Abstract
High-volume manufacturing of current generation orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) transceivers mandates testing for error-vector-magnitude (EVM) at production testing. During EVM test, a modulated RF input signal is down-converted and demodulated to obtain the output baseband digital data and EVM is computed by processing the baseband digital data. Hence, production testing of OFDM devices would require such modulation- and demodulation-capable automated test equipment (ATE) to perform EVM test. Such capabilities significantly add up to the cost of the ATE, thereby increasing the overall cost of testing. Moreover, test time for EVM can be relatively long compared to other tests due to the need to average over a large number of data bits. In this paper, we propose a methodology for testing EVM using multi-tone signals sourced from inexpensive signal sources that generate standard constellations. Moreover, introducing null carriers in the multi-tone test stimulus enables accurate characterization of system noise with reduced number of data bits. This enables significant speedup in EVM testing. We present the theory to corroborate the proposed approach along with simulation and hardware results. The proposed test method also has the potential to significantly reduce EVM test time under production test conditions.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: IEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Systems
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
