1178.8165.02 | Version 07 | R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
The following abbreviations are used throughout this manual: R&S®SMBVB100B is abbreviated as R&S SMBVB; the license types
02/03/07/11/13/16/12 are abbreviated as xx.
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R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
Contents
1Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options........................................ 5
1.1Accessing the required settings..................................................................................6
The R&S SMBVB-K540 is a software option that allows you to generate an envelope
tracking signal, that follows the envelope variation of the RF signal.
R&SSMBVB-K540 key features
●
Baseband signal, RF signal, and envelope signal generation out of one instrument
●
Envelope signal derived directly and in real time from the baseband signal
●
Fully synchronous envelope and RF signal with optional delay compensation for
time alignment of the envelope signal
●
Simultaneous output of envelope and inverted envelope signal
●
Flexible envelope shaping based on different algorithms incl. a build-in table shaping editor
●
Import/export interface for files describing shaping functions
●
Real-time display of the characteristics of the envelope signal
Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options
The R&S SMBVB-K541 is a software option that adds functionality to define and apply
AM/AM and AM/PM predistortions.
R&SSMBVB-K541 key features
●
Applying user-defined AM/AM and AM/PM digital predistortions directly on the digital baseband signal
●
Digital predistortions are applied directly and in real time to the baseband signal,
i.e. to any Digital Standard signal or with ARB waveforms
●
Separate or superimposed AM/AM or AM/PM predistortion also with variable order
in the processing flow
●
Flexible shaping of the predistortion functions based on a polynomial function and
a build-in table editor
●
Import/export interface for files describing the predistortion functions, i.e. load of
AM/AM and AM/PM tables directly from characterization software
●
Real-time display of the correction functions
●
In instruments equipped with the option R&S SMBVB-K540, digitally predistorted
baseband signal, RF signal, and envelope signal generation out of one instrument
This user manual contains a description of the functionality that the application provides, including remote control operation.
All functions not discussed in this manual are the same as in the base unit and are
described in the R&S SMBV100B user manual. The latest version is available at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/SMBV100B
Installation
You can find detailed installation instructions in the delivery of the option or in the
R&S SMBV100B service manual.
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1.1Accessing the required settings
To open the dialog with Envelope Tracking settings
1. In the block diagram of the R&S SMBV100B, select the "I/Q OUT" connector to
unfold the "I/Q Analog" block.
A dialog box opens that displays the provided general settings.
2. Select "I/Q Analog > I/Q Analog Outputs > General".
3. Select "RF Envelope > On".
To open the dialog with DPD settings
► In the block diagram of the R&S SMBV100B, select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion
> AM/AM AM/PM".
A dialog box opens that displays the provided settings.
Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options
Documentation overview
The signal generation is not started immediately. To start signal generation with the
default settings, select "State > On".
1.2What's new
This manual describes firmware version FW 5.00.044.xx and later of the
R&S®SMBV100B.
Compared to the previous version there are editorial changes only.
1.3Documentation overview
This section provides an overview of the R&S SMBV100B user documentation. Unless
specified otherwise, you find the documents on the R&S SMBV100B product page at:
www.rohde-schwarz.com/manual/smbv100b
1.3.1Getting started manual
Introduces the R&S SMBV100B and describes how to set up and start working with the
product. Includes basic operations, typical measurement examples, and general information, e.g. safety instructions, etc. A printed version is delivered with the instrument.
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1.3.2User manuals and help
Separate manuals for the base unit and the software options are provided for download:
●
Base unit manual
Contains the description of all instrument modes and functions. It also provides an
introduction to remote control, a complete description of the remote control commands with programming examples, and information on maintenance, instrument
interfaces and error messages. Includes the contents of the getting started manual.
●
Software option manual
Contains the description of the specific functions of an option. Basic information on
operating the R&S SMBV100B is not included.
The contents of the user manuals are available as help in the R&S SMBV100B. The
help offers quick, context-sensitive access to the complete information for the base unit
and the software options.
All user manuals are also available for download or for immediate display on the Internet.
Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options
Documentation overview
1.3.3Service manual
Describes the performance test for checking compliance with rated specifications, firmware update, troubleshooting, adjustments, installing options and maintenance.
The service manual is available for registered users on the global Rohde & Schwarz
information system (GLORIS):
https://gloris.rohde-schwarz.com
1.3.4Instrument security procedures
Deals with security issues when working with the R&S SMBV100B in secure areas. It
is available for download on the Internet.
1.3.5Printed safety instructions
Provides safety information in many languages. The printed document is delivered with
the product.
1.3.6Data sheets and brochures
The data sheet contains the technical specifications of the R&S SMBV100B. It also
lists the options and their order numbers and optional accessories.
The brochure provides an overview of the instrument and deals with the specific characteristics.
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See www.rohde-schwarz.com/brochure-datasheet/smbv100b
1.3.7Release notes and open source acknowledgment (OSA)
The release notes list new features, improvements and known issues of the current
firmware version, and describe the firmware installation.
The open-source acknowledgment document provides verbatim license texts of the
used open source software.
See www.rohde-schwarz.com/firmware/smbv100b
1.3.8Application notes, application cards, white papers, etc.
These documents deal with special applications or background information on particular topics.
See www.rohde-schwarz.com/application/smbv100b
Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options
Notes on screenshots
1.4Scope
Tasks (in manual or remote operation) that are also performed in the base unit in the
same way are not described here.
In particular, it includes:
●
Managing settings and data lists, like saving and loading settings, creating and
accessing data lists, or accessing files in a particular directory.
●
Information on regular trigger, marker and clock signals and filter settings, if appropriate.
●
General instrument configuration, such as checking the system configuration, configuring networks and remote operation
●
Using the common status registers
For a description of such tasks, see the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
1.5Notes on screenshots
When describing the functions of the product, we use sample screenshots. These
screenshots are meant to illustrate as many as possible of the provided functions and
possible interdependencies between parameters. The shown values may not represent
realistic usage scenarios.
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The screenshots usually show a fully equipped product, that is: with all options installed. Thus, some functions shown in the screenshots may not be available in your particular product configuration.
Welcome to the R&S SMBVB-K54x options
Notes on screenshots
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2Generation of envelope tracking signals
Envelope tracking (ET) is a method used by modern power amplifiers (PA) to improve
their efficiency, especially when amplifying RF signals with a high peak to average
power (PAPR). An envelope tracking detector "tracks" the power variations in the input
signal of the PA. The PA then varies synchronously to this variation the supply voltage
vcc at its end amplifying stage.
This section introduces the concept of the envelope tracking functionality and the way
it is implemented in the R&S SMBV100B.
Refer to Chapter 4, "How to generate a control signal for power amplifier envelope
tracking tests", on page 68 for step-by-step instruction on how to use the provided
function.
2.1Required options
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
The equipment layout for generation and output of envelope tracking signal includes:
●
Base unit
●
Option differential analog I/Q outputs (R&SSMBVB-K17)
The R&S SMBV100B allows you to generate an envelope tracking signal, that follows
the envelope variation of the RF signal.
Principle of the envelope tracking
The Figure 2-1 shows a simplified test setup for testing of a PA with an envelope tracking. This illustration is intended to explain the principle in general, not all connections
and required equipment are considered.
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Figure 2-1: Simplified test setup for power amplifier envelope tracking tests
The R&S SMBV100B in this setup is configured to generate both, an RF signal with
complex modulation scheme and an envelope signal, that follows the envelope variation of this RF signal. A suitable test signal is, for example, an EUTRA/LTE DL signal.
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
The R&S SMBV100B generates the envelope signal directly from the baseband signal.
The envelope signal is a voltage signal, with voltage level V
power of the RF signal (√[I(t)2+Q(t)2]) of the corresponding path. If you do not apply a
shaping function, the envelope signal linear dependent follows the variation of the RF
signal's envelope.
The envelope signal is output at the I out and I Bar out rear panel connectors. This
envelope signal is then further fed to an external DC modulator.
The PA receives the RF input signal and the dynamically adapted supply voltage vcc.
Ideally, the PA gain stays constant.
Suitable baseband signal to observe the effect of the envelope tracking settings
To simplify the explanation in the following sections, we use a simple ramp function as
a baseband signal modulated on the RF carrier.
Other suitable baseband signals are signals with relative constant envelope. You find a
choice of predefined signals in the "Baseband > Custom Digital Mod > Set according to
standard" dialog. With the default settings in this dialog, you can observe the generated envelope signal and the effects of enabled shaping.
2.2.1Envelope voltage adaptation modes
proportional to the
out
In the R&S SMBV100B, you define the voltage of the generated envelope signal using
one of the following modes:
●
Auto Power/Normilized Envelope Voltage Adaptation:
In this mode, you define the desired input characteristics of the power amplifier.
Based on these values and depending on the crest factor of the generated signal,
the R&S SMBV100B calculates:
–The voltage on the I out/I Bar out connectors (V
Min/Max) and a bias (Bias),
out
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–The RMS level of the RF signal
The auto voltage adaptation mode is a suitable choice, if you have knowledge on
the power amplifier components and characteristics. Common PA characteristics
are the supply voltage Vcc, the input power PEPin required for working in the linear
range and the gain characteristics of the external DC modulator.
You find the required values in the documentation of your power amplifier, for
example in its data sheet.
●
Manual Envelope Voltage Adaptation:
In this mode, you can also define the operating range of the power amplifier based
on a pre-gain and a post-gain range. Based on these values, the instrument calculates the supply voltage Vcc.
All modes support envelope shaping.
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
2.2.2
Signal parameters for testing according to the eTrak
In the R&S SMBV100B, you can select one of the predefined eTrak® interface types so
that the generated signal is conformed with the MIPI®Alliance specification "Analog
Reference Interface for Envelope Tracking Specification".
