Overview

This standard gives the measurement method for nonlinear signals generated in the radio frequency (RF) surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices such as filters and duplexers, which are used in telecommunications, measuring equipment, radar systems and consumer products. It includes basic properties of non-linearity, and guidelines to setup the measurement system and to establish the measurement procedure of nonlinear signals generated in SAW/BAW devices. It is not the aim of this standard to explain theory, nor to attempt to cover all the eventualities which may arise in practical circumstances. This standard draws attention to some of the more fundamental questions, which the user has to consider before he/she places an order for an RF SAW/BAW device for a new application. Such a procedure will be the user's insurance against unsatisfactory performance. Radio frequency (RF) surface acoustic wave (SAW) and bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices such as filters and duplexers are now widely used in various communication systems. Due to their small physical size, energy concentration causes generation of nonlinear signals even when relatively small electric power is applied, and they may interfere with the communications. The features of these RF SAW/BAW devices are their small size, light weight, omission of impedance and/or frequency tuning, high stability and high reliability. Nowadays, RF SAW/BAW devices with low insertion attenuation are widely used in various applications in the RF range. In such applications, suppression of transmission and generation of unnecessary signals is highly demanded. Since nonlinearity in the RF SAW/BAW devices will generate such signals, its ultimate suppression is always crucial. In the same time, measurement method of nonlinear signals should be well established from industrial points of view. In passive filters like RF SAW/BAW ones, frequency selectivity is realized by impedance matching/mismatching with peripheral circuitry. Thus impedance of peripheral circuitry shall be set as specified for reliable and reproducible filter characterization. This is also true for non-linear characteristics. It should be noted that even-order non-linearity, which is not common in general passive electronic components, may occur in RF SAW/BAW devices employing piezoelectric materials for electrical excitation and detection of SAWs/BAWs. This is because crystallographic asymmetry is necessary for existence of piezoelectricity. Therefore, measurement methods should be specifically established for non-linear behavior of RF SAW/BAW devices. This standard has been compiled in response to a generally expressed desire on the part of both users and manufacturers for general Information on test condition guidance of RF SAW/BAW filters, so that the filters may be used to their best advantage. To this end, general and fundamental characteristics have been explained in this standard. The responsible committee is DKE/K 642 "Piezoelektrische Bauteile zur Frequenzstabilisierung" ("Piezoelectric devices for frequency control and selection ") of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.

Document: references other documents

Responsible national committee

DKE/K 642 - Piezoelektrische Bauteile zur Frequenzstabilisierung und -selektion