2009-RF Circuit Design Courseware

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Courseware
Out-of-Box Teaching Solution for the RF Circuit Design
Quick Start Guide revision 2.40

Printed on 28 December 2009
http://dreamcatcher.asia/cw
cw.enquiry@dreamcatcher.asia
NOTE:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This
device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy; and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
 Reorient or relocate the receiving unit.

 Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver unit.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a different electrical circuit from the
receiver.
 Consult the dealer or/and an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING:
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY

RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE FCC’ RULES (THE FCC’
GRANTEE’) COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE
EQUIPMENT.
ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 2/23

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. 3
1. Read Me First ................................................................................................................................ 4
2. Courseware Overview.................................................................................................................... 5
3. Courseware Configuration ............................................................................................................. 6
4. Quick Setup and Verification ........................................................................................................ 11
5. Support and Warranty .................................................................................................................. 18
Appendix A: ME1000 Transmitter Unit ............................................................................................. 19
Appendix B: ME1000 Receiver Unit ................................................................................................. 20
Appendix C: Technical Specifications .............................................................................................. 21

1. Read Me First
Congratulations on your purchase of the ME1000 RF Circuit Design courseware! Please read this
Quick Start Guide carefully to ensure you get the most out of your investment in this solution.
This courseware includes the following items:
Item Quantity Description

® ®
o Teaching slides (Microsoft PowerPoint format)
®
o Lab sheets (Microsoft Word format)
®
o Problem-based assignments (Microsoft Word format)
CD 1
o CAE design files (based on Agilent ADS and Genesys software)
o Measurement Automation Program (Agilent VEE format)
o Windows-based RF Trainer Control Panel software
ME1000 RF Circuit
1 Transmitter unit and receiver unit
Design Training Kit
Antennas 2 One each for the transmitter unit and the receiver unit
Calibration kit 1 Thru-Reflect-Match (TRM) standard calibration kit
RF power combiner 1 Power combiner for OIP3 measurement
Jumper cables 9 SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) coaxial cables (0.18 m)
Coaxial cables 2 SMA(m)-to-SMA(m) coaxial cables (1 m)
USB cables 3 USB cables
RF connectors 2 N(m)-to-SMA(f) adapter
Ground cables 2 For grounding purpose (1 m)
The following items are not included in this solution but are required/recommended:
 One PC running Microsoft® Windows 2000/XP/Vista® with a minimum of 512 MB RAM and
USB ports
 Appropriate measurement instruments and software (see Section 3.6, "Lab Station" for
details)
 Appropriate Train-the-Trainer Program (see Section 3.7, "Train-the-Trainer Program" for
details)
Complete the steps in Section 4, "Quick Setup and Verification" to start using the ME1000 RFCD TX
(transmitter unit) and RX (receiver unit).
Thank you for your purchase and do contact us (see Section 5, "Support and Warranty") if you require
any assistance.
IMPORTANT
The ME1000 RF Circuit Design training kit can be damaged by excessive power levels from the
instruments. Please adhere strictly to the power levels recommended in the instructions.

2. Courseware Overview
The ME1000 serves as an out-of-box teaching solution in the areas of RF and wireless
communication targeting final year undergraduates or postgraduates. The modules can be used as
standalone trainers to demonstrate basic RF concepts and design principles. These include the
characterization of antennas, filters, low-noise amplifier (LNA), power amplifier (PA), mixers, and
phase-locked loop (PLL) based frequency synthesizers. The modules can also be connected together
to create a fully functional end-to-end RF transceiver. To achieve a better understanding and enhance
design knowledge of RF and wireless communications, students are required to complete the lab
exercises and assignments.
This courseware consists of:

 Teaching slides (editable with Microsoft PowerPoint)
 Training kit: RF Transceiver kit
 Lab sheets (editable with Microsoft Word)
 Problem-based assignments (editable with Microsoft Word)
 Model answers and solutions (downloadable by registered instructors)
The following items are not included but recommended:

 Agilent Technologies RF Signal Generator and Spectrum Analyzer
o N9310A RF Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 3 GHz
o N9320B 3 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer, 9 kHz to 3 GHz
 Agilent Technologies Vector Network Analyzer
o N9912A FieldFox RF Analyzer, 4 GHz (with option 104, 110, 303)
 Agilent Technologies Noise Figure Analyzer
o N8973A Noise Figure Analyzer, 10 MHz to 3 GHz
o N4000A SNS Series Noise Source, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (ENR 6 dB)
 Agilent Technologies EDA Software
o W1418L Genesys Integrated; or
o E8975L Advanced Design System
This complete solution is designed to impart knowledge in:

 Basic RF concepts
 RF circuit design concepts
 RF communication systems concepts
 RF circuit characterization
 Usage of RF Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software
 RF circuit simulation and construction
 Usage of RF measurement instruments
 Measurement automation

3. Courseware Configuration
3.1 Teaching Slides
Editable slides in Microsoft PowerPoint format are provided for the following topics:
 Advanced Transmission Line Theory

 Transmission Line Circuits and RF Microwave Network Analysis
 Impedance Transformation and Impedance Matching
 RF Microwave Filters
 3-Port and 4-Port Microwave Components
 Coaxial Components and Rectangular Waveguide Components
 Passive and Active RF Lumped Components
 Small-Signal Amplifier Theory
 SSA Design – Maximum Power Gain and Fixed Transducer Power Gain
 SSA Design – Low-Noise Amplifier
 SSA Design – Constant Mismatch and Effective Power Gain
 General Single-Stage SSA Design
 Multistage SSA Design
 RF Oscillator
 High Power Circuits
 Broadband Amplifiers
3.2 Design Files and Measurement Automation Program
 CAE design files (based on Agilent ADS and Genesys software)

 Measurement Automation Program (Agilent VEE format)
 Windows-based RF Trainer Control Panel software
3.3 ME1000 RF Circuit Design Training Kit
Transmitter unit:
o 1 x frequency synthesizer
o 1 x mixer (upconversion)
o 1 x power amplifier
o 2 x RF band-select filter
o 1 x antenna
o 1 x microcontroller-based control unit
Receiver unit:
o 1 x antenna
o 1 x RF band-select filter
o 1 x low-noise amplifier
o 1 x mixer (downconversion)
o 1 x frequency synthesizer
o 1 x IF bandpass filter
o 1 x IF amplifier
o 1 x microcontroller-based control unit

3.4 Lab Sheets
Lab Sheet Objective Duration

Calibration with Spectrum Analyzer To perform scalar offset calibration, to 3 Hours
verify the signal purity of a signal
generator, and to determine the losses
contributed by the cables, connectors, and
PCB traces
Calibration with Vector Network Analyzer To modify the built-in TRM standards in the 3 Hours
VNA, to perform TRM calibration using
user-defined calibration kits, and to verify
the calibrated results using the Smith Chart
plot
Power Amplifier Characterization Using To measure gain, gain compression, 3 Hours
1
Spectrum Analyzer harmonic distortion, third-order intercept
point, and isolation of power amplifier
Power Amplifier Characterization Using To characterize the power amplifier with 3 Hours
Vector Network Analyzer reflection and transmission measurement,
and to measure gain compression using
power sweeps
Low-Noise Amplifier Characterization To measure gain and isolation of a low- 3 Hours
Using Spectrum Analyzer noise amplifier
Low-Noise Amplifier Characterization To characterize a low-noise amplifier with 3 Hours
2
Using Vector Network Analyzer reflection and transmission measurement
Low-Noise Amplifier Characterization To measure the noise figure of a low-noise 3 Hours
3
Using Noise Figure Analyzer amplifier
Filter Characterization Using Spectrum To measure insertion loss, bandwidth, and 3 Hours
Analyzer rejection of an RF bandpass filter
Filter Characterization Using Vector To characterize the RF filter with reflection 3 Hours
Network Analyzer and transmission measurement, and to
display results in multiple plots, such as the
Smith Chart, Magnitude, and Phase plots.
Mixer Characterization Using Spectrum To measure some important characteristics 3 Hours
Analyzer of the frequency mixer and to understand
the frequency conversion principles of the
frequency mixer
Mixer Characterization Using Vector To measure the standing wave ratio, return 3 Hours
Network Analyzer loss, RF feedthrough, and LO isolations of
a mixer
Frequency Synthesizer Characterization To measure the output power level, 3 Hours
Using Spectrum Analyzer harmonic frequencies, and phase noise of
a frequency synthesizer
1
The third-order intermodulation measurement in this lab requires an additional signal generator.
2
Extra exercises on transmission measurements in this lab sheet require a network analyzer with vector
S12/S 21 measurement capability.
3
This lab requires a noise figure analyzer.