Table 2-1: Default parameters per eTrak® Interface Type
Envelope shaping is a method that uses functions to describe the relationship between
supply voltage and RF input power. An envelope shaping function is a trade-off
between effectivity and improved linearity of the PA.
®
specification
In the R&S SMBV100B, you can select the way you define the shaping function. You
can choose between:
●
2 predefined simple linear functions
(see Chapter 2.2.3.1, "About the linear functions", on page 13)
●
3 detroughing functions with a configurable factor
(see Chapter 2.2.3.2, "About the detroughing function", on page 14)
●
A polynomial function with up to 10 polynomial coefficients
(see Chapter 2.2.3.3, "About the polynomial function", on page 14)
●
A shaping function defined as a shaping table
(see Chapter 2.2.3.4, "About the shaping table", on page 15)
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●
To set the correction values in raw format with a single remote control command
(see Chapter 2.2.3.5, "Shaping function in raw data format", on page 16)
The linear, the detroughing and the polynomial shaping functions are mathematical
expressions that are described as function of the variable x, see Table 2-2.
Table 2-2: Definition of the variable x depending on the envelope voltage adaptation mode
"Envelope Voltage Adaptation"x
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
Auto Powerx = Vin - V
Auto Normalizedx = Vin/V
Manualx = V
The mathematical expressions and further information on the shaping functions are
provided in the corresponding sections.
See also Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the dis-
played values", on page 16.
●About the linear functions........................................................................................13
●About the detroughing function............................................................................... 14
●About the polynomial function.................................................................................14
●About the shaping table.......................................................................................... 15
●Shaping function in raw data format........................................................................16
●Converting shaping functions and understanding the displayed values................. 16
2.2.3.1About the linear functions
The linear shaping can be used for less demanding applications, simple analysis, and
the first interactions by designing the optimum envelope shape. Because the shaping
gain of the linear function is 0 dB, in "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Manual" mode
this function is suitable for determining the "Pre-/Post-Gain" values (see Example "Cal-
culating the current VCC in "Manual" mode"on page 20).
in, min
x ≥ 0
in,max
Env/VEnv,max
Provided are two linear functions, where each of them depends on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode:
●
Linear (Voltage)
–f(x) = x in "Auto Normalized/Manual"
–f(x) = b*x + V
●
Linear (Power)
–
f(x) = x2 in "Auto Normalized/Manual"
–
f(x) = b*x2 + V
in "Auto Power"
cc,min
in "Auto Power"
cc,min
Where:
●
The variable x depends on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode, see
Table 2-2.
●
The constant b is calculated as:
b = (V
cc,max
- V
cc,min
)/(V
in,max
- V
in,min
)
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See also Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the dis-
played values", on page 16.
2.2.3.2About the detroughing function
Detroughing functions are well-defined mathematical functions that prevent that the
supply voltage Vcc drops down to zero or falls under specified limits. That is, they pre-
vent that the signal is clipped.
Provided are the following functions:
●
f(x) = x + d*e
●
f(x) = 1 - (1 - d)*cos(x*pi/2)
●
f(x) = d + (1 - d)*x
-x/d
a
Where:
●
x is a variable, that depends on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode, see
Table 2-2
●
a is the Exponent (a).
●
d is the Detroughing Factor (d), that limits the supply voltage Vcc in the low-power
region and controls the shaping.
The detroughing factor (d) can be set manually or derived from the selected V
value. In the latter case, it is calculated as follows:
d = V
cc,min/Vcc,max
See Couple Detroughing Factor with Vcc.
A "Detroughing Factor = 0" defines a linear function.
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
cc
See also Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the dis-
played values", on page 16.
2.2.3.3About the polynomial function
The polynomial function is an analytical method to describe a shaping function. The
polynomial function is defined as follows:
f(x) = a0 + ∑(an*xn), where n ≤10 and:
●
Depending on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode, f(x) is:
–f(x) = Vcc(x) in "Auto Power"
–f(x) = Vcc/V
●
The polynomial order n, the polynomial constant a0, and polynomial coefficients a
(x) in "Auto Normalized/Manual"
cc,max
to an are user-definable, see Chapter 2.7, "Polynomial coefficients settings",
on page 43
●
x depends on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode, see Table 2-2
The default polynomial function with n = 1, a0 = 0 and a0 = 1 describes a linear function.
See also:
●
Figure 2-13
0
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●
Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the displayed
values", on page 16.
File format of the polynomial function file
You can store a polynomial function in a file or even define the polynomial coefficients,
store them as a file and load this file into the instrument. The polynomial files are files
with extension *.iq_poly.
The file contains an optional header # Rohde & Schwarz - IQ OutputEnvelope Polynomial Coefficients # a0,a1,a2,... and a list of commaseparated coefficient values.
Example: Polynomial function file content
# Rohde & Schwarz - IQ Output Envelope Shaping Table
# a0,a1,a2,...
0.135,0.91,0.34,-0.59,-0.11
2.2.3.4About the shaping table
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
The envelope shaping table is a widely used method to define the shaping function.
This kind of definition is suitable if you have knowledge on or aim to achieve an exact
relation between supply voltage and RF input power. For example, with suitable settings, the shaping table can precisely describe the transition region of the PA.
You can receive information on suitable envelope shaping values form the power
amplifier manufacturer.
In the R&S SMBV100B, there are two ways to define a shaping table function:
●
Externally
Create a shaping table file as a CSV file with Microsoft Excel, with a Notepad or a
similar tool. Save it with the predefined extension, transfer it to and load it into the
instrument.
See also "File format of the shaping table file"on page 15.
●
Internally
Use the built-in editor table editor, see Chapter 2.6, "Edit I/Q envelope shape set-
tings", on page 40.
File format of the shaping table file
The shaping table files are files with predefined extension and simple file format, see
Table 2-3.
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Table 2-3: Shaping table files: format and extensions
"Envelope Voltage Adaptation"File extensionHeader (optional)
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
Auto Power
Auto Normalized/Manual
*.iq_lutpv# Rohde & Schwarz - IQ Output
*.iq_lut# Rohde & Schwarz - IQ Output
The header is optional. The file content is list of up to 4000 comma-separated value
pairs; a new line indicator separates the pairs.
# Rohde & Schwarz - IQ Output Envelope Shaping Table
# Vin/Vmax,Vcc/Vmax
0.3,0.4
0.35,0.45
0.56,0.55
0.4,0.5
0.6,0.65
0,0.135
2.2.3.5Shaping function in raw data format
Envelope Shaping Table
# Power[dBm],Vcc[V]
Envelope Shaping Table
# Vin/Vmax,Vcc/Vmax
The shaping values are defined directly, with a single remote control command. You
define up to 4000 comma-separated value pairs, describing the Vin/Vmax,Vcc/Vmax
or Power[dBm],Vcc[V].
2.2.3.6Converting shaping functions and understanding the displayed values
If an envelope function is defined, the "Shaping" dialog displays the diagram of the
resulting envelope shape.
See for example Figure 2-7.
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Several parameters influence the displayed information:
●
The selected "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" determines whether the x-axis uses
normalized or linear values
●
The selected "Graphic Configuration > Scale" sets the x-axis units
●
The selected VccMin/Max and PEPinMin/Max values set the borders of the clipping
areas
●
The selected "Shaping" function and the parameters influence the envelope shape.
The illustration on Figure 2-2 shows how these parameters influence a linear shaping
function.
Generation of envelope tracking signals
About the envelope tracking
Figure 2-2: Understanding the displayed values ("Shaping > Linear (Voltage)")
Shaded area = Area where the signal is clipped and the envelope signal is held constant
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b = V
Shaping= Linear (Voltage)
3a= Linear function (dashed line) in "Auto Power" mode, if V
3b= Linear function in "Auto Power" mode, if V
4a= Linear function (dashed line) in "Auto Normalized" mode, if V
4b= Linear function in "Auto Normalized" mode, if V
V
in
VccNorm= Vcc in "Auto Normalized" mode
VccPow
0
VccPow
1
cc,min/Vcc,max
= Operating point
= Vcc in "Auto Power" mode and V
= Vcc in "Auto Power" mode and V
and PEPinMin/Max values that set the borders of the clipping areas
= 0 V
cc,min
> 0 V
cc,min
= 0 V
cc,min
> 0 V
cc,min
= 0 V
cc,min
> 0 V
cc,min
For information on the provided shaping functions and their formulas, see:
●
Chapter 2.2.3.1, "About the linear functions", on page 13
●
Chapter 2.2.3.2, "About the detroughing function", on page 14
●
Chapter 2.2.3.3, "About the polynomial function", on page 14
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
The group of examples in this section uses the same linear shaping function to explain
the representation in the different voltage adaptation modes. The example explains the
displayed values and how they are calculated and converted. The same principle
applies for the other shaping methods.
Common settings
●
"Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Auto Power"
●
Vcc Max = 1 V
●
PEPinMin = -30 dBm corresponds to V
●
PEPinMax = 0 dBm corresponds to V
●
Pin = -15 dBm corresponds Vin = 0.04 V
●
PEP = -3.4 dB
●
"Shaping > Linear (Voltage)"
"Graphic Scale > Power""Graphic Scale > Voltage"
= 0.0071 V
in,min
= 0.2236 V
in,max
About the envelope tracking
Example: Calculating the current VccPow0 ("Auto Power" mode, Vcc Min = 0 V)
Configuration as described in Common settings and:
●
V
= 0 V
cc,min
●
f (x) = b*x + V
cc,min
(see Chapter 2.2.3.1, "About the linear functions", on page 13)
1. In the block diagram, select the "I/Q OUT" connector to unfold the "I/Q Analog"
block.
