Feature Articles

1. What’s The Worst That Could Happen? RF Communication Disasters
   5/3/2013

   The morning of December 4, 2011 began normally for the team of Air Force technicians. As they settled into their shift flying unmanned aircraft over Afghanistan, perhaps they chatted casually and swapped stories from the weekend. Very soon, however, their conversations were interrupted by shrill alarm sirens blaring from their control monitors. The video screen on the wall, which normally displayed real-time video imagery from their stealth RQ-170 drone, was now completely black. By Michael Clonts, Product Manager, RT Logic

2. Accurate System Level Design With Low Noise Amplifier’s BlackBox Models
   4/18/2013

   System level simulations are not easy. Adding individual integrated or discrete component’s foundry/supplier kits to the system simulation adds complexity. Through Skyworks’ BlackBox model for its SKY67151-396LF LNA, which does not include any extra modeling kits, you can accurately simulate and predict small and large signal performance. By Eric Marsan, Stephen Moreschi, Ambarish Roy, and Vivian Tzanakos, Skyworks Solutions, Inc.

3. Understanding LTE
   4/1/2013

   This guide contains a comprehensive overview of LTE technology and the testing issues it presents to both the engineer and the network operator. This 60-page document is an essential reference for engineers wanting to gain a better understanding of LTE.

4. Power Envelope Tracking For Mobile Power Amplifiers
   1/28/2013

   Have you heard the story about the guy who had to recharge his 4G phone twice a day? Unfortunately, he was not happy with his phone. This story has been happening as the demand for high-speed data increases and battery capacity has not matched advances with communications technology. It’s not the battery at fault but the technology needed to power the amplifier on the phone.

5. A Multiphysics Approach To Magnetron And Microwave Oven Design
   1/17/2013

   The magnetrons used in microwave ovens operate on the same frequency band as Wi-Fi equipment, and the radiation they release can interfere with the operation of wireless networks. This paper presents a multiphysics simulation of a magnetron using CST STUDIO SUITE®, with the aim of testing the electrical, magnetic, thermal and mechanical characteristics of a low-interference magnetron design. The simulation results are then compared to measurements made experimentally, and the two sets of results are shown to be in good agreement.

6. System Phase Noise Calculations
   1/7/2013

   When calculating the phase noise of a system there are many considerations. The following illustrates phase noise calculation of a system and the effects of correlated components verses uncorrelated components. By Joseph D. DiBona, Senior Engineer, Spectrum Microwave

7. VNAs With Wide Frequency Coverage Help Overcome High-Speed Interconnect Challenges
   1/2/2013

   Cloud computing, smartphones, and LTE services are creating a significant increase in network traffic. To support this added traffic, speed of IT equipment – such as those used in high-end services in data centers – must be increased, creating challenges for signal integrity engineers that must be met by advanced test instruments, such as vector network analyzers (VNAs). By Bob Buxton, Marketing Manager, General Purpose Test, Microwave Measurements Division, Anritsu Company

8. WLAN Traffic Offload In LTE
   11/28/2012

   This whitepaper provides an overview of the WLAN offload in LTE as standardized by 3GPP, as well as the enhancements for Wi-Fi standardized by IEEE and the Wi-Fi Alliance. It also describes access methods in the joint network, treats the security, and describes IP mobility.

9. RF Switch Matrix Basics: Configuring And Verifying With Simulation Tools
   11/14/2012

   RF and microwave switch matrix solutions play a key role in a variety of test systems. At SenarioTek, we design and configure signal routing solutions that are often unique to a specific application. Over the years, we have found some basic steps that help facilitate the design process and ensure that the finished product meets the needs of the test system. This column covers what I believe are the most important initial steps in the process. This is the first in a series of guest columns by Bob Alman of SenarioTek.

10. In Which Cells of a Mobile Radio Network Does Investment in LTE MIMO Pay Off?
    11/12/2012

    In which cells of a mobile radio network does investment in LTE MIMO pay off? This is a question many network operators ask themselves. A Rohde&Schwarz drive test system can help with the answer: the R&S®TSMW universal radio network analyzer used together with the R&S®ROMES4 test software.