High-Speed Test User Guide

This material is open to revision and reader suggestions are welcomed. Please contact equipmentloan@cmc.ca to submit.

Copyright © CMC Microsystems 1999
Document ICI-093
Last Revised: August, 2013 

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
   An overview of the types of tests that may be performed, and how this guide addresses the subject.
2. Planning & Conducting Tests
   Preparing to test, including the generation of a test plan and test bench descriptions; initial functional testing; suggestions for handling loose dice; ESD prevention; wafer-level probing
3. High-Speed Measurement Techniques
   1. Swept Frequency Sources
   2. Network Analyzer Basics & S-Parameter Measurements
      Network Analyzer basics; S-parameter measurements; considerations; other possible measurements; references
   3. Network Analyzer Calibration
      Network Analyzer calibration; types and sources of measurement errors; one-port calibration (reflection measurements); full two-port calibration (reflection and transmission measurements); enhanced-response calibration; on-wafer probing calibration; calibration options and standards; verifying calibration; other effects; additional suggestions and references
   4. De-Embedding Pad Parasitics
      De-embedding procedure; using MATLAB; using ADS; saving and formatting measurement data; references
   5. Device Bias Considerations
      Device biasing tricks; bias tees and D.C. blocks; supplying power to the device under test; references
   6. Introduction to Spectrum Analyzers
      Operation; understanding specification snd how this affects measurements; accuracy; resolution; sensitivity/DANL; distortion; dynamic range; calibrating a unit for absolute power measurements; references
   7. Power Measurements
   8. Using the RF Substitution Method To Determine Insertion Loss and Gain
   9. Nonlinear Measurements
      Compression measurements; two-tone 3rd-order intercept (TOI); procedure; tricks; references
   10. Noise Figure Measurements
       Overview; measuring using a noise figure meter; measuring using a spectrum analyser; sources of error; errors that can be eliminated or reduced; calculating measurement accuracy; references
   11. Mixer Test References
   12. VCO Measurements
   13. Impedance Measurements
   14. Automating Measurements
   15. Troubleshooting
   16. Quick Tips
4. RF & Microwave Test Components
   Considerations for selecting parts; connector types; adapters; tools; cables; bias tees and D.C. blocking; attenuators; filters; power splitters/combiners; termination impedances; mixers; low-noise amplifiers and preamplifiers; circulators and isolators
5. Glossary
6. Web Links