2. Select "I/Q Analog > I/Q Analog Settings > General".
3. Select "RF Envelope > On".
(x) = VccPow0 is:
Pow
Figure 2-3: RF Envelope Settings (Example)
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1 = Termination and input impedance of the circuit board
2 = Voltage level measured at the circuit board
3 = Signal characteristics of the DC Modulator
4 = Signal characteristics at the inputs of the PA (see the documentation of the PA, for example its data
sheet)
The remote commands required to define these settings are described in Chap-
ter 6.2, "SOURce:IQ:OUTPut:ENVelope commands", on page 80.
Note: By default, these output connectors are deactivated.
Note: Interdependencies
Some functions cannot be activated simultaneously. They deactivate each other.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut:ANALog:STATe on page 78
Set to Default
Calls the default settings. The values of the main parameters are listed in the following
table.
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ParameterValue
"State"Not affected by the "Set to Default"
"RF Envelope"Off
Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
"I/Q Output Type"
"I/Q Level Vp (EMF)"1 V
"Bias (EMF)"0 mV
Depends on "System Configuration > External RF and I/Q > Preset behavior:
Keep connections to external instruments":
●
"Off": Single Ended
●
"On": Not affected by the "Set to Default"
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:PRESet on page 78
Save/Recall
Accesses the "Save/Recall" dialog, that is the standard instrument function for saving
and recalling the complete dialog-related settings in a file. The provided navigation
possibilities in the dialog are self-explanatory.
The settings are saved in a file with predefined extension. You can define the filename
and the directory, in that you want to save the file.
See also, chapter "File and Data Management" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:SETTing:CATalog? on page 79
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:SETTing:STORe on page 79
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:SETTing:LOAD on page 79
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:SETTing:DELete on page 79
RF Envelope
Enables the output of a control signal that follows the RF envelope. This control signal
is provided for power amplifiers envelope tracking testing. The signal is output at the I
out and I Bar out connectors.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:STATe on page 83
Envelope Voltage Adaptation
Defines the way you configure the voltage of the envelope tracking generator (see
Chapter 2.2.1, "Envelope voltage adaptation modes", on page 11).
"Auto Normalized"
Generation based on the physical characteristics of the power amplifier; the power values are normalized based on the selected PEPin
Max value.
This mode enables you to use the complete range of a selected
detroughing function.
See also Shaping settings and compare the values on the X axis on
the graphical display.
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
"Auto Power"
Generation based on the physical characteristics of the power amplifier, where the input power of the PA "PEPin" is defined with its min
and max values.
"Manual"
Generation, in that the operating range of the amplifier is defined
based on a pre-gain and a post-gain range.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:ADAPtion on page 83
eTrak® Interface Type
Selects one of the predefined interface types or allows user-defined settings.
See Chapter 2.2.2, "Signal parameters for testing according to the eTrak® specifica-
tion", on page 12.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:ETRak on page 84
I/Q Output Type
Selects the type of output signal.
The provided parameters in the "I/Q Analog Outputs" dialog depend on the selected
output mode.
●
"Single-Ended"
If "RF Envelope > Off"
Single-ended output at the I/Q connectors.
●
If "RF Envelope > On"
The envelope signal E is output at the I connectors.
You can define a bias between the output signal and ground.
"Differential"
Option: R&S SMBVB-K17
●
If "RF Envelope > Off"
The analog I/Q signal components are output at the I/Q and I/Q
Bar connectors.
●
If "RF Envelope > On"
The inverted envelope signal Ē is output at the I Bar connectors.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:TYPE on page 80
Envelope Voltage Reference
Defines whether the envelope voltage V
is set directly or it is estimated from the
out
selected supply voltage Vcc.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VREF on page 84
V
Min/Max
out
Displays the minimum and maximum values of the peak-to-peak voltage V
on the interface between the circuit board and the DC modulator.
For "Envelope Voltage Reference" , sets the value of this parameter.
voltage
out
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R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
To measure the V
●
Use a suitable probe, i.e. use a differential probe if a "Wire to Wire" termination is
voltage:
out
used and a single ended probe otherwise
●
Measure at the circuit board after the termination impedance Rin.
Estimated "V
Min/Max" values are calculated based on the selected supply voltage
out
VccMin/Max, enabled Gain and VccOffset in the DC modulator.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VOUT:MIN on page 85
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VOUT:MAX on page 85
Bias
Sets a DC voltage, superimposed upon the envelope signal E and the inverted envelope signal E Bar.
Use this parameter to define the operating point of a DUT.
"I/Q Output Type"Termination"Bias" defines
"Single Ended"-The bias between the envelope signal E and ground
"Differential""To Ground"Superimposed DC voltage, where "Bias" is related to
the selected Rin.
See also Table 2-4
"Wire To Wire"Superimposed DC voltage, where "Bias" is related to
high impedance (1 MΩ).
Table 2-4: Effect of enabled bias
Effect of a positive biasEffect of a negative bias
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:BIAS on page 85
DC Modulator characteristics
Refer to the product documentation of the external DC modulator for information on its
characteristics.
The following settings are required:
EMF ← DC Modulator characteristics
Activates EMF, which defines whether the EMF or the voltage value is displayed.
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An EMF-based calculation assumes an open-end circuit. Disable this parameter for
testing in more realistic conditions, where you define the input impedance of the used
external DC modulator Rin. The R&S SMBV100B then calculates the envelope output
voltage V
Min/Max based on it.
out
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:EMF[:STATe] on page 86
Rin ← DC Modulator characteristics
If "EMF > Off", sets the input impedance Rin of the external DC modulator.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:RIN on page 86
Termination ← DC Modulator characteristics
If "I/Q Output Type > Differential" and "EMF > Off", defines the way the inputs of the
DC modulator are terminated.
The termination influences the way an enabled Bias is applied.
"To Ground""Wire to Wire"
Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
*) Bias = 0 and VccOffset = 0*) Bias = 0 and VccOffset = 0
Both inputs of the DC modulator are terminated to
ground.
This termination is also referred as a common mode
voltage.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:TERMination on page 87
Bipolar Input ← DC Modulator characteristics
If "I/Q Output Type> Differential", enables the instrument to generate a bipolar signal.
The envelope signal E swings above and below the inverted envelope signal E Bar; the
R&S SMBV100B calculates and applies a suitable envelope VccOffset automatically.
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R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
Figure 2-4: Effect of a "Bipolar Input > On"
This parameter influences the lower limit of the supply voltage Vcc.
The generated signal is conformed with the MIPI®Alliance specification "Specification
for Analog Reference Interface for Envelope Tracking".
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:BINPut on page 87
Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
VppMax ← DC Modulator characteristics
Sets the maximum value of the peak-to-peak driving voltage Vpp of the external DC
modulator.
The Vpp limits:
●
The value range of the supply voltage VccMin/Max
Vpp ≥ VCCMax
●
In "I/Q Output Type > Differential", the voltage of the generated envelope signal
V
Min/Max as follows:
out
Vpp ≥ V
Max[E] - V
out
Max[E Bar], where [E] and [E Bar] refer to the envelope sig-
out
nal and the inverted envelope signal.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VPP[:MAX] on page 86
Gain ← DC Modulator characteristics
Sets the gain of the external DC modulator.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:GAIN on page 87
VccOffset ← DC Modulator characteristics
Applies a voltage offset on the supply voltage VccMin/Max, i.e. compensates a possible
offset from the external DC modulator. Reduces the envelope output voltage
V
Min/Max by this value to maintain the supply voltage Vcc in the defined value range.
out
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Figure 2-5: Effect of a Vcc offset
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VCC:OFFSet on page 87
Generation of envelope tracking signals
General RF envelope settings
PA characteristics
Refer to the product documentation of the power amplifier (PA) for information on its
characteristics.
The following settings are required:
VccMin/Max ← PA characteristics
Displays the minimum and maximum values of the supply voltage Vcc, as required by
the power amplifier (PA).
For "Envelope Voltage Reference > Vcc", sets the minimum and maximum values of
the supply voltage Vcc.
The value range of the supply voltage Vcc is determined by the allowed peak-to-peak
driving voltage Vpp of the external DC modulator and the enabled VccOffset.
VccMax ≤ VppMax
The Vcc is calculated as follows:
Vcc = Vout * Gain + Vcc Offset
Example:
Envelope Voltage Reference = V
cc
VccOffset = 0 mV
VccMax = 1 V = 0 dBV
Gain = 3 dB
VccMax [dBV] - Gain [dB] = V
V
Max = 0 dBV - 3 dB = -3 dBV = 0.708 V
out
Max or
out
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"Bipolar Input"Value range "VccMin"
"State > On"VccMin = - 0.5*VppMax
"State > Off"VccMin = 0 to VccMax
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VCC:MIN on page 88
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:VCC:MAX on page 88
Power Offset ← PA characteristics
Indicates an enabled power offset, for example to compensate power attenuation
because of cable lengths.
The displayed value is applied as level offset to the generated RF signal and considers
the following settings:
Note: Implemented as a VccOffset, see Effect of a "Bipolar
Input > On".
PEPinMin/Max ← PA characteristics
Sets the minimum and maximum values of the input power PEPin, as required by the
power amplifier (PA).
The "PEPinMin/Max" parameters define the linear range of the PA. Refer to the product
documentation of the PA for information on the characteristics of the required input sig-
nal.
The value range corresponds to the value range of output level.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:PIN:MIN on page 89
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:PIN:MAX on page 90
2.4Envelope settings
Access:
1. Enable the generation of envelope tracking signal.
See Chapter 2.3, "General RF envelope settings", on page 21.
