Comparison of sampler and VNA based Large Signal Measurement Systems (LSNA) under CW and pulsed operation

Abstract

Here we present a comparison of the Large Signal Measurements provided by both a VNA based and a sampler based LSNA system. In this study, in order to achieve a robust and reliable relative phase calibration a dual frequency phase differential method was used. Significantly this work compares measurements performed under both CW and pulse mode operation. Very similar RF I-V waveforms are achieved in both cases, verifying that both architectures can provide comparable measurements not only in CW but also under pulsed operation. The test device was a GaN on silicon carbide HFET.