Measurement Automation Using Agilent To introduce Agilent VEE Pro for 3 Hours
VEE Pro measurement automation and instruments
control
Antenna Reflection Measurement with To characterize an antenna through 3 Hours
Vector Network Analyzer reflection measurement
Antenna Gain Measurement with To estimate the gain of an antenna 3 Hours
Spectrum Analyzer
End-to-End RF Transceiver To analyze the signal flow through each 3 Hours
Measurement module in the transceiver chain
3.5 Problem-based Assignments
No Assignment
1 Maximum Operating Distance Measurement Using Spectrum Analyzer
2 Maximum Operating Distance Measurement Using Oscilloscope
3 RF Bandpass Filter Design
4 RF Amplifier Design
3.6 Lab Station
Basic Setup
1 x PC running Microsoft Windows 2000/XP/Vista with a minimum of 512 MB RAM
1
1 x Agilent N9310A RF Signal Generator, 9 kHz to 3 GHz
1 x Agilent N9320B 3 GHz RF Spectrum Analyzer, 9 kHz to 3 GHz
2
1 x Agilent N9912A FieldFox RF Analyzer, 4 GHz [with option 104, 110, 303]
1 x Agilent N8973A Noise Figure Analyzer, 10 MHz to 3 GHz
1 x Agilent N4000A SNS Series Noise Source, 10 MHz to 18 GHz (ENR 6 dB)
3
1 x Agilent W1418L Genesys Integrated or E8975L Advanced Design System
1 x Agilent VEE Pro
The above list can be replaced by instruments and software of similar functions and capabilities.
1
An additional signal generator is required for the third-order intermodulation measurement in the Power
Amplifier Characterization lab.
2
This instrument only performs scalar S12/S21 measurements. It may be replaced by a network analyzer with full
vector measurement capability to perform the extra lab exercises.
3
This software is used for the problem-based assignments.

The following table shows the training kit and recommended instruments used in each lab.
Training Kit Instrument

Option 1 Option 3
RF Signal Option 2 RF Signal Generator,
Lab Sheet ME1000
Generator & Vector Network Spectrum Analyzer, &
Training Kit
Spectrum Analyzer Vector Network
Analyzer Analyzer
Calibration with Spectrum
 
Analyzer
Calibration with Vector
  
Network Analyzer
Power Amplifier
Characterization Using   
Spectrum Analyzer
Power Amplifier
Vector Network Analyzer
Low-Noise Amplifier
Spectrum Analyzer
Low-Noise Amplifier
Low-Noise Amplifier
Characterization Using Noise 
Figure Analyzer
Filter Characterization Using
  
