Error Vector Magnitude Questions

Hi all,

I am looking to gain information on EVM specs and how one measures EVM (I know the power definition) but what equiptment is use and what does it does it do that a PNA can not do?

What amplifiers are better for which EVM specs (ie GaAn or GaAs for example). Does anyone know any good papers or books on such subjects?

With GaAs the EVM usually gets better (device gets more linear) as one gets further and further away from the compression point, is this also true with GaAn devices?

Is EVM all about the linearity of the device?

Thanks all,
Babbage

A good device to measure the EVM is the VSA (Vector Signal Analyzer)
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Also some Spectrum Analyzers have EVM test option incorporated.

PNA is a Network Analyzer and this cannot measure EVM, intermods, or modulation spectrum.
The only linearity test that PNA can do indirectly is P1dB (compression point). Change the input level into DUT and check the compression gain at the output.

Some obvious causes of EVM, such as AM to AM, or AM to PM conversion, can be measured statically with a network analyzer. In your case, measuring GaAs or GaN amplifiers can be done statically.

Other sources of EVM error, such as a switched DC power supply not turning on in time, momentary instabilities, multitone generation of in-band products, etc. can only be measured dynamically with a vector signal analyzer.