Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Harmonics: An RFMD Application Note

AN RFMD APPLICATION NOTE
Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Harmonics

RFMD Worldwide Applications
Overview
Testing of mobile devices is becoming increasingly more stringent and, as a result, a new test is now being standardized to fur-
ther test performance. As this new type of testing, over-the-air (OTA) testing, is developing, an important parameter, Total Radi-
ated Power (TRP), is becoming increasingly important. Classically, the output power of a power amplifier (PA) has been
measured and evaluated into a 50 load impedance; however, the load impedance presented to the PA by the antenna of a
mobile device can vary dramatically in real world applications. The cellular industry has realized that a better evaluation of the
RF performance of a mobile device can be achieved through OTA testing. In regards to the PA, the Delivered Pout Range (DPR)
is significantly affected by varying load impedance, and these affects can be measured through simulated OTA testing. This
can give an idea of the TRP performance of the mobile device as a whole. Currently, the most advanced specification on this
matter has been put forth by the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA). The current specification pub-
lished by CTIA is revision 2.1 of the Test Plan for Mobile Station Over the Air Performance1. 3GPP and ETSI appear to also be
working on a specification standard, but there is no known publication date as of yet2. In addition to the DPR, the harmonics
generated by the PA are also affected by the varying load impedance presented by the antenna. The effects of varying load
impedance on the PA harmonics can also be measured through OTA testing. Measuring the harmonics is necessary to ensure
that the mobile device does not interfere with other signals that are being transmitted. The harmonic content in the output of
a mobile device is greatly influenced by the PA. Measurement and specification of the harmonic content of a mobile device
have been established for a 50 load conditions as defined in the ETSI/3GPP specifications for GSM systems; however, there
is not yet a specification set when performing OTA testing.
Total Radiated Power

OTA testing is performed by placing the mobile device in an anechoic chamber, using a base station simulator (BSS) to commu-
nicate with the mobile device, and using a range of test equipment to measure the RF performance of the device3. The TRP is
among these measurements that are made along with other parameters which are not discussed here that test for other per-
formance parameters. The TRP of a mobile device is an integral measure of the radiation pattern emitted by the device during
transmit operation while in a simulated real world environment2,3. The OTA test is done in both free space and in simulated
used mode1. In free space mode, the mobile device is suspended in free space as shown in Figure 1 with no materials in close
proximity that would affect the radiation pattern.
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support, contact RFMD at (+1) 336-678-5570 or sales-support@rfmd.com.
Anechoic Chamber
Spectrum Analyzer
Dual Polarized
Mobile Device
Measurement Antenna
Base Station
Simulator

Network Analyzer
Figure 1. Typical OTA Test System, Free Space
The simulated use mode involves mounting the mobile device to a Standard Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) phantom
head and performing the test as in Figure 11,2. At present, the CTIA specification standard only requires simulated use mode
testing with the SAM phantom head, however some manufacturers are also using phantom hands and even full body phan-
toms in their tests. In both test modes the mobile device is rotated through various spherical angles with respect to the BSS.
By doing so, this emulates the various angles to the cell tower that the mobile device may experience in real use. These tests
allow a 3-D representation to be generated for several performance characteristics of the mobile device, including the total
radiated power.
The antenna impedance varies as it is affected by the SAM phantom head as well as the angle of rotation and that presents
varying load impedance to the PA which can result in variation of the PA output power. This has a direct impact on TRP of the
mobile device. In order to measure the effects of this phenomenon on the PA, a tuner is used to vary the load impedance
through all phase angles under specified VSWR conditions. By doing so, this ensures that the PA can provide sufficient output
power into a given mismatch at the antenna and overcome the absorption loss. Additionally, the power control of the PA must
be accurate enough to ensure the correct output power at the antenna under the given mismatch conditions. The CTIA test
specifications only describe the method by which this parameter is tested and do not contain any actual specifications at the
time of this writing.
Harmonics and Harmonic Measurement