Spectrum Analyzer
Filter Characterization Using
  
Mixer Characterization Using
  
Spectrum Analyzer
Mixer Characterization Using
  
Frequency Synthesizer
Spectrum Analyzer
Measurement Automation
  
Using Agilent VEE Pro
Antenna Reflection
Measurement with Vector  
Network Analyzer
Antenna Gain Measurement
 
with Spectrum Analyzer
End-to-End RF Transceiver
  
Measurement

3.7 Train-the-Trainer Program (recommended, not included in courseware)
Lectures
 Essential RF Microwave Concepts
 RF Circuit Validation and Testing
 RF Circuit Design – Passive Circuits
 RF Circuit Design – Active Circuits
 PLL and Frequency Synthesizer – Concept and Characterization
 Quick Start to Agilent ADS
 Agilent VEE Programming
 Selected topics from the courseware teaching material
Lab Exercises
 Selected exercises from the lab sheets
Training details are available at http://dreamcatcher.asia/

4. Quick Setup and Verification
The N(m)-to-SMA(f) adapters are always

connected to all SMA connectors of the training
kit to prevent the SMA connectors from wearing
out due to regular connection and disconnection
of the SMA cables. If the adapters are worn out,
they can be easily replaced with new ones. This
measure is taken to simplify part replacement
since the SMA connectors of the training kit is
soldered to the PCB board.
4.1 The following steps demonstrate the setup and verification of the entire system:
Step 1: Installing the RF Trainer Control Panel Software

Step 2: Powering Up the Transmitter Unit and Receiver Unit
Step 3: Verifying the Transmitter Unit
Step 4: Verifying the Receiver Unit
Step 5: Verifying the Final End-To-End System
IMPORTANT
 The transmitter and receiver units can be damaged by excessive power levels from the
instruments. Please adhere strictly to the power levels recommended in the instructions.
 Turn off the training kit when not in use.
 Always ensure that the casing is grounded and the cover is latched before powering up the
device.
Step 1 : Installing the RF Trainer Control Panel Software
1 Run the RF Trainer Control

Panel from the ME1000 CD
provided. Install the Microsoft
.NET Framework when
1
prompted.
2
2 Launch two Control Panels by
clicking the RF_Trainer icon on
your desktop twice. One Control
Panel will control the transmitter Two Control Panels
unit while the other will control
the receiver unit.

Step 2 : Powering Up the Transmitter Unit and Receiver Unit
1 Connect the transmitter unit

and receiver unit to the PC
using the USB cables.
Transmitter unit
USB cable 1
USB cable 1 Receiver unit
Powering Up the Transmitter Unit
2 Select TX Unit from Control

Panel 1.
3 Click Connect to RF Trainer.

2
4 The green LED on the control
unit of the transmitter will blink
3
once, indicating a successful
connection.
Control Panel 1
Control unit of the transmitter
Powering Up the Receiver Unit
5 Select RX Unit from Control

Panel 2.
6 Click Connect to RF Trainer.
7 The green LED on the control

unit of the receiver will blink 5
once, indicating a successful
connection. 6
7
Control Panel 2
Control unit of the receiver

Step 3 : Verifying the Transmitter Unit
1 Click Frequency Synthesizer

Off to turn it on. Set the 1
frequency to 818 MHz.
TX control panel
Verifying the Synthesizer
2 Connect the spectrum analyzer

to the Synthesizer Out port of
the transmitter unit.
2 Transmitter unit
3 Check if the output signal from Synthesizer Out port
the synthesizer is correct. 3
Spectrum analyzer
N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting: “[ ]”: Hardkey; “{ }”: Softkey

Center Freq: 818 MHz
[Frequency] > [818] > {MHZ}
Span: 10 MHz
N9320B setup: [SPAN] > [10] > {MHZ}
Verifying the Mixer

4
4 Click Up-Converter Off to turn

on the mixer.
TX control panel

N9310A Signal Generator setting: N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting:

Frequency: 50 MHz Center Freq: 818 MHz
[Frequency] > [50] > {MHZ} [Frequency] > [818] > {MHZ}
Amplitude: –15 dBm Span: 500 MHz

