Keysight Introduces New Method to Accelerate Power Amplifier Digital Pre-Distortion Test Speeds

Rhea-AI Summary

Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) has introduced a new Iterative Learning Control (ILC) test method that significantly reduces Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) test times for power amplifiers from hours to minutes. This innovation supports power amplifier manufacturers in accelerating their R&D cycles and reducing time-to-market. The technique was first deployed by Hexawave to validate its HWA1330 gallium arsenide amplifier, achieving impressive metrics such as over 30% power added efficiency (PAE) and a power gain of 35.5 dB. Keysight's ILC method forms part of its High Frequency Measurement Solution portfolio, enhancing measurement accuracy and performance.

Positive

• Introduction of the ILC test method reduces DPD test times from hours to minutes.
• Supports faster R&D cycles for power amplifier manufacturers, improving time-to-market.
• Hexawave has successfully deployed the ILC method to validate its HWA1330 amplifier.

Negative

• None.

• New Iterative Learning Control algorithm shortens Digital Pre-Distortion test times for power amplifiers from hours to minutes
• Test method allows power amplifier manufacturers to shorten R&D cycles and speed up time-to-market
• Hexawave, an Ennostar Group affiliate, first to deploy new test method to characterize high-efficiency broadband gallium arsenide power amplifier

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) introduces the new Iterative Learning Control (ILC) test method that significantly shortens Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) test times for power amplifiers.

Power amplifiers (PA) are a core component in wireless communication devices. Characterization of these components is a critical but time-consuming task that can take hours or even days during the research & development (R&D) phase. By shortening the time it takes to complete the design and validation process, power amplifier manufacturers are able to accelerate their time-to-market.

Keysight meets this need by introducing the innovative ILC DPD test method that shortens DPD test time to minutes and accelerates R&D time from test validation to product design and optimization. As a part of Keysight’s comprehensive High Frequency Measurement Solution portfolio, the ILC test method runs on the N9055EM0E Power Amplifier Measurement Application and uses the VXG Vector Signal Generator and PXA Signal Analyzer to provide industry-leading test performance for signal generation and analysis.

The ILC DPD test method offers the following benefits:

• Faster Test Speeds – Optimizes the N9055EM0E software to reduce the characterization of power amplifiers to minutes.
• Integrated User Interface – Shows both pre-DPD and post-DPD measurement results in one screen for easier operation and integration when characterizing a power amplifier with multiple test instruments.
• Measurement Accuracy and Performance – Provides industry-leading performance when characterizing power amplifier by removing the limitations of signal analyzer and generator and determining the real-world performance of power amplifier designs.

Fabless semiconductor manufacturer Hexawave is the first to deploy the ILC test method to characterize its new HWA1330 5G gallium arsenide (GaAs) PA up to 4 watts in the 3.3 to 3.8 GHz frequency range. The ILC test method was critical in validating that the HWA1330 can meet design targets including more than 30% power added efficiency (PAE), 35.5 dB power gain, and below -50 dBc adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) at 100MHz bandwidth and 8.5dB peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) with DPD.

Dr. Mong Lin, President at Hexawave, said: “Power amplifiers are critical in communication systems. Our HWA1330 power amplifier is an industry leader and Keysight’s innovative test method allows us to rapidly and reliably validate our 5G New Radio power amplifier designs to stay at the forefront of the industry.”

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Devices and Solutions Group, said: “Keysight is pleased to strengthen our technical leadership in power amplifier characterization by introducing the new ILC DPD test method. It’s a great example of how our experts keep finding innovative solutions to meet our customers’ testing challenges.”

Resources

• Application Note: Iterative Learning Control
• N9055EM0E Power Amplifier Measurement Application
• VXG Vector Signal Generator
• PXA Signal Analyzer

About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product lifecycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230309005575/en/

Geri Lynne LaCombe

Americas/Europe

+1 303 662 4748

geri_lacombe@keysight.com

Fusako Dohi

Asia

+81 42 660-2162

fusako_dohi@keysight.com

Source: Keysight Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Keysight's new Iterative Learning Control test method?

The ILC test method shortens Digital Pre-Distortion test times for power amplifiers, allowing manufacturers to accelerate R&D and reduce time-to-market.

How does the ILC method impact power amplifier manufacturers' R&D cycles?

By reducing test times from hours to minutes, the ILC method significantly speeds up the R&D process for power amplifier manufacturers.

Which company first deployed the new ILC test method by Keysight?

Hexawave was the first to deploy Keysight's new ILC test method for its HWA1330 gallium arsenide power amplifier.

What key performance metrics were validated using the ILC test method?

The ILC method validated the HWA1330 amplifier's performance, including over 30% power added efficiency, 35.5 dB power gain, and below -50 dBc adjacent channel leakage ratio.

What benefits does the ILC test method offer for power amplifier testing?

The ILC method provides faster test speeds, improved measurement accuracy, and a more integrated user interface for ease of operation.