Automated Impedance Tuners
An automated impedance tuner is a device that can vary the load impedance of a device being tested while its performance is being evaluated. In a real device, some non-linearities and other distortions exist, which change the impedance of the device from its ideal value, thereby reducing its performance. This instrument helps characterize devices by evaluating their performance under different impedance conditions. A method called the load-pull test is adopted where the load impedance is varied to identify the value at which maximum power is transferred from the source to the load.
Automated impedance tuners can conduct a variety of tests such as on-wafer measurements, fundamental frequency measurements, harmonic measurements etc.
When selecting this component, the following parameters need to be considered:
Frequency Range: It is the range of frequencies over which the load impedance will be varied to evaluate the device's performance.
Type of Tuner: Automated impedance tuners come in a variety of types to perform different measurements. They include on-wafer tuners, delta tuners, fundamental, harmonic etc.
VSWR: It is the amount of power that gets reflected back to the source. A high VSWR results in low performance since a large portion of the signal gets reflected back instead of being delivered to the load. When varying the load impedance, different impedances will correspond to different VSWR values. Thus, it is important to determine which impedance value corresponds to a low VSWR.
Harmonic Order: It corresponds to frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental frequency. Different tuners support different harmonic measurements. If the fundamental frequency is f0, then harmonic order is specified as f0, 2f0, 3f0, 4f0 etc.
Interface Type: Tuners come with various types of coaxial or waveguide interfaces.
everything RF has listed multiple Automated Impedance Tuners from the leading manufacturers. You can compare products, view their specifications, and narrow down on products based on the frequency range, type of tuners, VSWR, and other parameters. Once you find products that you need you can view product specs, download datasheets, request a quotation or more information on a product. Your inquiry will be sent to the manufacturer who will get back to you with the required information.
Click here to see the list of leading automated impedance tuner companies