[Amplitude] > [+/–] > [15] > {dBm} [SPAN] > [500] > {MHZ}
Turn off Mod.: [MOD On/Off] Note: Reduce the SPAN value to get a
Turn on RF Out: [RF On/Off] more accurate frequency measurement
5 Reconnect the spectrum Signal generator
Spectrum analyzer
analyzer to the IF Out port.
6 Use the jumper cable to

connect the Synthesizer Out 8
port to the Mixer LO In port.
50 MHz
7 Connect the signal generator –15 dBm
(50 MHz, –15 dBm) to the Mixer 5
RF In port. 7
8 Check the spectrum analyzer to

see if the mixer produces any
intermodulation products such
as (±n818 ± m50) MHz.
818 MHz 6
N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting:

Locate signal with Marker: [Peak Search]
Next Peak search: {Next Peak}
Verifying the End-To-End Signal generator Spectrum analyzer

Transmitter
9 Reconnect the spectrum

analyzer to the Bandpass Filter
Out port.
12
13 50 MHz 868 MHz

10 Use the jumper cables to –15 dBm
connect all the ports as shown
on the right.
10 9

11 Click Power Amplifier Off to
turn on the power amplifier.
11

12 Check the spectrum analyzer 818 MHz
whether the signal generator
output is upconverted from
50 MHz to 868 MHz.

13 Power off the signal generator.

Step 4 : Verifying the Receiver Unit
1 Click Frequency Synthesizer

Off to turn it on. Set the 1
frequency to 818 MHz.
RX control panel
Verifying the Synthesizer
2 Connect the spectrum analyzer 2

to the Synthesizer Out port.
3 Check if the output signal from 3 Receiver unit

the frequency synthesizer is Synthesizer Out port
correct.
Spectrum analyzer
N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting:

Center Freq: 818 MHz
[Frequency] > [818] > {MHZ}
Span: 10 MHz
[SPAN] > [10] > {MHZ}
Verifying the Mixer 4
4 Click Mixer Off to turn on the

mixer.
RX control panel

N9310A Signal Generator setting: N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting:

Frequency: 868 MHz Start Freq: 0 MHz
[Frequency] > [868] > {MHZ} [Frequency] > {Start Freq} > [0] > {MHZ}
Amplitude: –15 dBm Stop Freq: 3 GHz

[Amplitude] > [+/–] > [15] > {dBm} {Stop Freq} > [3] > {GHZ}
Turn off Mod.: [MOD On/Off] Note: Set the stop freq to 100 MHz to get a
Turn on RF Out: [RF On/Off] more accurate 50 MHz frequency
measurement.
5 Reconnect the spectrum Spectrum analyzer

Signal generator
analyzer to the IF Out port.
6 Use a jumper cable to connect

the Synthesizer Out port to the 8
Mixer LO In port.
7 Reconnect the signal generator 868 MHz

–15 dBm
(868 MHz, –15 dBm) to the
7
Mixer RF In port. 5
8 Check the spectrum analyzer

whether the mixer produces
intermodulation products, such
as (±n818 ± m868) MHz.
6 818 MHz
Verifying the End-To-End Receiver

Signal generator Spectrum analyzer
9 Reconnect the spectrum
analyzer to the Bandpass Filter
Out port.

10 Reconnect the signal generator 14
13
to the Bandpass Filter In port.
868 MHz 50 MHz
11 Use jumper cables to connect –15 dBm
all the ports shown on the right. 11 9

12 Click LNA Off and IF Amplifier
Off to turn on the LNA and IF
Amp. 10

13 Check the spectrum analyzer
818 MHz
whether the signal generator
output is downconverted from
868 MHz to 50 MHz. 12

14 Power off the signal generator.

Step 5 : Verifying the Final End-To-End System
3
1m
1 Connect the antenna to the transmitter unit.
2 Connect the antenna to the receiver unit.
3 Separate the units about 1 meter apart.
868 MHz
5
50 MHz 50 MHz
–15 dBm
4
818 MHz 818 MHz
4 Reconnect and power up the signal generator as shown above.
5 Check the spectrum analyzer whether the signal generator output from the transmitter unit is
received at the receiver unit.
6 The received signal is in the region of –50 dBm. Ensure that the noise floor of your spectrum
analyzer is below this level. You might need to change the IF Amplifier gain (for example, to
Level 13) if the received signal is too weak or your spectrum analyzer noise floor is too high.