2. Select "I/Q Analog Settings > Envelope Settings".
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R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
1= Enabled Digital Predistortion
2=
3a, 3b = (for "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Manual") Pre-Gain/Post-Gain
4= Shaping state and shaping function; gray background color = deactivated shaping
5= Enabled Envelope to RF Delay
6= Indicates the output connectors, depending on the I/Q Output Type
Envelope detector, √[I(t)2+Q(t)2]; indication changes, depending on the Envelope Voltage
Adaptation
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Envelope settings
The dialog displays an interactive overview diagram of the ET processing chain.
The diagram displays information on shaping state, incl. current shaping method
and setting, like gains or delay.
Tip: Hotspots for quick access. The displayed blocks are hotspots. Select one of
them to access the related function.
The remote commands required to define these settings are described in Chapter 6.2,
"SOURce:IQ:OUTPut:ENVelope commands", on page 80.
Settings:
Envelope to RF Delay................................................................................................... 30
Calculate Envelope from Predistorted Signal................................................................31
Envelope to RF Delay
Sets the time delay of the generated envelope signal relative to the corresponding RF
signal. A positive value means that the envelope signal delays relative to the RF signal
and vice versa.
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
2a
1
2b
Figure 2-6: Effect of enabled positive RF delay
1= RF signal
2a, 2b = Envelope signal E and inverted envelope signal E BAR
Use this parameter to compensate possible timing delays caused by connected cables
and align the input signals at the PA to prevent unwanted effects, like memory effects
or decreased linearity.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:DELay on page 84
Calculate Envelope from Predistorted Signal
Option: R&S SMBV100B-K541
Enables the calculation of the envelope signal from the original baseband signal or
from the AM/AM and/or AM/FM predistorted signal.
See also Chapter 3, "Applying digital predistortion", on page 46.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:FDPD on page 85
2.5Shaping settings
Access:
1. Enable the generation of envelope tracking signal.
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See Chapter 2.3, "General RF envelope settings", on page 21.
2. Enable "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Auto Power/Normalized".
3. Select "I/Q Analog Outputs > Shaping".
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
Figure 2-7: Understanding the displayed information ("Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Auto
1a, 1b = Indicates the values of VccMin/Max
2a= Values smaller than PEPinMin are clipped
2b= Values greater than PEPinMax are clipped
3= Operating point; corresponds to the RF RMS power level
3a= Current RF RMS power level; an enabled "RF Level > Level Offset" is considered
3b= Current V
4= Crest factor of the generated signal
5a, 5b = The values correspond to the PEP of the generated RF signal and the VCC; shaded area indi-
6= Current envelope shape, defined by the detroughing function and detroughing factor
Power", "Shaping > Detroughing")
CC
cates the calculated Pre-Gain
The settings allow the configuration of the shape of the RF envelope signal. The
instrument applies the settings and calculates the shaping function. A diagram visualizes the resulting envelope shape, as function of the selected supply voltage V
and PEPin value limits, the calculated pre-gain and the estimated operating point of
the PA.
See also:
●Chapter 4, "How to generate a control signal for power amplifier envelope
tracking tests", on page 68.
●Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the dis-
played values", on page 16.
cc
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The remote commands required to define these settings are described in Chapter 6.2,
Enables envelope shaping and selects the method to define the shaping function.
For detailed information on the shaping functions, see:
●
Chapter 2.2.3, "Envelope shaping and shaping methods", on page 12
●
Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and understanding the displayed
values", on page 16.
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
"Off"
Envelope shaping is not adopted.
Previously configured values of the parameters Pre-Gain and Post-
Gain are ignored.
2a
1
2b
Figure 2-8: Generated RF, envelope and inverted envelope signal
1= RF signal (simple ramp function)
2a, 2b = Envelope signal E and inverted envelope signal E Bar
"Linear (Voltage)/Linear (Power)"
The shaping function is a simple linear function.
The linear shaping is not used in practice but can be used for less
demanding applications, simple analysis, and the first interactions by
designing the optimum envelope shape. For "Envelope Voltage Adaption > Manual", this function is suitable to determine the "Pre-/PostGain" values, because the shaping gain of the linear function is 0 dB.
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
"Polynomial"
The shaping function is defined by a polynomial with configurable
order and coefficients.
Select Polynomial coefficients settings to access the settings.
2a
1
2b
Figure 2-9: Effect of a polynomial shaping on the envelope and inverted envelope
signal
1= RF signal (simple ramp function)
2a, 2b = Envelope signal E and inverted envelope signal E Bar
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
"From Table"
The shaping function is defined by user-defined value pairs in form of
a shaping table.
This shaping function is suitable if you have knowledge on or aim to
achieve an exact relation between the supply voltage and RF output
power. For example, by describing the transition region of a PA.
Select "Shaping Table" to access the settings.
2a
1
2b
Figure 2-10: Effect of a table shaping on the envelope and inverted envelope sig-
1= RF signal (simple ramp function)
2a, 2b = Envelope signal E and inverted envelope signal E Bar
nal
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Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
"Detroughing"
The shaping function applies a detroughing to prevent that the supply
voltage Vcc drops down to zero.
Use the "Detroughing Factor" to limit the supply voltage Vcc in the
low-power region.
2a
1
2b
Figure 2-11: Effect of a detroughing function on the envelope and inverted enve-
1= RF signal (simple ramp function)
2a, 2b = Envelope signal E and inverted envelope signal E Bar
lope signal
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:MODE on page 90
Detroughing Function
Selects the mathematical function describing the detroughing.
The following functions are available:
●
f(x) = x + d*e
●
f(x) = 1 - (1 - d)*cos(x*pi/2)
●
f(x) = d + (1 - d)*x
-x/d
a
Where:
●
x depends on the "Envelope Voltage Adaptation" mode, see Table 2-2
●
d = Detroughing Factor (d)
●
a = Exponent (a)
For more information, see Chapter 2.2.3.6, "Converting shaping functions and under-
standing the displayed values", on page 16.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:DETRoughing:
FUNCtion on page 94
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Detroughing Factor (d)
For inactive coupling of the detroughing factor with Vcc, sets a start offset to limit the
supply voltage Vcc in the low-power region.
The detroughing factor also controls the shaping. "Detroughing Factor = 0" defines a
linear function.
See also "Couple Detroughing Factor with Vcc"on page 38.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:DETRoughing:
FACTor on page 94
Couple Detroughing Factor with Vcc
Enable this parameter to derive the detroughing factor (d) from the selected Vcc value.
This ensures that the minimum supply voltage Vcc does not drop under the specified
limits and the signal is not clipped.
The detroughing factor is calculated as follows:
d = VccMin/VccMax
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:DETRoughing:
COUPling on page 94
Exponent (a)
For the third detroughing function, sets the exponent (a), see Detroughing Function.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:DETRoughing:
PEXPonent on page 94
Pre-Gain
For "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Manual", sets a pre-gain (i.e. an attenuation) to
define the operating range of the power amplifier. The pre-gain can be used to define
and test only a specific (required) part of the operating range.
For "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Auto", calculates the value automatically as following:
For "Envelope Voltage Adaption > Manual", sets a post-gain to compensate the attenuation introduced by the pre-gain and the gain of the shaping function.
For "Shaping > Polynomial", accesses a dialog to describe the envelope shape as a
polynomials function, see Chapter 2.7, "Polynomial coefficients settings", on page 43.
Shaping Table
For "Shaping > From Table", accesses the standard "Envelope Select" dialog with
functions to define a new shaping table file, select or edit an existing one.
The shaping table files are files with predefined extension and file format, see "File for-
mat of the shaping table file"on page 15.
You can create a shaping table externally or internally.
"Select"
"New"
"Edit"
Selects and loads an existing file.
Creates a file
Access a standard built-in table editor, see Chapter 2.6, "Edit I/Q
envelope shape settings", on page 40.
Remote command:
For "Envelope Voltage Adaption > Manual":
on page 91
For "Envelope Voltage Adaption > Auto":
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:PV:FILE:
CATalog? on page 91
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:PV:FILE[:
SELect] on page 91
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Shaping settings
Interpolation
For "Shaping > From Table", enables a linear interpolation between limited number of
defined value pairs in the table, to prevent abrupt changes.
Table 2-5: Effect of parameter "Interpolation"
"Interpolation > Off""Interpolation > Linear Voltage"
Figure 2-13: Polynomial Coefficients: Understanding the displayed information
The polynomial function is an analytical method to describe a shaping function.
With the provided settings, you can define a polynomial function with up to 10
order to describe the envelope shape.
5. Select "Polynomial Order = 2" (n = 2).
6. Set the constant a0 and the polynomial coefficients a1 and a2.
7. Select "Apply".
The instrument loads the configured values and displays the shaping function.
8. To store the defined shaping function:
a) Select "Save/Recall Polynomial"
b) Navigate throughout the file system and enter a "File Name", e.g. MyPolyno-
mial_2thOrder
c) Select "OK".
9. Select "Polynomial Coefficients > OK" to close the dialog.
th
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R&S®SMBVB-K540, R&S®SMBVB-K541
The remote commands required to define these settings are described in Chapter 6.2,
Accesses the "Save/Recall" dialog, that is the standard instrument function for saving
and recalling the complete dialog-related settings in a file. The provided navigation
possibilities in the dialog are self-explanatory.
The settings are saved in a file with predefined extension. You can define the filename
and the directory, in that you want to save the file.
