RF Transceiver Measurements
This page of RF Transceiver test procedure describes how to test RF Transceiver.It covers RF Transceiver measurements such as gain, 1dB compression point, spurious, harmonics, S parameters etc. This will help RF engineers testing transceiver specifications against compliance requirement using spectrum analyzer, signal generator and power meter.
RF Transceiver is the device which houses two parts transmitter and receiver. RF Transmitter carry modulated information in the form of voice/data/image/video over desired RF frequency to the distant end. RF Receiver demodulates the information from received RF signal and feed them to the demodulator part.
Figure mentions location of RF Transceiver in wireless communication system. As shown transmitter part is interfaced between modulator and power amplifier. It is referred as up converter. Receiver part is interfaced between LNA and demodulator and known as down converter.
Following table mentions useful RF transceiver measurements for C band application. The specifications are categorized into RF upconverter and RF downconverter parts.
Following RF Transceiver test procedure describes how to test RF Transceiver measurements outlined above.
| RF Up converter Specifications | Typical value |
|---|---|
| Output frequency Range | 5.925 to 6.425 GHz |
| IF input frequency Range | 52 to 88 MHz |
| RF Output | 0 dBm |
| 1dB compression point | +3 dBm |
| Conversion Gain | 20dB (min.) |
| Gain Flatness | +/- 1 dB over +/-18 MHz |
| Gain Variation | Within +/- 1 dB over 0 to 50 DegreeC |
| Gain adjustment | 5dB |
| Spurious and harmonics output | Better than -40dBc over +/-18 MHz |
| Gain Flatness | +/- 1 dB over +/-18 MHz |
| Frequency Stability | +/- 1*10-6 over temp. 0 to 50 DegreeC |
| Long Term Frequency Stability | +/- 1*10-7 per day |
| RF Down converter Specifications | Typical value |
|---|---|
| RF Input frequency Range | 3.7 to 4.2 GHz |
| RF Output frequency Range | 52 to 88 MHz |
| Conversion Gain | 40 dB |
| Input level | -40 dBm to -85 dBm |
| Gain Flatness | +/- 1dB over +/- 18MHz |
| Gain Variation | +/- 1dB over 0 to 50 DegreeC |
| Gain Adjustment | 5dB |
| Noise Figure | Better than 14 dB |
| Spurious Output | Better than -40 dBc |
| Image rejection | 50 dB min. |
RF Transceiver Test Procedure-How to test RF Transceiver
All the above measurements are carried out using SNA or using combination of signal generator with power meter/spectrum analyzer. Refer RF measurement tutorial for more.
RELATED LINKS
RF Transceiver Design and Development, READ MORE
RF Transceiver basics, READ MORE
RF component vendors, READ MORE
Manufacturer of RF Transceiver ,READ MORE
Test Procedure
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