5. Support and Warranty
5.1 Terms and Conditions
This courseware product contains scholarly and technical information and is protected by copyright
laws and international treaties. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, be it
transmitted, transcribed, photocopied, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in
any form, without the prior written permission of Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd.
The use of the courseware product and all other products developed and/or distributed by Acehub
Vista Sdn. Bhd. are subject to the applicable License Agreement.
For further information, see the Courseware Product License Agreement.
To retrieve the password for installation of the provided materials and software as well as the model
answers and solutions for lab sheets, please register yourself at http://dreamcatcher.asia/cw under
the Product Registration menu using the product key provided with the education courseware.
5.2 Product Warranty
 Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. warrants that its products sold will at the time of shipment be free
from defects in material and workmanship and will conform to Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd.’s
applicable specifications.
 If Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. receives notice of a defect or non-conformance during the one
year warranty period, Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. will, at its option, repair or replace the affected
product. Buyer will pay shipping expenses for return of such product to Acehub Vista Sdn.
Bhd. or its authorized reseller. Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. or its authorized reseller will pay
expenses for shipment of the repaired or replacement product.
 This warranty shall not apply to any products Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. determines have been,
by Buyer or otherwise, subject to operating and/or environmental conditions in excess of the
maximum values established in applicable specifications, or have been subject to
mishandling, misuse, neglect, improper testing, repair, alteration, damage, assembly, or
processing that alters physical or electrical properties.
 In no event will Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. be liable for any incidental or consequential
damages.
 This warranty extends to Buyer only and not to Buyer's customers or users of Buyer's
products and is in lieu of all other warranties whether expressed, implied, or statutory
including implied warranties of merchantability of fitness.
 For technical support and warranty, email cw.support@dreamcatcher.asia.

Appendix A: ME1000 Transmitter Unit

The Transmitter Unit (TX) contains the basic blocks of a typical RF front-end system as follows:
 RF Frequency Synthesizer
 Bandpass Filters
 Upconverter
 Power Amplifier
The block diagram of the TX is shown below. The TX accepts a modulated 50 MHz intermediate
frequency (IF) signal with a maximum bandwidth of 1 MHz. This is then upconverted to 868 MHz by
the Upconverter. The Bandpass Filters suppress unwanted frequency components while the Power
Amplifier boosts the signal power to a maximum of 1 mW (into a 50 Ω load) before being fed to the
antenna. The Power Amplifier, Upconverter, and Frequency Synthesizer, being active circuits, are
controlled by the Control Unit. The Control Unit receives commands from the personal computer (PC)
via the universal serial bus (USB) port. Applications running on the PC intercept the user’s instructions
and send the appropriate commands to the Control Unit of the TX. The Control Unit in turn provides
the necessary power and control signals to the active circuits.
Power
RF Bandpass Amplifier Antenna
Upconverter
Filter 1
RF Bandpass
Filter 2
upconverter upconverter
in out filter filter amp amp filter filter
in out in out in out
USB synthesizer upconverter