See also, chapter "File and Data Management" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
The polynomial files are files with extension *.iq_poly, see "File format of the poly-
nomial function file"on page 15.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:COEFficients:
CATalog? on page 93
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:COEFficients:
STORe on page 93
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:COEFficients:
LOAD on page 93
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Polynomial coefficients settings
Polynomial Order
Defines the polynomial order n, that is the number of polynomial coefficients (see
Chapter 2.2.3.3, "About the polynomial function", on page 14).
To confirm the settings, select "Apply".
Remote command:
See [:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:
COEFficients on page 92.
Polynomial constant and coefficients
Sets the polynomial constant a0 and the polynomial coefficients a1 to an.
The polynomial constant and coefficients influence the envelope shape.
Triggers the instrument to adopt the selected function.
Use "OK" to apply the setting and exits the dialog.
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Remote command:
See [:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut[:ANALog]:ENVelope:SHAPing:
COEFficients on page 92
Generation of envelope tracking signals
Polynomial coefficients settings
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3Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortion (DPD) is a method to improve the efficiency of RF power amplifiers. In the R&S SMBV100B, the generated digital signal can be deliberately AM/AM
and AM/PM predistorted.
3.1Required options
The equipment layout for digital predistortion includes:
●
Base unit
●
Option AM/AM AM/PM predistortion (R&SSMBVB-K541)
●
Optional option envelope tracking (R&SSMBVB-K540)
Applying digital predistortion
About digital predistortion
3.2About digital predistortion
Power amplifiers are an essential part of any telecommunication systems. While amplifying the transmitted signal, power amplifiers sometimes also distort this signal and
change its amplitude and/or phase characteristics. Such distortions result in undesired
effects like spectrum regrowth, harmonic generation, intermodulation (IM) products, or
increased bit error rate.
The principle of the digital predistortion
To compensate for the distortions caused by the transmission system, the signal is
deliberately digitally predistorted. Digital predistortion (DPD) is a method to apply wanted and well-defined predistortion on the transmitted signal. When this signal is amplified, the resulting signal features the identical characteristics, as the initial signal before
the predistortion.
signal
abc
DPD
P
out
P
in
PA
P
P
in
out
P
out
P
in
Figure 3-1: Illustration of predistortion principle
DPD = Digital predistortion
PA = Power amplifier
a= Predistortion function
b= Characteristic of the power amplifier, for example the non-linear input power vs. output power
(AM/AM) function
c= Ideal linearized characteristic of the amplified signal
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Digital predistortion models
When testing power amplifiers, it is important to measure and analyze signal distortions.
Of several known models, this implementation focuses on the following two types of
distortion:
●
The AM/AM (amplitude-to-amplitude) distortion and
●
The AM/PM (amplitude-to-phase) distortion.
An AM/AM representation is a standard method that shows the signal power level at
the input of the DUT against the power level at the output of the DUT. The default unit
for both axes is dBm but the AM/AM representation can also be normalized.
An AM/PM curve shows the phase difference in degrees (y-axis) for every input power
level (x-axis).
With option R&S SMBVB-K541, you can define both, an AM/AM and an AM/PM predistortion and apply them separately or superimposed on each other on the generated
digital baseband signal.
Applying digital predistortion
About digital predistortion
If your instrument is equipped with the option R&S SMBVB-K540, you can also apply
predistortions on the generated envelope signal.
Refer to Chapter 2, "Generation of envelope tracking signals", on page 10 for more
information.
3.2.1Defining the power level of the generated signal
You can define the level of the generated signal in one of the following ways:
●
"Level Reference > Before DPD"
In this mode, the "Level" parameter in the status bar of the instrument defines the
signal level before the DPD is applied.
Signal with selected level is pre-distorted and depending on the selected AM/AM
and AM/PM functions, attenuated or boosted.
See Table 3-1.
●
"Level Reference > After DPD"
In this mode, you define the resulting signal level. Based on this value and depending on current predistortion function, the R&S SMBV100B calculates the level of
the signal to be pre-distorted.
The level calculation requires several interaction cycles; the number of iterations is
a trade-off between level accuracy and speed.
See "To perform manual iterations to achieve a desired resulting signal level after
the DPD"on page 74 for explanation of how the interactions are performed.
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Table 3-1: Difference between the level reference modes
"Level Reference > Before DPD""Level Reference > After DPD"
Applying digital predistortion
About digital predistortion
1: "LevelIN = Level = -15 dBm", i.e. signal level before DPD
2: "PEPIN = PEP -3.43 dBm", i.e. PEP of the signal before DPD
3: "Level
4: "PEP
= -15.42 dBm", resulting signal level after DPD
OUT
= -3.68 dBm", resulting PEP of the signal after DPD
OUT
3.2.2Defining the correction values
In the R&S SMBV100B, you can select the way you define the predistortion function
and choose between:
●
A polynomial function with up to 10 polynomial coefficients
(see Chapter 3.2.2.1, "Polynomial function", on page 48)
●
A predistortion function defined as a look-up table
(see Chapter 3.2.2.2, "Shaping table", on page 49)
●
A normalized data
(see Chapter 3.2.2.3, "Normalized data", on page 50)
●
To set the correction values in raw format with a single remote control command
(see Chapter 3.2.2.4, "Predistortion function in raw data format", on page 51).
1: "Level
2: "PEP
DPD
3: "LevelIN = -15.43 dBm", calculated signal level before DPD
4: "PEPIN = -3.86 dBm", calculated of the signal before DPD
5: allowed maximum level error
6: maximum number of iterations used to achieve the required
level error
= Level = -15 dBm", i.e. signal level after DPD
OUT
= PEP = -3.57 dBm", i.e. PEP of the signal after
OUT
3.2.2.1Polynomial function
The polynomial function is an analytical method to describe a predistortion function.
When using the polynomial function, you do not define the correction values (ΔPower
and ΔPhase) directly as it is in the look-up table. You describe the predistortion function and the R&S SMBV100B derives the correction values out of it.
See Chapter 3.3.4, "Polynomial coefficients settings", on page 62.
This implementation uses a polynomial with complex coefficients defined as follows:
P
(x) = ∑[(an+j*bn)*xn],
DPD
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Where:
●
n = "Polynomial Order" ≤ 10
●
x=Pin/PinMax
●
an and bn are user-defined coefficients, defined as Cartesian (polar) or cylindrical
coordinates.
In Cartesian coordinates system, the coefficients bn are expressed in degrees.
The R&S SMBV100B calculates the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion functions as follows:
●
AM/AM(x) = abs[P
●
AM/PM(x) = tan-1{Im[P
A dedicated graphical display visualizes the resulting functions, see Figure 3-4.
The R&S SMBV100B calculates the correction values (ΔAM/AM and ΔAM/PM functions) as follows:
●
ΔAM/AM(x) = AM/AM(x) - x = abs[P
●
ΔAM/PM(x) = AM/PM(x) = tan-1{Im[P
DPD
(x)]
DPD
(x)]/Re[P
DPD
DPD
(x)]}
(x)] -x
(x)]/Re[P
DPD
Applying digital predistortion
About digital predistortion
(x)]}
DPD
File format of the polynomial file
You can store a polynomial function in a file or even define the polynomial coefficients,
store them as a file and load this file into the instrument. The polynomial files are files
with the extension *.dpd_poly.
The file contains an optional header # Rohde & Schwarz - Digital
and a list of comma-separated coefficient value pairs, stored in Cartesian coordinates.
For values above the selected Input Range (PEPin) From/To, the predistortion function
assumes a linear ratio of the input to output power.
Example: Polynomial function file content
# Rohde & Schwarz - Digital Predistortion Polynomial Coefficients
# a0,b0, a1,b1, a2,b2, ...
0,0,-0.25,0.2,0.6,-0.3,0.3,0.3,0.5,-0.4
3.2.2.2Shaping table
In the R&S SMBV100B, there are two ways to define the predistortion function in form
of a shaping table:
●
Externally
Create a correction table file as a CSV file with Microsoft Excel, with a Notepad or
a similar tool. Save the file with the predefined extension, transfer and load it into
the instrument.
See also "File format of the correction table file"on page 50.
●
Internally
Use the built-in editor table editor, see Chapter 3.3.3, "Edit predistortion table set-
tings", on page 60.
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File format of the correction table file
The correction table files are files with predefined extension and simple file format, see
Table 3-2.
Table 3-2: Shaping table files: format and extensions
The header is optional. The file content is a list of up to 4000 comma-separated value
pairs, describing the delta values for amplitude or phase related to the absolute input
power Pin. A new line indicator separates the pairs.
For values above the selected Input Range (PEPin) From/To, the predistortion function
assumes a linear ratio of the input to output power.
# Rohde & Schwarz - Digital AM/AM Predistortion Table
Pin[dBm],deltaPower[dBm]
-30,0.5
3,-0.01
3.2.2.3Normalized data
In the R&S SMBV100B, there are two ways to define the predistortion function as normalized data:
●
Externally
We recommend that you calculate the normalized correction data by a connected
R&S®FSW equipped with R&S®FSW-K18 power amplifier and envelope tracking
measurements option.
You can also create the correction table file as a CSV file with Microsoft Excel, with
a Notepad or a similar tool. Save the file with the predefined extension, transfer
and load it into the instrument.
See also "File format of the correction table file"on page 50.
●
Internally
Use the built-in editor table editor, see Chapter 3.3.3, "Edit predistortion table set-
tings", on page 60.
*.dpd_magn# Rohde & Schwarz - Digital AM/AM
Predistortion
Table Pin[dBm],deltaPower[dB]
*.dpd_phase# Rohde & Schwarz - Digital AM/PM
Predistortion
Table Pin[dBm],deltaPhase[deg]x
File format of the normalized data
The normalized data files are files with predefined extension *.dpd_norm and simple
file format, see "File format of the normalized data"on page 50.
