Pulse Measurement of a Power Amplifier

Benchtop VNA measurement of an RF Power Amplifier can be greatly facilitated by using a pulsed RF stimulus. If a continuous wave excitation is used, the PA may require a large heatsink and a fan to produce airflow. On the other hand, if the PA is measured with pulsed RF with a low duty cycle, the overall heat dissipation can be greatly reduced and heat-sinking may not be necessary at all.