Transmitter Unit
port out LO in
Control
Unit Synthesizer

Appendix B: ME1000 Receiver Unit

The Receiver Unit (RX) contains the basic blocks of a typical RF front-end system as follows:
 RF Frequency Synthesizer.
 Bandpass Filters.
 Downconverter.
 Low-Noise Amplifier.
 Intermediate Frequency (IF) Amplifier.
The block diagram of the RX is shown below. The antenna on the RX accepts a modulated 868 MHz
RF signal with a maximum bandwidth of 1 MHz. This is amplified by the Low-Noise Amplifier and
subsequently downconverted to a 50 MHz IF signal by the Downconverter. The variable gain IF
Amplifier provides further amplification of the IF signal to a maximum of 3 mW (into a 50 Ω load). The
RF and IF Bandpass Filters suppress unwanted frequency components. The Low-Noise Amplifier,
Downconverter, Frequency Synthesizer, and IF Amplifier, being active circuits, are controlled by the
Control Unit. The Control Unit receives commands from the personal computer (PC) via the universal
serial bus (USB) port. Applications running on the PC intercept the user’s instructions and send
appropriate commands to the Control Unit of the RX. The Control Unit in turn provides the necessary
power and control signals to the active circuits.
IF
Antenna Amplifier
Downconverter
IF Bandpass
RF Low-Noise Filter
Bandpass Amplifier
Filter
filter amp amp mixer mixer filter filter amp amp
out in out in out in out in out
filter
in
USB synthesizer mixer LO

port out in
Receiver Unit
Control Unit
Synthesizer

Appendix C: Technical Specifications

Low-Noise Amplifier Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Power supply voltage 3 3.3 3.6 V
Small-signal gain @ 868 MHz 9 11 15 dB
Input return loss 9 14 18 dB
Output return loss 9 13 15 dB
Isolation 15 20 22 dB
Noise figure - - 5 dB at T= 23 ○C
Frequency Synthesizer Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Output frequency 816 - 880 MHz
Output power –6 –4.5 –2 dBm into a 50 Ω load
1st harmonic suppression 15 - 45 dB
2nd harmonic suppression 20 - 50 dB
Frequency resolution - 0.1 - MHz
Power Amplifier Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Small-signal gain @ 868 MHz 13 15 16 dB
Input return loss 13 18 29 dB
Output return loss 7 12 15 dB
Output 1 dB compression power 8 10 11 dBm into a 50 Ω load
Input P1 dB compression power –7 –5 –3 dBm
Output 3rd order intercept power 15 17 25 dBm 1 MHz separation, into a 50 Ω load
Isolation 20 21 23 dB
RF Bandpass Filter (V1.01) Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Lower 3 dB frequency 800 - - MHz Only min limit required
Upper 3 dB frequency - - 1300 MHz Only max limit required
Insertion loss @ 868 MHz - 2.5 4 dB
Insertion loss @ 600 MHz - 25 30 dB 200 MHz from 3 dB limit
Insertion loss @ 1500 MHz - 22 32 dB 200 MHz from 3 dB limit
Input return loss @ 868 MHz 8 15 21 dB
Output return loss @ 868 MHz 8 21 23 dB
RF Bandpass Filter (V2.00) Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Lower 3 dB frequency 867.5 - - MHz Only min limit required
Upper 3 dB frequency - - 869.3 MHz Only max limit required
Insertion loss @ 868 MHz - 4 6.5 dB

IF Bandpass Filter (V1.00) Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions

Lower 3 dB frequency 41 - - MHz Only min limit required
Upper 3 dB frequency - - 57 MHz Only max limit required
Insertion loss @ 50 MHz - 3 5 dB
Downconverter Mixer Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
LO to RF isolation @ 818 MHz 5 7 9 dB into 50 a Ω load
LO to IF isolation @ 818 MHz 13 15.5 18 dB into 50 a Ω load
Input return loss @ 868 MHz 2 3 5.5 dB RF
Input return loss @ 818 MHz 1.5 2.5 4 dB LO
Input return loss @ 50 MHz 2 4 6 dB IF
RF feedthrough 14 15 17 dB
RF@ –15 dBm, 868 MHz; LO @
Conversion loss @ 868 MHz 0.5 2 3.5 dB
–4 dBm, 818 MHz
Upconverter Mixer Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
LO to RF isolation @ 818 MHz 6 8 11 dB into a 50 Ω load
LO to IF isolation @ 818 MHz 7 10.5 12 dB into a 50 Ω load
Input return loss @ 868 MHz 3 5 8 dB IF
Input return loss @ 818 MHz 8 10 12 dB LO
Input return loss @ 50 MHz 1.5 2.5 4 dB RF
RF feedthrough @ 50 MHz 7 12 16 dB
RF @ –15 dBm, 50 MHz; LO @
Conversion loss @ 868 MHz 3 5 - dB
–3 dBm, 818 MHz
IF Amplifier Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Small-signal gain @ 50 MHz (Gain Level =
7 9 12 dB
10)
11 12.5 16 dB
12)
14 16 20 dB
15)
Input return loss 10 12.5 17 dB
Antenna Min Typical Max Unit Remarks / Descriptions
Frequency range 806 - 960 MHz
Gain at operating range - 2.5 - dBi
VSWR - <2 - -
Polarization - Vertical - -
Length - 210 - mm