The file contains an optional header # Rohde & Schwarz - Digital
Predistortion Normalized Table Data # PinMax [dBm] # number of
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Applying digital predistortion
About digital predistortion
points # Vin/Vmax, deltaV/V, deltaPhase [deg], the values of the Pin
the number of the subsequent points and a list of comma-separated groups of three
values.
Example: Normalized data file content
# Rohde & Schwarz - Digital Predistortion Normalized Table Data
# PinMax [dBm]
# number of points
# Vin/Vmax, deltaV/V, deltaPhase [deg]
10
4096
0,0,0
0.0002442,-0.00018246,0.28052
0.0004884,-0.00036487,0.28041
0.0007326,-0.00054723,0.2803
0.0009768,-0.00072954,0.28019
0.001221,-0.00091181,0.28008
0.0014652,-0.001094,0.27996
...
3.2.2.4Predistortion function in raw data format
Max
,
The predistortion values are defined directly, with a single remote control command:
●
Define up to 4000 comma-separated value pairs, describing the absolute input
power Pin and the delta values for amplitude or phase (ΔPower and ΔPhase).
on page 106
–[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMAM:FILE:NEWon page 106
–[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMPM:FILE:NEWon page 106
●
Define the absolute maximum input power Pin
points, and the normalized values Vin/Vmax, ΔV/V, ΔPhase [deg] as binary data.
See [:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:NORMalized:DATAon page 108.
3.2.3Finding out the correction values
If you know the properties of the used power amplifier, you can calculate suitable correction values.
, the number of subsequent
max
We assume that the characteristics of a power amplifier have been measured and that
the left graphic in the following table shows the AM/AM curve of this amplifier.
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Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Defining correction coefficients for an AM/AM predistortion
(example)
a = ideal characteristic; if the amplifier did not distort the signal,
the normalized magnitude would be a line
b = measured AM/AM curve; the normalized magnitude varies
as a function of input power
The required correction coefficient ΔPower is the difference between the ideal and the
real normalized amplitude for one particular input power. To compensate for the nonlinearity and the deviation from the ideal line: select a negative correction value (-Δ) for
any input power where the real normalized amplitude is greater than the ideal one (1).
Logically, a positive correction value (+Δ) compensates for (i.e. boost) an amplitude
that is smaller than the ideal one (2).
Resulting AM/AM predistortion function (example)
a = ideal characteristic
b = measured AM/AM curve
c = resulting AM/AM predistortion function, i.e. correction values
curve
d = ideal predistorted signal
Ideally, a signal predistorted with a suitable function (c) and then amplified by the particular PA would have a linear characteristic (a).
In the practice, however, you do not calculate the correction coefficients manually but
they are calculated automatically. A suitable solution is the R&S®FS-K130PC software
or the R&S®FSW-K18 power amplifier and envelope tracking measurements option,
see Chapter 5, "How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs",
on page 72.
3.3Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
You can add digital predistortion to the generated baseband signal and thus compensate an amplitude and a phase distortion of the DUT, for example of the tested power
amplifier.
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Access:
► Select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion > AM/AM AM/PM".
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
The dialog covers the settings for digital predistortion, like select and enabling an
AM/AM and/or AM/PM predistortion, select the way the predistortion function is
defined and specify the correction values.
The remote commands required to define these settings are described in Chapter 6.3,
Input/Output PEP, Level and Crest Factor.................................................................... 55
AM/AM and AM/PM State............................................................................................. 55
State
Enables/disables the generation of digital predistorted signals.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:STATe on page 98
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Set to Default
Calls the default settings. The values of the main parameters are listed in the following
table.
ParameterValue
"State"Not affected by the "Set to Default"
"Level Reference"Before DPD
"AM/AM First"Off
"AM/PM, AM/AM"Off
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:PRESet on page 98
Save/Recall
Accesses the "Save/Recall" dialog, that is the standard instrument function for saving
and recalling the complete dialog-related settings in a file. The provided navigation
possibilities in the dialog are self-explanatory.
The settings are saved in a file with predefined extension. You can define the filename
and the directory, in that you want to save the file.
See also, chapter "File and Data Management" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SETTing:CATalog? on page 98
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SETTing:STORe on page 99
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SETTing:LOAD on page 99
[:SOURce]:IQ:DPD:SETTing:DELete on page 98
AM/AM First
Toggles the order the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortions are applied.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMFirst on page 102
Level Reference
Switches between dynamic and static adaptation of the range the selected DPD is
applied on.
"Before DPD/After DPD"
Selects dynamic range calculation and defines whether the selected
"Level" value corresponds to the signal level before or after the predistortion, see Chapter 3.2.1, "Defining the power level of the gener-
ated signal", on page 47.
"Static DPD"
Selects static (constant) range limits. To adjust the range, use the
parameter Pre-Gain.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:LREFerence on page 102
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Maximum Output Level Error
For "Level Reference > After DPD", sets the allowed maximum error, see Chap-
ter 3.2.1, "Defining the power level of the generated signal", on page 47.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:ERRor:MAX on page 103
Maximum Number of Iterations
For "Level Reference > After DPD", sets the maximum number of performed iterations
to achieving the required Maximum Output Level Error.
See also Chapter 3.2.1, "Defining the power level of the generated signal", on page 47.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:ERRor:MAX on page 103
Achieved Output Level Error
Displays the resulting level error, see Chapter 3.2.1, "Defining the power level of the
generated signal", on page 47.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:ERRor? on page 102
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Input/Output PEP, Level and Crest Factor
Displays the calculated values the before and after the DPD.
A value of -1000 indicates that the calculation is impossible or there are no measure-
ments results available.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:INPut:PEP? on page 104
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:INPut:LEVel? on page 103
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:INPut:CFACtor? on page 103
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:PEP? on page 104
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:LEVel? on page 103
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:OUTPut:CFACtor? on page 103
AM/AM and AM/PM State
Enables/disables the AM/AM and AM/PM digital predistortion.
If both predistortions are enabled simultaneously, the instrument applies the AM/AM
predistortion first and compensates the phase error of the PA afterwards.
Compare the displayed signal processing chain.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMAM:STATe on page 99
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMPM:STATe on page 99
3.3.2Predistortion settings
Access:
1. Select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion > AM/AM AM/PM > Predistortion Settings".
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2. Select a shaping function, for example the shaping file form Example "Shaping
table file content (*.dpd_magn file)"on page 50.
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Figure 3-2: Predistortion Settings > From Table: Understanding the displayed information
1a= Normalized value of the current RF RMS power level
2a= Normalized value of the current PEP of the generated RF signal
1b, 2b= Correction values
White dashed line = Ideal zero correction function; no correction is necessary
Yellow curve= Predistortion function
3a, 3b= Input Range (PEPin) From/To
4= Positive correction coefficients to compensate values below the ideal ones
5= Values greater than the PEPin Max are ignored
The dialog covers the settings for digital predistortion, like select and enabling an
AM/AM and/or AM/PM predistortion, select the way the predistortion function is
defined and specify the correction values.
└ AM/AM and AM/PM Diagrams........................................................................60
Shaping
Selects the method to define the correction coefficients.
"From Table"
As value pairs in form of a shaping table.
Select "AM/AM or AM/PM Shaping Table" to access the settings, see
Chapter 3.3.3, "Edit predistortion table settings", on page 60.
"Polynomial"
By a polynomial with configurable order and coefficients.
Select "Polynomial Coefficients" to access the settings, see Chap-
ter 3.3.4, "Polynomial coefficients settings", on page 62.
"Normalized"
As a normalized data.
Select "Normalized Data" to access the settings, see Chapter 3.3.5,
"Normalized data settings", on page 66.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:MODE on page 104
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Interpolation
For "Shaping > From Table/Normalized", enables a linear interpolation between limited
number of defined value pairs in the table, to prevent abrupt changes.
Table 3-3: Effect of parameter Interpolation
"Interpolation > Off""Interpolation > Linear (Power)"
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:INTerp on page 106
Invert Correction Values
Inverts the defined correction values.
Applies the exact invert predistortion coefficients without changing the defined predis-
tortion table.
This function is also useful to toggle between predistortions with corrections related to
the input power and to the output power.
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Table 3-4: Effect of parameter Invert correction values
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing[:TABLe]:INVert on page 106
Input Range (PEPin) From/To
Defines the minimum and maximum input power PEPin.
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
If you apply digital predistortion on signals used for power amplifier tests with envelope
tracking, set the PEPinMax value to the maximum value of the input power PEPin Max,
as required by the power amplifier (PA).
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:PIN:MIN on page 104
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:PIN:MAX on page 104
Pre-Gain
For "General > Level Reference > Static DPD", sets a pre-gain (i.e. an attenuation) to
define the range the DPD is applied in. The pre-gain can be used to define and test
only a specific (required) part of the operating range.
For "General > Level Reference > Before/After DPD", the range is limited by the current PEP of the signal.
See Figure 3-2.
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1 = Pre-gain limits the effective range of the shaping function
2 = Values above this limit are ignored
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:GAIN:PRE on page 104
Shaping Table
Accesses the standard "Predistortion Select" dialog with functions to define a new
shaping table file, select, or edit an existing one.
The shaping table files are files with predefined extension and file format, see "File for-
mat of the correction table file"on page 50.
You can create a shaping table externally or internally.
"Select"
"New"
"Edit"
Selects and loads an existing file.
Creates a file.
Access a standard built-in table editor, see Chapter 3.3.3, "Edit pre-
distortion table settings", on page 60.
