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system, and for finding optimized external component values. SmartRF Studio can be used either as a

standalone application or together with some evaluation boards that are shipped in RF IC development

kits.

•

Network analyzer (vector network analyzer): This tool is an instrument that measures the network

parameters of electrical networks. Contemporary network analyzers usually measure s- parameters

because reflection and transmission of electrical networks are easy to measure at high frequencies,

but there are other network parameter sets such as y-parameters, z-parameters, and h-parameters.

Network analyzers are often used to characterize two-port networks such as amplifiers and filters; they

can also be used on networks with an arbitrary number of ports. It is useful to have one network

analyzer available.

•

Oscilloscope: This electronic test instrument allows users to observe constantly varying signal

voltages, usually as a two-dimensional graph of one or more electrical potential differences with a

vertical or Y axis, plotted as a function of time (horizontal or x axis). Although an oscilloscope displays

voltage on the vertical axis, any other quantity that can be converted to a voltage can be displayed as

well. In most instances, oscilloscopes show events that repeat with either no change or that change

slowly. Having an oscilloscope is useful for a test system.

The more equipment one has in the test configuration, the greater need there is to automate the various

testing processes. For an elaborate setup, then, one should use a platform such as LabVIEW and write

specific application routines to enable the different test equipment to interface together.

Keep in mind that the capabilities of the available equipment used in a given test system will likely limit the

types of testing that can be performed.

2.3.1

System Setup

This document describes two types of test system configurations: without LabVIEW and with LabVIEW.

This section briefly describes each configuration.

2.3.1.1

Manual Test Systems (Without LabVIEW)

Systems not using LabVIEW use the following test equipment and resources:

1. CCxxxx Evaluation Module

2. SmartRF Evaluation Board (one)

3. Male to Male SMA RF cable

4. Variable attenuators (two)

5. PC with SmartRF Studio software installed

6. RF coupler (combiner)

7. RF signal generator (two)

8. Signal analyzer

2.3.1.2

Automatic Test Systems (Using LabVIEW)

Systems using LabVIEW use the following test equipment and resources:

1. CCxxxx Evaluation Module

2. SmartRF Evaluation Board (one)

3. Male to Male SMA RF cable

4. Signal analyzer

5. PC with SmartRF Studio and LabVIEW software installed

6. RF coupler (combiner)

7. RF signal generator (two)

6

Basic RF Testing of CCxxxx Devices

SWRA370

– August 2011

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