Contact Us
Acehub Vista Sdn Bhd (785702-P)

A member of the DreamCatcher group
10, Persiaran Mahsuri 1/2,
Sunway Tunas, Bayan Lepas,
11900 Penang, Malaysia.
All rights reserved. No part of this document

may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without prior written permission of Acehub
Vista Sdn. Bhd.
Every effort has been made to ensure that

the information in this manual is accurate.
Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd. is not responsible for
printing or clerical errors.
Trademark Acknowledgements
TM
DreamCatcher is the trademark of Dream
Catcher Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. All other copyrights
and trademarks belong to their respective
owners.
© 2009 Acehub Vista Sdn. Bhd.

2009-RF Circuit Design Courseware

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ME1000 RF Circuit Design Courseware

Out-of-Box Teaching Solution for the RF Circuit Design

Quick Start Guide revision 2.40

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

 Reorient or relocate the receiving unit.

CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 2/23

Table of Contents .............................................................................................................................. 3

1. Read Me First ................................................................................................................................ 4

3. Courseware Configuration ............................................................................................................. 6

4. Quick Setup and Verification ........................................................................................................ 11

5. Support and Warranty .................................................................................................................. 18

Appendix A: ME1000 Transmitter Unit ............................................................................................. 19

Appendix B: ME1000 Receiver Unit ................................................................................................. 20

Appendix C: Technical Specifications .............................................................................................. 21

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 3/23

This courseware includes the following items:

Item Quantity Description

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 4/23

This courseware consists of:

The following items are not included but recommended:

This complete solution is designed to impart knowledge in:

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 5/23

 Advanced Transmission Line Theory

3.2 Design Files and Measurement Automation Program

 CAE design files (based on Agilent ADS and Genesys software)

3.3 ME1000 RF Circuit Design Training Kit

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 6/23

3.4 Lab Sheets

Lab Sheet Objective Duration

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 7/23

3.5 Problem-based Assignments

3.6 Lab Station

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 8/23

Training Kit Instrument

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 9/23

3.7 Train-the-Trainer Program (recommended, not included in courseware)

 Selected exercises from the lab sheets

Training details are available at http://dreamcatcher.asia/

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 10/23

4. Quick Setup and Verification

The N(m)-to-SMA(f) adapters are always

Step 1: Installing the RF Trainer Control Panel Software

Step 1 : Installing the RF Trainer Control Panel Software

1 Run the RF Trainer Control

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 11/23

Step 2 : Powering Up the Transmitter Unit and Receiver Unit

1 Connect the transmitter unit

USB cable 1 Receiver unit

Powering Up the Transmitter Unit

2 Select TX Unit from Control

3 Click Connect to RF Trainer.

Control unit of the transmitter

Powering Up the Receiver Unit

5 Select RX Unit from Control

6 Click Connect to RF Trainer.

7 The green LED on the control

Control unit of the receiver

ME1000 RF Circuit Design Quick Start Guide - 12/23

Step 3 : Verifying the Transmitter Unit

1 Click Frequency Synthesizer

Verifying the Synthesizer

2 Connect the spectrum analyzer

N9320B Spectrum Analyzer setting: “[ ]”: Hardkey; “{ }”: Softkey