Remote command:
For AM/AM distortions:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMAM:FILE:CATalog? on page 105
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMAM:FILE[:SELect] on page 105
For AM/PM distortions:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMPM:FILE:CATalog? on page 105
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMPM:FILE[:SELect] on page 105
Polynomial Coefficients
For "Shaping > Polynomial", accesses a dialog to describe the predistortion function as
a polynomial function, see Chapter 3.3.4, "Polynomial coefficients settings",
on page 62.
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Normalized Data
For "Shaping > Normalized", accesses a dialog to describe the predistortion function
as a normalized data, see Chapter 3.3.5, "Normalized data settings", on page 66.
Graphic Configuration
Comprises setting to configure the graphical display.
Scale ← Graphic Configuration
Determines the unit of the x-axis, "Voltage" or "Power".
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SCALe on page 105
AM/AM and AM/PM Diagrams ← Graphic Configuration
Visualize the resulting correction functions, as function of the selected PEPin value limits.
See Figure 3-2.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMAM:VALue:LEVel? on page 100
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMAM:VALue:PEP? on page 100
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMAM:VALue? on page 99
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMPM:VALue:LEVel? on page 102
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMPM:VALue:PEP? on page 101
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:AMPM:VALue? on page 101
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
3.3.3Edit predistortion table settings
The predistortion table is an internal editor where you define the correction values,
ΔPower and ΔPhase, in form of a look-up table.
Access:
1. Select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion > AM/AM AM/PM > Predistortion Settings".
Pin (dBm), Delta Power (dB)/Pin (dBm), Delta Phase (deg).........................................61
Fill Table Automatically..................................................................................................61
Goto, Edit, Save As, Save.............................................................................................62
Pin (dBm), Delta Power (dB)/Pin (dBm), Delta Phase (deg)
Sets the correction value pairs.
"Pin, ΔPower"
Value pairs for the AM/AM predistortion
"Pin, ΔPhase"
Value pairs for the AM/PM predistortion
Remote command:
See [:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMAM:FILE[:SELect]
on page 105
and [:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:TABLe:AMPM:FILE[:SELect]
on page 105
Fill Table Automatically
Standard function for filling a table automatically with user-defined values.
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"From / Range"
Defines the start line and number of the rows to be filled.
"Select Column to Fill"
Selects the respective value, including the unit.
"Start / End Value"
Default values corresponding to the selected column.
"Increment"
"Fill"
Determines the step size.
Fills the table.
Fill both columns and then save the list. Otherwise the entries are
lost.
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Goto, Edit, Save As, Save
Standard functions for editing of data lists.
Changed and unsaved values are displayed on a yellow background.
Remote command:
n.a.
3.3.4Polynomial coefficients settings
Alternatively to the look-up table, you can define the predistortion functions as a polynomial function. The R&S SMBV100B calculates the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion
functions and the required correction coefficients out of the defined polynomial.
To access the polynomial coefficients setting and define a higher-order polynomial
1. Select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion > AM/AM AM/PM > Predistortion Settings".
2. Select "Shaping > Polynomial".
3. Select "AM/PM > Polynomial Coefficients".
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Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Figure 3-4: Polynomial Coefficients: Understanding the displayed information
n= Polynomial order
a0, b0, ... = Polynomial coefficients
1= Ideal AM/AM function (the normalized amplitude is a line)
2= Resulting AM/AM predistortion function, calculated as AM/AM(x) = abs[P
3= Ideal AM/PM function (constant phase at 0 degrees)
4=
Resulting AM/PM predistortion function, calculated as AM/PM(x) = tan-1{Im[P
Re[P
(x)]}
DPD
DPD
(x)]
DPD
With the provided settings, you can define a polynomial function with up to 10
order to describe the predistortion function.
The graphical display updates on-the-fly and visualizes the resulting AM/AM and
AM/PM functions.
4. Select "Polynomial Order = 4" (n = 4).
5. Set the polynomial coefficients a0 to b4.
Use, for example, the values shown on Figure 3-4.
6. Select "Apply".
The instrument loads the configured values, calculates the correction values, and
displays the predistortion functions.
(x)]/
th
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Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Figure 3-5: Predistortion Settings > Polynomial: Understanding the displayed information
1a= Current RF RMS power level
2a= Current PEP of the generated RF signal
1b, 2b= Correction values
White dashed line= Ideal zero function; no correction is necessary
AM/AM yellow curve = AM/AM correction values, calculated as ΔAM/AM(x) = AM/AM(x) - x
AM/PM yellow curve = AM/PM correction values, calculated as ΔAM/PM(x) = AM/PM(x)
3a, 3b= X-axis scale, calculated from the Input Range (PEPin) From/To
4= Negative correction coefficients
5= Values greater than the PEPin Max are ignored
7. To store the defined predistortion function:
a) Select "Save/Recall Polynomial"
b) Navigate throughout the file system and enter a "File Name", e.g. MyPolyno-
mial_4thOrder
c) Select "OK".
8. Select "Polynomial Coefficients > OK" to close the dialog.
Accesses the "Save/Recall" dialog, that is the standard instrument function for saving
and recalling the complete dialog-related settings in a file. The provided navigation
possibilities in the dialog are self-explanatory.
The settings are saved in a file with predefined extension. You can define the filename
and the directory, in that you want to save the file.
See also, chapter "File and Data Management" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
The polynomial files are files with extension *.dpd_poly, see "File format of the poly-
nomial file"on page 49. The polynomial function is stored in Cartesian format.
Accesses the "Save/Recall" dialog, that is the standard instrument function for saving
and recalling the complete dialog-related settings in a file. The provided navigation
possibilities in the dialog are self-explanatory.
The settings are saved in a file with predefined extension. You can define the filename
and the directory, in that you want to save the file.
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See also, chapter "File and Data Management" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
The normalized data files are files with extension *.dpd_norm, see "File format of the
normalized data"on page 50.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:NORMalized:DATA:CATalog? on page 109
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:NORMalized:DATA:LOAD on page 109
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:NORMalized:DATA:STORe on page 109
Pin
Max
Sets the value of the maximum input power level.
Pin
corresponds to a normalized input power of 1, that is the max. allowed value on
max
the x-axis.
Select "Apply" to confirm the settings.
Remote command:
n.a.
Vin/Vmax, Delta V/V, Delta Phase (deg)
Sets the correction as a group of three values.
Select "Apply" to confirm the settings.
Remote command:
See "Apply, OK"on page 67.
Applying digital predistortion
Digital predistortions AM/AM and AM/PM settings
Apply, OK
Triggers the instrument to adopt the normalized data.
Use "OK" to apply the setting and exits the dialog.
Remote command:
[:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:DPD:SHAPing:NORMalized:DATA on page 108
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4How to generate a control signal for power
amplifier envelope tracking tests
Refer to Figure 2-1 for an example of a simplified test setup for power amplifier testing
with envelope tracking. The illustration is intended to explain the principle in general,
not all connections and required equipment are considered.
The R&S SMBV100B in this setup is configured to generate an LTE RF signal with
complex modulation scheme and high peak to average power (PAPR), and the
required envelope signal. A polynomial shaping function is defined.
The PA receives the RF input signal and the dynamically adapted supply voltage. Ideally, the gain of the PA should stay constant.
Required are the following values:
●
Characteristics of the power amplifier: supply voltage VCC, the input power PEP
●
Characteristics of the external DC modulator: gain, peak-to-peak voltage VPP, input
impedance R
in
How to generate a control signal for power amplifier
envelope tracking tests
in
To configure the R&S SMBV100B to generate the RF and RF envelope signal
1. Enable the R&S SMBV100B to generate an EUTRA/LTE FDD DL signal.
Select "Baseband > EUTRA/LTE" and enable for example:
a) Select "Link Direction > Downlink"
b) Select "Test Model > E-TM1_1--5MHZ"
c) Enable "State > On"
2. Set "Frequency = 2.143 GHz" and "Level = -15 dB"
3. In the block diagram, select "I/Q Out > I/Q Analog > I/Q Analog Outputs > General"
and perform the following:
a) Select "RF Envelope > On".
b) Select "Envelope Voltage Adaptation > Auto Power"
c) Select "I/Q Output Type > Differential"
d) Configure the settings as shown on Figure 2-3.
e) Select "I/Q Analog Outputs > Envelope Settings" and set for example "Enve-
lope to RF Delay = 10 ps"
f)Select "I/Q Analog Outputs > Shaping > Shape > Detroughing".
g)
Set "Detroughing Function = 1: f(x) = x + d*e
h) Set "Detroughing Factor (d) > Coupled with Vcc = On".
i)Select "Graphic Configuration > Scale > Power".
(-x/d)
".
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How to generate a control signal for power amplifier
3a, 3b = Current VCC = 0.612 V (operating point)
4= Crest factor = 11.6 dB
5a= PEP = -3.4 dBm; current Pinmax limit
5b= Current VCC limit
4. Select "I/Q Analog Output > State > On"
5. Enable "RF > State > On".
6. Trigger the signal generation
7. Select "I/Q Out > I/Q Analog > I/Q Analog Outputs > General", enable "Power Offset = 1 dB" and compare the operating point.
The level display value in the status bar of the instrument shows "Level = -14 dBm"
and confirms that a "Level Offset = Power Offset = 1 dB" is enabled.
The instrument generates and outputs:
●An RF signal with the specified level and level offset
●An RF envelope signal that follows the power changes of the RF signal.
The envelope signal E is output at the I Out connector; the inverted envelope sig-
nal E BAR at the I Bar Out. The voltage of this envelope signal is automatically
adjusted so that the supply voltage stays within the specified limits.
