Characterization and Simulation of a 915 MHz Receiver

摘要

A versatile test bench has been shown to be a useful tool for measurement characterization at the component and subsystem levels. When combined with simulation using modern CAE/CAD tools like HP's ADS, both linear and nonlinear characteristics can be examined and comparisons made with measured data. In the area of the measurement system, the broadband detection mode and absolute power measurement features of the HP8714 VNA are valuable supplements to the conventional VNA tuned receiver mode. Accuracy limitations of the test bench exist in the areas of mixer and subsystem conversion loss or conversion gain measurements. While an uncertainty analysis is outside the scope, experience suggest that these measurements probably cannot be specified any better than within ±0.5 dB of the true values using the equipment and techniques applied. The addition of a calibrated power meter to the bench would allow more accurate conversion loss and absolute power measurements to be made at spot frequencies.