Load-Pull Techniques with Wideband Modulated Signals: State-of-the-Art and Future

We will discuss the architecture of a state-of-the-art load-pull measurement system for wideband impedance control with complex modulated signals. We will highlight the challenges involved in characterizing devices, circuits, and systems for next-generation wireless applications which pose very stringent requirements in terms of in-band (eg EVM) and out-of-band (eg ACPR) distortion. We will present application examples, including high-speed load-pull for technology evaluations and power amplifier design, and modulated testing for 5G applications. Finally, we will describe a procedure for evaluating traceable uncertainty in load-pull measurements. This is a preliminary step towards accuracy evaluation of load-pull with wideband modulated signals.