To observe the impact of baseband signal and its crest factor on the generated
envelope signal, try out the following:
●Select "Baseband > Off" and compare the displayed envelope shape, in partic-
ARB... > Clipping > State > On" and select "Clipping Level = 75%"
Possible extensions
Consider to extend the test setup as follows:
●
To apply digital predistortion (DPD) on the baseband signal and compare the
behavior of the power amplifier (DUT)
See Chapter 5, "How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs",
on page 72.
●
To perform RF analysis, use the R&S®FSW
●
To measure and evaluate the AM/AM and AM/PM distortions, use the R&S®FSWK18 Power Amplifier and Envelope Tracking Measurements.
●
To observe the characteristics of the generated signal, use an oscilloscope, for
example R&S®RTO
How to optimize the signal to improve the linearity and efficiency of the power
amplifier
How to generate a control signal for power amplifier
envelope tracking tests
Refer to Figure 4-1 for an example of a simplified test setup for power amplifier testing
with envelope tracking and digital predistortion. The illustration is intended to explain
the principle in general, not all connections and required equipment are considered.
Figure 4-1: Simplified test setup for power amplifier envelope tracking tests with DPD
Use the following general guidelines:
1.
Provide the output signal of the DUT to the R&S®FSW and measure the signal.
Suitable RF measurements are the ACLR and EVM characteristics of the signal.
2. In the R&S SMBV100B, select "I/Q Analog Outputs > Envelope Settings" and vary
the "Envelope to RF Delay" to minimize the ACLR and EVM measured with the
R&S®FSW.
3. Change the shaping method and shaping function and measure the power amplifier characteristics.
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Did its linearity and efficiency improved?
4.
Use the R&S®FSW-K18 to evaluate the signal, calculate suitable predistortion values, and store the AM/AM and AM/PM tables.
5. Transfer the predistortion functions to R&S SMBV100B and load them (select "I/Q
Mod > AM/AM AM/PM > Predistortion Settings").
See Chapter 5, "How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs",
on page 72.
6.
In the R&S®FSW, measure the power amplifier characteristics.
Did its linearity improved?
How to generate a control signal for power amplifier
envelope tracking tests
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5How to apply a DPD to improve the effi-
ciency of RF PAs
Refer to Figure 5-1 for an example of a simplified test setup for power amplifier testing
with envelope tracking and digital predistortion. The illustration is intended to explain
the principle in general, not all the connections and required equipment are considered.
How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs
Figure 5-1: Simplified test setup for power amplifier envelope tracking tests with DPD
A real test setup comprises of the following equipment:
●
R&S SMBV100B to generate the RF signal, and to calculate and apply the DPD.
In test setups for envelope tracking tests, the R&S SMBV100B also generates the
envelope tracking signal.
●
R&S®FSW equipped with R&S®FSW-K18 Power Amplifier and Envelope Tracking
Measurements to:
–Measure and analyze the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion
–Calculate the AM/AM and AM/PM correction tables
–Store and export the correction tables
●
DUT, that is the power amplifier.
●
Optional, R&S®RTO to monitor the generated envelope signal.
General steps for tests to improve the efficiency of RF power amplifiers
Consider the following general steps:
1. Enable the R&S SMBV100B to generate a baseband signal. A suitable baseband
signal is a simple ramp function or, to minimize memory effects, a signal with small
bandwidth.
2. Compare the input waveform to the output of the power amplifier and determine
how the amplifier is distorting the signal.
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The normalized AM/AM and AM/PM curves show the variation of the magnitude
and phase over the variation of the input power and thus provide a suitable representation and good basis for analysis.
3. A simple straightforward method to retrieve the DPD correction values is to "invert"
the curves, see Chapter 3.2.3, "Finding out the correction values", on page 51.
Use the R&S®FSW-K18 to retrieve the AM/AM and AM/PM correction values automatically.
4. Use the retrieved correction values and define the predistortion functions.
5. Enable the AM/AM and AM/PM predistortion and predistort the original baseband
signal.
See "To configure the R&S SMBV100B to predistort the baseband signal"
on page 73
6. Measure the behavior of the power amplifier, for example perform EVM and ACP
measurements or evaluate the AM/AM and AM/PM curves.
Does the output signal of the DUT have a better performance with regards to ACP
and/or EVM?
How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs
To configure the R&S SMBV100B to predistort the baseband signal
1. Enable the R&S SMBV100B to generate an EUTRA/LTE FDD DL signal.
2. Set "Frequency = 2.143 GHz" and "Level = -15 dB".
3. In the block diagram, select "I/Q Mod > Digital Predistortion > AM/AM, AM/PM",
and perform the following:
a) Select "Digital Predistortion AM/AM, AM/PM > Predistortion Settings" and
enable "Shaping > From Table".
b) Select "AM/AM Table > New", enter a file name, and select "AM/AM Table >
Edit".
c) Enter the correction values and select "Save".
See the example on Figure 3-3.
d) Adjust the AM/PM correction values in the same way.
e) Select "Interpolation > Liner (Power)".
f)Select "Digital Predistortion AM/AM, AM/PM > General".
g) Select "Maximum Input Power PEPIN Max > 3 dBm".
h) Select "AM/AM State > On", "AM/PM State > On" and "Predistortion State >
To perform manual iterations to achieve a desired resulting signal level after the
DPD
To explain the iteration principle, we assume that the R&S SMBV100B has been configured as described in "To configure the R&S SMBV100B to predistort the baseband
signal"on page 73 and the DPD uses an AM/AM predistortion function as shown on
Figure 5-2.
To achieve a signal level of -15 dB after the DPD, perform the following steps and obey
the rule:
Vary the "Level" with small steps.
Always start with small value and increase the "Level" at the subsequent iterations.
1. Select "Digital Predistortion AM/AM, AM/PM > General > Level reference > Before
DPD".
How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs
2. Calculate the Δ
Figure 5-2: Manual iterations on an example AM/AM predistortion function ("Input Range PEPin =
.
P_1
-17 dBm to -12 dBm"): Step#1
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How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs
1 = current operating point: PIN = Level
2 = first iteration with Level
a = Δ
P_1
b = difference between the correction values at the current and the new operating points
●Level
●Level
●Δ
P_1
= Level = -15 dBm
IN_1
= -15.42 dBm
OUT_1
= Level - Level
3. Set the "Level" = Level + Δ
IN_2
OUT_1
P_1
The diagram displays the achieved output values; Level
4. Calculate the Δ
P_2
.
= -15 dBm
IN_1
= -15 + 15.42 = 0.42 dBm
= -15.45 dBm.
= - 15.02 dBm.
OUT_2
Figure 5-3: Manual iterations on an example AM/AM predistortion function ("Input Range PEPin =
1 = initial operating point: PIN = Level
2 = current operating point: PIN = Level
3 = second iteration with Level
a = Δ
P_2
b = difference between the correction values at the current and the new operating points
●Level
●Level
●Δ
P_2
5. Set "Level" = Level + Δ
The diagram confirms the achieved output value; Level
-17 dBm to -12 dBm"): Step#2
IN_3
= - 15.55
IN_2
= -15.02 dBm
OUT_2
= Level - Level
OUT_2
= -15.43 dBm
P_2
= -15 dBm
IN_1
= -15.45 dBm
IN_2
= -15 + 15.02 = - 0.02 dBm
= - 15 dBm.
OUT_3
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6. Compare the operating point on the AM/AM functions.
How to apply a DPD to improve the efficiency of RF PAs
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6Remote-control commands
The following commands are required to perform signal generation in a remote environment. We assume that the R&S SMBV100B has already been set up for remote
operation in a network as described in the R&S SMBV100B user manual. Knowledge
about the remote control operation and the SCPI command syntax is assumed.
Conventions used in SCPI command descriptions
For a description of the conventions used in the remote command descriptions, see
section "Remote Control Commands" in the R&S SMBV100B user manual.
Common suffixes
The following common suffixes are used in remote commands:
SuffixValue rangeDescription
Remote-control commands
SOURce<hw>
Programming examples
The corresponding sections of the same title provide simple programming examples for
the R&S SMBV100B. The purpose of the examples is to present all commands for a
given task. In real applications, one would rather reduce the examples to an appropriate subset of commands.
The programming examples have been tested with a software tool which provides an
environment for the development and execution of remote tests. To keep the examples
as simple as possible, only the "clean" SCPI syntax elements are reported. Non-executable command lines (e.g. comments) start with two // characters.
At the beginning of the most remote control program, an instrument (p) reset is recommended to set the R&S SMBV100B to a definite state. The commands *RST and
SYSTem:PRESet are equivalent for this purpose. *CLS also resets the status registers
and clears the output buffer.
In all the examples, we assume that a remote PC is connected to the instrument, the
remote PC and the instrument are switched on, a connection between them is established. We also assume that the security setting "System Config > Setup > Security >
SCPI over LAN" is enabled.
The following commands specific to the R&S SMBVB-K540/-K541 options are described here:
The following functions cannot be activated simultaneously. They deactivate each
other.
●
The internal baseband generator ([:SOURce<hw>]:BB:<DigStd>:STATe) and
the external digital baseband input ([:SOURce<hw>]:BBIN:STATe)
●
The external digital baseband input ([:SOURce<hw>]:BBIN:STATe) and digital
output ([:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut:DIGital:STATe) because they share the
same physical connectors (Dig I/Q and the HS Dig I/Q).
●
The digital output ([:SOURce<hw>]:IQ:OUTPut:DIGital:STATe) and the output of analog I/Q signals:
Stores the shaping values into a file with the selected file name and loads it.
The file is stored in the default directory or in the directory specified with the absolute
file path. If the file does not yet exist, a new file is created. The file extension is
assigned automatically.