Video: Demo - Maury Microwaves PNA-X-based Load Pull With IVCAD

Maury Microwave offers a new load pull software and methodology with its IVCAD platform, powered by AMCAD Engineering. In this video from IMS2010, Tony Gasseling, president of AMCAD, demonstrates this technology. This new methodology uses low-loss couplers between the impedance tuner and DUT, and is calibrated so that we can measure the a1, a2, b1, and b2 waves at the DUT reference plane. The knowledge of these values allow us to determine advanced parameters such as large signal input impedance of the device, and therefore delivered power to the device. It also allows for NVNA capabilities such as time-domain current and voltage waveforms. The technique is based on a VNA as a replacement for all traditional instruments; currently supported VNAs include the PNA, PNA-X and VTD SWAP. Because we measure the a- and b-waves in real-time, we know the exact impedances presented by the tuners to the DUT at all frequencies, thereby eliminating any concerns of accuracy or repeatability. The IVCAD software gives users a much greater control over their measurements and data analysis, leading to a better amplifier design.