Novel estimation method of EVM with channel correction for linear impairments in multi-standard RF transceivers

Abstract

Since recent wireless communication devices support multiple communication standards on a single chip, Error Vector Magnitudes (EVMs) for multiple standards are measured to evaluate the devices. The EVM is defined by the particular calculation methods of the communication standards, especially channel correction methods. Therefore the EVM value is different between standards, even if the modulation methods are identical. This paper describes an EVM evaluation method for multi-standard devices, performing channel correction particular to each standard. The EVM for the various standards can be calculated by a unique algorithm, which uses the values of the frequency-dependent I/Q imbalances and the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) calculated from a single measurement data. The validity of this technique is confirmed using an actual WiMAX transceiver on an ATE.