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulations require that the spurious emissions, including harmonics, of a
mobile device can not cause interference. Measurement of the harmonic content indicates how much output power is being
produced at the harmonic frequencies of the device's transmit frequency. 3GPP and ETSI have defined that the maximum har-
monic signal level can be no more than -30dBm4. This level has been set in the specifications to ensure that GSM mobile
devices do not interfere with other communication systems. In order to test the harmonic output of a GSM PA, the setup in
Figure 2 is utilized.
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Some important notes on this setup include using 3dB attenuators on the input and output of the PA, a directional coupler on
the output, and a high pass filter at the input to the spectrum analyzer. The attenuator at the input of the PA serves to prevent
reflected power from harming the RF signal generator. At the output of the PA, the attenuator serves to provide the PA with a
good 50 load impedance, and prevents any negative effects on the PA from the coupler in case the input impedance is not a
good 50 . The directional coupler provides an access point to obtain output power reading to set the operating power of the
PA. The 10dB attenuator in front of the high pass filter provides sufficient isolation such that input impedance of the filter
does not adversely affect the PA in the filter stop band, which includes the frequencies where the PA is transmitting. Finally,
the high pass filter at the spectrum analyzer should have a 3dB cutoff frequency just above the transmit frequency. This
ensures that the input to the spectrum analyzer is not overdriven so that the harmonic measurement is as accurate as possi-
ble. In addition to these points, the output power level and spectrum analyzer settings can be found in the ETSI/3GPP specifi-
cation document. This entails the standard setup for measuring harmonics. When measuring the simulated OTA performance
of the PA, the directional coupler should be placed directly at the output of the PA and the VSWR calibrated to include the direc-
tional coupler such that the PA is presented with the desired VSWR. Using the method, the forward harmonics may be mea-
sured and an accurate measurement of the PA harmonic content under load mismatch can be obtained. The tuner should be
varied through all phase angles under specified VSWR conditions to emulate the varying load impedance that could be pre-
sented to the PA. The steps in performing harmonics measurements are as follows:
1. Align PA to output power target at 50 load impedance (i.e. for PCL 0 in DCS band, output power target is 30dBm).
Record the Vramp value.
2. Set Vramp to the Vramp value from Step 1. Set the spectrum analyzer settings according to ETSI/3GPP specifications4,
step through the range of harmonic frequencies desired, and record the harmonic level values. If measuring harmonics
into VSWR, vary the tuner through all phase angles and record the harmonic level values.
Power Meter
DC Power Supply
3dB 3dB
attenuator attenuator
10dB
attenuator
Directional
Coupler
RF Signal Generator
Spectrum Analyzer
High Pass
Filter
Arbitrary Function
High Pass Filter
Generator
Figure 2. GSM Harmonics Test Setup
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Delivered Pout Range (DPR) Measurement

RFMD has generated test parameters and a test setup for the PA that will evaluate the TRP performance of the PA through the
analysis of DPR. This test setup, shown in Figure 3, is very similar to the test setup for the harmonics measurements. The only
difference in the test setup is removing the PA output attenuator and replacing it with a VSWR tuner. (Note: The filter can be
left in place to observe the effects of changing load impedance on the PA harmonic levels. If doing so, the 10dB attenuator
should also be used to isolate the VSWR tuner from the high pass filter in order to avoid negative effects in the filter stop band.)
The idea with this test is to present a 3:1 VSWR load to the PA and vary the impedance through all phase angles. The maxi-
mum VSWR that should be presented by the antenna should not exceed 3:1 typically in a mobile device. Since there is isola-
tion provided by the antenna switch, the PA should not be presented with a load VSWR greater than 3:1 even in worst case
conditions. The steps in performing this test are as follows:
1. Align PA to output power target at 50 load impedance (i.e. for PCL 0 in DCS band, output power target is 30dBm).
Record the Vramp value.
2. Set Vramp to Vramp value from Step 1 and apply 3:1 VSWR to the PA by connecting the VSWR tuner. Rotate phase angle
through all phases and record output power values. Note the minimum and maximum output power values.
Power Meter
DC Power Supply
10dB
attenuator
VSWR Tuner
Directional
Coupler
RF Signal Generator
Spectrum Analyzer
High Pass
Filter
Arbitrary Function
High Pass Filter
Generator
Figure 3. GSM Delivered Pout Range (DPR) Test Setup
RFMD Solution: RF3283

