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Making Measurements
Measuring Amplifiers
Measuring Amplifiers
The analyzer allows you to measure the transmission and reflection characteristics of
many amplifiers and active devices. You can measure scalar parameters such as gain, gain
flatness, gain compression, reverse isolation, return loss (SWR), and gain dri ft versus ti me.
Additionally, you can measure vector parameters such as deviation from linear phase,
group delay, complex impedance and AM-to-PM conversion. You can also make high power
measurements.
Figure 1-42 Amplifier Parameters
When you are measuring a device that is very sensitive to absolute power level, it is
important that you accurately set the power level at either the device input or output. The
analyzer is capable of using an external GPIB power meter and controlling source power
directly. Refer to Chapter 6 , "Calibrating for Increased Measurement Accuracy" for
information on power meter calibration.
This section contains the following measurement examples:
•"Measuring Gain Compression" on page 1-53
• Measuring Gain and Reverse Isolation Simultaneously
• Making High Power Measurements
— Option 085 Configuration
— Option 012 Configuration