A baseband time domain measurement system for dynamic characterization of power amplifiers with high dynamic range over large bandwidths

This paper describes, and discusses in some detail, a measurement system for dynamic characterization of power amplifiers. The system uses data that are generated and collected at baseband to accurately calculate AM/AM and AM/PM distortion as well as memory effects in the amplifiers. The limitations of the system in terms of dynamic range and bandwidth are discussed as well as techniques to overcome them. The system may serve as a tool both for designers of power amplifiers as well for development of amplifier models and systems for predistortion.