In order to address the concerns for TRP and harmonics in a mobile device, RFMD has introduced the RF3283 that is compen-
sated for load VSWR variation to aid in meeting TRP specifications. It is also designed to have low output harmonic content
even under extreme VSWR conditions. Its performance is measured using the test setup shown in Figure 3. By adding in addi-
tional circuitry to the control loop in the traditional PowerStarTM architecture, the DPR performance has been dramatically
improved in the RF3283 compared to current RFMD PA offerings such as the RF3166. The DPR goal in the design of this part
is to limit the variation in output power to approximately 2dBm while maintaining a sufficiently high output power for the maxi-
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mum PCL in a given band of operation. The part was also designed to minimize fluctuations in harmonics under mismatch
conditions as well.
An additional feedback loop is added to the traditional PowerStarTM control loop in order to sense the power amplifier current
and feedback a corresponding voltage which allows for correction of the output power. Under mismatch conditions, the power
amplifier current varies as the phase changes. This triggers this additional loop which feeds back into the power control circuit
and the output power is adjusted back to the reference conditions defined by the power amplifier operating point under 50
load conditions. The sensing of the power amplifier current and corresponding adjustment via the feedback voltage is what
minimizes the power fluctuation and improves the total current variation.
VBATT VBATT
VRAMP K 1
RFOUT
IPA ISENSE
VSENSE
RSENSE
Figure 4. RF3283 Power Control Loop
As can be seen in Figure 4, a current mirror circuit generates the current ISENSE based on the power amplifier current IPA
which follows the relationship
I PA
I SENSE = -------- , where K is the current mirror ratio.
K
The current ISENSE generates the voltage VSENSE across the resistor RSENSE. The control loop responds to an increase in
ISENSE by decreasing the collector voltage, VCC, of the power amplifier. Likewise, a decrease in ISENSE causes the control
loop to increase the collector voltage of the power amplifier. Under 50 load conditions the feedback loop is not activated and
the power amplifier operates normally with the additional feedback loop seemingly transparent. The data shown in Figure 5
through Figure 12 demonstrate the performance of the RF3283 in comparison with the RF3166 with a Murata LMSP54CA-
142 antenna switch module (ASM).
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In addition to the control loop modifications for DPR performance, a multiple order filter circuit serves as harmonic filtering as
well as the PA to antenna switch matching. This filter is designed to provide a low Q match and allow for a flatter pass band
response to minimize output power fluctuation due to the filter. The filter is of a high order to provide sufficient attenuation in
the stop band and adequately filter out harmonic frequencies.
35
3283
3166 w/ ASM
34
33
Pout (dBm)
32
31
30
29
1
Phase (deg)
Figure 5. Output Power vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 900MHz
33
3283
32 3166 w/ ASM
31
30
Pout (dBm)
29
28
27
26
25
1
Phase (deg)
Figure 6. Output Power vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 1750MHz
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3
3283
3166 w/ ASM
2.5
2
Icc (A)
1.5
0.5
0
1
Phase (deg)
Figure 7. Icc vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 900MHz
2
3283
3166 w/ ASM
1.5
Icc (A)
0.5
0
1
Phase (deg)
Figure 8. Icc vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 1750MHz
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0
-5 RF3283
-10 RF3166 w/ ASM
-15
-20
-25
-30
(dBm)
-35
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
-70
2fo 3fo 4fo 5fo 6fo 7fo 8fo 9fo 10fo 11fo 12fo
Harmonic
Figure 9. 2nd through 12th Harmonics, 900MHz
-5 RF3283
RF3166 w/ ASM
-10
-15
-20
-25
(dBm)
-30
-35
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
2fo 3fo 4fo 5fo 6fo 7fo 8fo 9fo
Harmonic
Figure 10. 2nd through 9th Harmonics, 1750MHz
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0
3283 - 2nd
-5
3166 w/ ASM - 2nd
-10 3283 - 3rd
-15 3166 w/ ASM - 3rd
-20
Harmonic (dBm)
-25
-30
-35
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340
Phase (deg)
Figure 11. 2nd and 3rd Harmonics vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 900MHz
-25
3283 - 2nd
3166 w/ ASM - 2nd
-30
3283 - 3rd
3166 w/ ASM - 3rd
-35
Harmonic (dBm)
-40
-45
-50
-55
-60
-65
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 220 240 260 280 300 320 340
Phase (deg)
Figure 12. 2nd and 3rd Harmonics vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 1750 MHz
Conclusions
As the standards groups such as CTIA, ETSI, and 3GPP move towards TRP specifications for mobile devices along with the wire-
less carriers, the DPR performance of the PA within such mobile devices is becoming much more important. It will be neces-
sary for the PA to meet certain requirements in order for the mobile device as a whole to meet the TRP specifications set forth
by the standards groups. RFMD's goal with the RF3283 is to meet these specifications to help wireless phone manufacturers
to meet the TRP requirements from wireless service providers and ultimately by CTIA, ETSI, and 3GPP. In addition, RFMD has
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enhanced the harmonic performance over previous parts to ensure minimal effects from changes in VSWR conditions that may
be presented to the PA in a mobile device. The end result is that the RF3283 is designed to help meet the next generation
requirements and specifications being formulated for OTA test approval.
References
1Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA): Test Plan for Mobile Station Over the Air Performance, Method of
Measurement for Radiated RF Power and Receiver Performance, Revision 2.1, April 2005.
2 Martin Wiles, CTIA Test Requirements Cover Over-the-Air Performance, Wirless Web article from Wireless Europe Magazine,
Available at: http://wireless.iop.org/articles/feature/5/10/3, October 2004.

3Gregory F. Masters, An Introduction to Mobile Station Over-the-Air Measurements, Proc. Antenna Measurement Techniques
Association Conference., pp. 237-242, May 2006.
4Digital Cellular Telecommunications System (Phase 2+); Radio Transmission and Reception, ETSI TS 145 005 v5.5.0 (2002-
08)/3GPP TS45.005 version 5.5.0 Release 5.
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AN RFMD APPLICATION NOTE

Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Harmonics

Total Radiated Power

070725- 7628 Thorndike Road, Greensboro, NC 27409-9421 For sales or technical 1 of 10

Figure 1. Typical OTA Test System, Free Space

Harmonics and Harmonic Measurement

Figure 2. GSM Harmonics Test Setup

Delivered Pout Range (DPR) Measurement

Figure 3. GSM Delivered Pout Range (DPR) Test Setup

RFMD Solution: RF3283

Figure 4. RF3283 Power Control Loop

Figure 5. Output Power vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 900MHz

Figure 6. Output Power vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 1750MHz

Figure 7. Icc vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 900MHz

Figure 8. Icc vs. Phase (VSWR 3:1), 1750MHz

Figure 9. 2nd through 12th Harmonics, 900MHz

Figure 10. 2nd through 9th Harmonics, 1750MHz

Available at: http://wireless.iop.org/articles/feature/5/10/3, October 2004.

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