Session will start at:

11h35 GMT+3

From Wave-based Load-

Pull to Behavioural
Nonlinear models
Presented by:
Vince Mallette Executive Vice President at Focus Microwaves
11th November 2021

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Outline

• Wave-based Load-pull measurement overview

– Introduction
– Hardware setup
– Waveform measurement capabilities
• Behavioural model generation
– Theory of model extraction
– Measurement strategy
– Model extraction procedure
• Application – usage in Advanced Design System (ADS)

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Wave-based Load-pull
measurement overview

3
Wave-based load-pull measurement: Introduction

• Load-pull is the measurement of key non-

linear parameters indexed as a function of
load-impedance. Load Sweep

– Input Power
– Output power and Gain
– Drain efficiency and Power added efficiency
• Impedance control is provided by a passive
tuner or active tuner.
• Traditionally carried out using a scalar bench
e.g. using power sensors and calibrated
passive tuners.

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Wave-based load-pull measurement: Capabilities

• Load-pull data can be captured by

measurement of traveling waves with a IV Waveforms
calibrated network analyser e.g. a1, b1,
a2, b2 as well as dc terms v1, v2, i1, i2 Load
allow us to compute additional Sweep
parameters:
– Input Gamma of the device under test,
– Accurate measure of load-impedance
for the fundamental and harmonic
frequencies at the input and output
ports
– Accurate time-domain waveforms Power
(phase reference required). Sweep

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From VNA to NVNA - Phase Reference

• To convert a VNA capable of measuring ratios only to a NVNA, capable of large signal
measurements we need a phase (time) reference.
• As a VNA steps from one frequency to another, phase coherence is lost which means
the time domain waveforms can no longer be displayed.
• Additional measurements are also required to give absolute power and phase
measurement capabilities.
• Phase reference can be used to trigger (time align) and to correct the absolute
phase.
• A phase reference is a device that has been pre-characterized to uncover the phase
relationships between the fundamental and other frequencies.
Mesuro Phase Reference

• The Mesuro phase reference is designed for application to harmonic waveform

reconstruction.
– Unlike other approaches where a fine comb is created all the energy is maintained within the
harmonics of the drive signal. This improves the quality of the initial characterization as well as
the reconstruction during measurement.

F0 2F0 3F0 4F0 5F0

Wave-based load-pull: Hardware Setup 18GHz
Wave-based load-pull: Hardware Setup 67GHz
Wave-based load-pull: Hardware Setup 110GHz
Behavioural Model Generation

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Behavioural Model Generation: Introduction
• Cardiff Model+ (CM+) is a behavioural modelling strategy, based on a polynomial fit of the load-pull
measurement data.
• Generalized to an mth odd order in terms of the relative phase component of the incident wave, ap,h
at harmonic h and port p.
• For this model, measurement data is indexed as |ap,h| and Qh/P1.
• Using least-means squares, we are able to determine the order (complexity of the equation) w which
satisfies the desired accuracy for a global model.

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F0 Performance Vary the Coefficients

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Measurement Strategy (F0 Only)
• For fundamental-only (F0) model generation, the load-F0 impedance is swept through a pre-defined sweep plan; centred
around the optimum for power and efficiency performance.
• The harmonic frequencies e.g. 2F0 and 3F0 are kept at a constant impedance.
• Measurements of a1, b1, a2, b2 at all calibrated frequencies and dc values v1dc, v2dc, i1dc, i2dc are captured and stored in a file
indexed by fundamental load impedance and input drive.
• We usually recommend carrying out an input drive power sweep with a ~20dB dynamic range.
• Fundamental source-pull is not necessary however it can aid in minimising the input return loss and thus provide a facility for
driving the DUT into compression.

Set Bias Point,

Set F0 impedance
F0 Frequency, Set Drive Level
with tuner
Harmonic terminations
Trigger
NO NO measurement and
save data
START FINISH
F0 Sweep Plan Power Sweep
YES YES
Complete? Complete?

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Measurement Strategy (F0 Only)

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Measurement Strategy (harmonics)
2F0 impedance
sweep plan
• For harmonic model generation, the load-F0 impedance is
swept through a pre-defined sweep plan. This is “nested” with
another sweep plan at each harmonic required within the
model.
• An MPT Tuner can be used to simultaneously change the
fundamental and harmonic impedance for the above plan.
• Such a sweep can also be realised with active Load-pull. F0 impedance
sweep plan
Set Bias Point,
Set F0 impedance Set 2F0 Impedance
F0 Frequency, Set Drive Level
with MPT tuner with MPT tuner
Harmonic terminations

NO
NO
Trigger
START FINISH
measurement and
F0 Sweep Plan 2F0 Sweep Plan NO save data
YES YES
Complete? Complete?
YES

Power Sweep
Complete?

