Focus Microwaves - MPIV - Modular Pulsed IV
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High power capability: +/- 200V, 17A.
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Minimum pulse width: 200ns.
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Modular design which enables multiple configurations.
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Shared library. The MPIV can be used as a standalone instrument using an ActiveX library, which easily integrates into existing test software.
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Flexible Input/Output. Choose between high power and high precision pulse modules to create a customized setup for your specific application.
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Compatible with Focus Microwaves’ device characterization software (Load Pull Explorer, LPEx)
The MPIV – Modular Pulsed IV is used for High Power current & voltage characterization of semiconductor devices. It is also well suited for applications requiring precise high current and voltage pulses. The Drain Pulse Module (DPM) uses an external high-current supply while the Gate Pulse Module (GPM) has an internal high-precision voltage supply. Additionally, the MPIV can be synchronized with an external or internal trigger.
The DPM is the core of the system. Its internal microcontroller uses precision Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) modules with complementary outputs and programmable dead-time in order to generate and synchronize the pulses for both drain and gate bias. The pulse width is adjustable from 200ns to 2ms; pulse repetition rate from 500Hz to 1MHz, with a maximum duty cycle of 50%. Two internal N-channel MOSFETs within the drain module support voltages up to 200V and currents up to 17A. Both the pulse and
quiescent bias voltages are delivered via external DC power supplies thereby making the Modular Pulsed IV a customizable solution.
For more advanced capability, check out our High Precision Pulsed IV, Auriga AU-5
Setup
The GPM operates as a slave module controlled by the DPM. Internal precision Digital Analog Converters (DAC) are used to adjust the gate voltage in the range of ±10V, with a 5mV resolution. The output buffer amplifier delivers up to 100mA.
Voltage and current measurements are performed using a high speed 4-channel digital oscilloscope. Voltages are sampled directly on the gate and drain bias-tee sense terminals; the drain current is measured using a high speed high sensitivity current probe.
Specifications
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More Product Information
Focus offers a complete range of manual tuners. The MMT series use the same RF technology and precision as a comparable automatic tuner.
They are available in octave and multi-octave bands between 400 MHz and 18 GHz and provide high VSWR at DUT reference plane with a high reliability.
For harmonic tuning requirements, the MMT series can be enhanced, referring to as option –H2 and –H23, using a similar concept as Focus’ harmonic rejection tuners (PHT).
For more information on Automated Tuners, Click here!
Focus Microwaves’ DELTA series of electro-mechanical tuners is designed specifically for high frequency on wafer measurements. The tuner’s low profile allows it to be placed within the wafer perimeter and allows for a direct connection between the probe tip and the tuner, eliminating all possible insertion loss between the DUT and the tuner. This revolutionary new tuner design enables the engineer to achieve optimum tuning range, with a tuner whose footprint and weight has been dramatically reduced.
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High power capability: +/- 200V, 17A.
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Minimum pulse width: 200ns.
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Modular design which enables multiple configurations.
-
Shared library. The MPIV can be used as a standalone instrument using an ActiveX library, which easily integrates into existing test software.
-
Flexible Input/Output. Choose between high power and high precision pulse modules to create a customized setup for your specific application.
-
Compatible with Focus Microwaves’ device characterization software (Load Pull Explorer, LPEx)
Noise measurements allow the determination of the four Noise Parameters of a device (transistor). There are four Noise Parameters which fully describe the noise behaviour of an active or passive device at a given frequency.
Focus recommends TRL Calibration Kits for applications such as load pull & noise parameters. Due to high reflection and low loss, tuner S-parameter measurements represent a challenge for VNA’s, because of error term determination and coupler directivity. Long experience has taught us not to rely on other calibration techniques than TRL (Thru-Reflect-Line). The popular SOLT technique is conditionally useable, but not guaranteed, up to 4GHz. The much convenient ECal method has provided questionable and inconsistent results. Our Customers are advised to be very careful with VNA calibrations, because the whole measured data depends on that.
Because of this, and to save our customers time and doubt, Focus has developed and offers a set of precise and reliable TRL calibration kits from 0.03 to 110 GHz with the following connector types: 7/16, N, APC-7, 3.5mm, 2.9mm, 2.4mm, 1.85mm, WR-15, WR-10. Our calibration kits are compatible with all commercial network analyzers.
For more information on TRL Calibration Kits, please read the following paper on TRL Versus SOLT
An impedance tuner is an apparatus, which generates controllable reflection factor (Impedance) over a certain frequency range. Focus uses two basic technologies:
a) For frequencies from 100MHz to 110GHz (and above) we use the slide screw technique (models Multi Harmonic MPT, wideband (fundamental) CCMT, harmonic rejection PHT), in which a reflective probe (slug) is inserted into the slot of a low loss slotted transmission line (slabline or waveguide).
b) For frequencies from below 10MHz to 170MHz we use a lumped element technology (models LFT), whereby variable capacitors are connected with optimized lengths of coaxial cable.
Noise measurements allow the determination of the four Noise Parameters of a device (transistor). Focus’ Noise Modules integrate well with various third party noise receivers.
Noise Parameters: These are four numbers that fully describe the noise behaviour of an active or passive device (twoport) at a given frequency. For practical reasons we use the following quantities as Noise Parameters:
Focus’ noise parameter extraction routines leverage the PNA-X’s unique implementation
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
of the cold-source noise figure measurement technique. This specific technique requires a noise source to determine the kBG (gain-bandwidth constant) of the system and a passive mechanical tuner is used to characterize the noise receiver across both the impedance and frequency space. This step is imperative to obtain fully vector-source-corrected measurements.
A RF down conversion stage might be required if the frequency of noise measured exceeds the receiver’s bandwidth. Focus offers noise modules which support down conversion for optimal speed and performance.
Non-linear measurement data is often used to create a behavioral model for high frequency components. Formulations of these models have been defined in terms of traveling waves, with a desire to represent nonlinear behavior of high frequency transistors through a direct extension from linear s-parameters.
The Mesuro model portfolio is comprised of two variations of a behavioral model – each targeted at a particular end use – Cardiff Model Lite (CML), where the desired output is a local model, and Cardiff Model+ (CM+), which incorporates higher order mixing terms allowing a single model to fit over a range of impedance space.
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Supports the latest 5G FR1 and IEEE 802.11ax standards
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up to 1GHz active load pull bandwidth capability
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Test the latest high bandwidth and high modulation cellular standards such as 1024QAM 802.11ax
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This system can be used in all parts of the design cycle
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Initial device characterisation
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MMIC or PA design
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Design verification testing
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Product testing in the factory
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Focus Microwaves
Focus Microwaves is a pioneering engineering company, built around the innovations of its founder Dr. Christos Tsironis who developed his first manual tuner in 1973 and is the inventor of most existing electro-mechanical tuner families. The success of Focus is based on the engineering and manufacturing skills of its highly motivated and experienced team of engineers and technicians, who have been trained and encouraged to develop new technologies. In addition, listening to our customers needs and insights helps us discover and develop new and measurement methods on an ongoing basis, relentlessly pushing the limits of what is possible.
From humble beginnings in 1988, Focus has become the main supplier of advanced Load Pull and Noise Tuner Systems. Our mission is to provide effective, reliable and innovative solutions for non-50 Ohm testing (Noise and Load Pull) of RF microwave transistors, thus enabling our customers to compete in the marketplace with better designs and to advance the understanding and knowledge of the field.
Contact Details
Focus Microwaves Inc. Main Head Office
4555 Chem. du Bois-Franc, Saint-Laurent, QC H4S 1A8, Canada
Phone: +1-514-684-4554
Test & Measurement
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