At high frequencies, harmonic terminations play a critical role in determining device efficiency and linearity. Traditional scalar load pull techniques measure only fundamental power and cannot capture the magnitude and phase of harmonic signals at the device reference plane. Without this capability, engineers have limited visibility into nonlinear behavior and cannot fully evaluate performance under real-world operating conditions.
With the growing importance of high-frequency wireless applications and high data rate protocols, accurate harmonic characterization has become essential. By providing full vector information at both fundamental and harmonic frequencies, vector-receiver load pull using the new Maury Microwave NT-8G-67G-3C-C tuner, XT tuner, and InsightProTM software delivers the precision and insight needed to optimize next-generation devices.
This demonstration features a vector-receiver harmonic load pull setup, with couplers placed at the DUT input and output to capture a- and b-waves at both the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. The XT tuner is used to control impedance conditions at the source, while the NT-8G-67G-3C-C tuner presents controlled impedances to the DUT across a wide frequency range (8-67 GHz) at the load. Together, this configuration enables advanced harmonic load pull and nonlinear characterization of high-frequency devices. The system measures essential parameters, such as power gain, output power, PAE, and measured input/output impedances, while also capturing harmonic interactions that are critical to understanding nonlinear performance. The InsightPro device characterization software is used to drive the measurement workflow, tuner control, and analysis, enabling streamlined, optimized results.
Demo Setup
Target Users
Target users include modeling, test and verification, reliability and quality, and R&D engineers focused on reliability testing, design/model verification, and high-frequency system development.
Product Overview
InsightPro Device Characterization Software
InsightPro™ is the industry’s premier unified software suite, designed to accelerate the component and sub-system measurement and model extraction workflow for R&D, design verification, and small-scale production testing.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES:
- Flexible bench configuration for easy instrument/DUT setup to match any workflow.
- Automated, multi-instrument calibration workflows empower users to achieve high accuracy results across diverse setups with minimal user intervention
- Built-in system calibration verification for accuracy before data collection begins.
- Robust small-signal, large-signal, and pulsed testing captures real-world device behavior.
- Powerful visualization and analytics suite that drives faster design decisions.
XT Series Automated Impedance Tuners
The XT series tuners deliver faster, more accurate, and repeatable impedance tuning. Designed to reduce reflections and optimize performance, the XT series ensures precise and stable coverage across the operational frequency range.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES:
- Dual probe architecture for wide frequency coverage.
- Horizontal-axis linear encoders ensure accurate carriage positioning and repeatability.
- Stepper motor control for smooth operation.
NT-8G-67G-3C-C Impedance Tuner
The NT-8G-67G-3C-C tuner provides broadband impedance tuning from 8-67 GHz. Its 3carriage design enables control of both fundamental and harmonic impedance, delivering accurate and repeatable high-frequency device characterization.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES:
- 3-carriage design for fundamental and harmonic impedance control.
- Wide frequency coverage for broadband applications.
- High accuracy and repeatability for nonlinear device characterization.
- Includes an integrated low-loss, high-directivity coupler.
More Resources
Visit maurymw.com/info/eumw-2025 to learn more about Maury Microwave solutions.