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Behavioural Model Generation: Import Load-pull data
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification: • The generator requires measured a and b waveforms for all the harmonics and ports.
Immediate feedback of model vs. • It also requires measured I and V dc data at both the ports.
measurement performance
• Several file formats are supported and an SDK is available to add new formats.
Export model coefficients as
MDF file or XNP File

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Behavioural Model Generation: Data processing (1)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

• Get a full snapshot of the measurement data including variables such as

Export model coefficients as Drain efficiency, output power, gain, converged load impedances etc.
MDF file or XNP File

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Behavioural Model Generation: Data processing (2)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance
• Get a full snapshot of the measurement data including
variables such as Drain efficiency, output power, gain,
Export model coefficients as
MDF file or XNP File converged load impedances etc.

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Behavioural Model Generation: Data processing (3)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as • Quickly “spot” erroneous data points and

MDF file or XNP File filter them out using the Data processor
feature.

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Behavioural Model Generation: Complexity of model (1)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as • The above data has been “nested” with tuner
MDF file or XNP File positions of Load F0, Load 2F0 and Source 2F0.

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Behavioural Model Generation: Complexity of model (2)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

• The above data has been “nested” with

Export model coefficients as tuner positions of Load F0, Load 2F0 and
MDF file or XNP File Source 2F0.

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Behavioural Model Generation: Generate Model
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as

• Model generation and verification is done in
MDF file or XNP File one step.

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Behavioural Model Generation: Model Verification (1)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as • Verification plots include Comparison of Gamma,

MDF file or XNP File
Comparison of waveforms, Error Plots

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Behavioural Model Generation: Model Verification (2)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as • Verification plots include Comparison of Gamma,

MDF file or XNP File
Comparison of waveforms, Error Plots

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Behavioural Model Generation: Model Verification (3)
Import Wave-based LP Data

Measurement Data processing…

Determine the complexity (w) required

to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as

MDF file or XNP File • Verification plots include Comparison of Gamma,
Comparison of waveforms, Error Plots

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Behavioural Model Generation : Model files
Import Wave-based LP Data
• CM+ Model files are in MDF format with a very small file size
(<100kB) compatible with
Measurement Data processing…
– Keysight ADS v2009-2020
• CM+ Models can also be saved as *.xnp files with the built-in
Determine the complexity (w) required XNP Model file generator
to fit a global model for the given load-
pull space.

Generate the Model

Model Verification:
Immediate feedback of model vs.
measurement performance

Export model coefficients as

MDF file or XNP File

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Performance of Model in CAD

Using Advanced Design System (ADS)

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Performance in CAD: Model extraction parameters

• Model extraction was carried out for a 10W CREE Device (CGH40010). Optimised Tuning Mode with MPT
20 x Power Levels
• The F0, 2F0 and 3F0 impedances were used in a nested pattern. 30 x F0 L.P. Points
• Bias point was chosen to provide idq=390mA with Vds = 28V 6 x 2F0 L.P. Points
6 x 3F0 L.P. Points
• Fundamental frequency = 2.1GHz = 21,600
• PNA-X was used with a Mesuro Phase reference unit
Measurement time ~ 4 Hours
• RF Signal was in CW Mode.

F0 Meas. 2F0 & 3F0

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Performance in CAD: Fundamental load-pull
• Measured vs. Modelled power contours
– Source F0 and Harmonics 2F0 and 3F0 locked to 50 ohms
– Load F0 swept and Harmonics 2F0 and 3F0 locked to 50 ohms
– Fixed available input power = 27.43dBm. [3dB compression pt. at optimum]

Simulation Measurement

F0 LP area used
for Model Gen.

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Performance in CAD: Fundamental load extrapolation
Measurement
• Measured power sweep in an impedance
where the model was not captured.

Test for Load F0

extrapolation

F0 LP area used
for Model Gen.

Simulation

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Performance in CAD: Fundamental Source-pull
• Measured power sweep in different Source F0 Impedance settings.
– Model was generated at
|Gsource| = 0 and Ð Gsource = 0
– This test was done with
| Gsource | = 0.85 and Ð Gsource = -168

Measurement

Simulation

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Performance in CAD: Second Harmonic Load-pull (efficiency)
• The 2nd Harmonic Load-pull contours shown were acquired using an active load-pull setup; with the
F0 gamma at |GLoad|=0.21 and Ð GLoad=168°
Measurement
Simulation

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Performance in CAD: Time Domain Waveforms – IV Waveforms

• The 2F0 gamma target was set to |GLoad|=0.94 and Ð GLoad=-150°

• The F0 gamma target was set to |GLoad|=0.20 and Ð GLoad=168°
• A power sweep was carried out to 3dB compression point

Simulation Measurement

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Measurement ADS Data Display Waveforms
Measurement ADS Schematic and Data Display Contours
Cardiff Model vs Measurement Data Display
Resources
• Keysight EEsof EDA Knowledge Center
– https://edadocs.software.keysight.com/display/support/Knowledge+Center
• Andy Howard’s contact information
– andy_howard@keysight.com
• Keysight/Focus joint solutions
– https://www.keysight.com/main/partnerdetail.jspx?partnerId=1948&locId=4244&cc=US&lc=eng&salesCC=US&s
alesLC=eng&ph=1&geog=COUNTRY
• Focus Website
– www.focus-microwaves.com
– YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCap0tNovc1rIOfe0zH1bIRQ
• Vince Mallette’s contact information
– vince@focus-microwaves.com

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