S Parameter Test for Noise - RF Cafe Forums

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jom
 Post subject: S Parameter Test for Noise
Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 3:46 pm 
 
Captain
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Joined: Fri Jan 26, 2007 2:40 am
Posts: 23
Hello All!

I've been wondering what others do when trying to design wideband (or even narrowband I suppose) amplifiers in, say, the DC - 3 GHz range. I've had some trouble with getting measured data to match up with simulations.

We first used data from either the manufacturer or even some companies who do S Params for you (at a big cost). Lacking success there we were able to probe test a number of components (passive and a few pHEMT fets) but we've encountered a few problems. One thing that seems to be a problem is Noise. This is an expensive proposition (source-pull) so I'm wondering what other companies do to reasonably predict what they might get for Noise Figure when most manufacturers don't offer Gamma Opt and Rn etc. AND getting your own Source Pull set it is a big cost.

Thanks for any insight.

jom




Posted  11/12/2012