary

Introduction

This book is concerned with recent advances in the use of nonlinear vector network analyzers (NVNAs) for the characterization, modeling, design, and linearization of nonlinear RF devices and circuits.

Wireless has experienced an incredible growth; from cellular phones to wireless local area networks (WLANs), portable radios have become ubiquitous. The trend is to develop RF radios with wider bandwidth and low power dissipation for supporting new broadband services. Of particular importance are the nonlinear RF front-end circuits in radios, which typically dissipate half the handheld power. Given that this is a rapidly changing field, students, practicing engineers, and researchers must keep themselves abreast of new developments in the field. This book presents some of the emerging paradigms in large-signal measurement techniques, modeling, and nonlinear circuit design theory with supporting examples.

Brief description of the book

In Chapter 1, we will review the types of modulated RF signals involved in modern wireless communication, and introduce several measurement metrics used to characterize them. We will then discuss, in Chapter 2, novel measurement techniques that have become available with the introduction of NVNAs such as the large-signal network analyzer (LSNA) and, more recently, the PNA-X and SWAP. The NVNA permits the vector measurement of the fundamental and harmonics voltage and currents of devices or circuits for CW, modulated, and pulsed RF excitations.

Next, in Chapter 3, we will address the direct extraction of device models from the RF dynamic large-signal loadlines.