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RF SSPA Measurement Guide

rf sspa measurement power amplifier test procedure

This page outlines the RF SSPA test procedure, detailing how to test an RF SSPA. It covers key RF SSPA measurements such as gain, P1dB or TOI point, AM/PM conversion, and S parameters.

This guide will be helpful for RF engineers learning how to test and measure RF power amplifiers. As we know, the power amplifier is an essential module in any wireless transmitter. Before a signal is transmitted by an antenna, it’s amplified using an RF power amplifier to compensate for the RF channel it will traverse. SSPA stands for Solid State Power Amplifier.

The following table provides useful RF SSPA specifications for a C band application.

RF SSPA SpecificationsTypical value
Frequency Range5.925 to 6.425 GHz
Gain37dB (min)
Power Output2Watt
Power Output Stability+/- 0.5dB per day under constant temp. conditions
+/- 1 dB over 0 to 50 degreeC
SpuriousBetter than -50dBc over frequency band of operation
Input/Output VSWR1.25:1
Harmonics-30dBc max

The following RF SSPA test procedure describes how to test the RF SSPA measurements outlined above.

RF SSPA Test Procedure - How to test RF SSPA

All the above measurements are carried out using a SNA (Spectrum Network Analyzer) or using a combination of a signal generator with a power meter/spectrum analyzer.