Measuring Rapid IP3

In the world of analog design, IP3—the third order intercept point, is a known parameter that is used to measure the linearity in the radio frequency (RF) components. The extracted IP3 values are very essential to determine the operating power range of the components to be designed.

The Spectre simulator provides a feature, Rapid IP3, which is a specialized analysis available in the hbac Choosing Analyses form in the Analog Design Environment products. It allows measurement of small-signal IP3 for the circuits where frequency translations are present, and is much faster than the traditional methods.

Here are the broad-level steps to measure IP3:

1. Setup the hb form and click Apply.
2. Setup the hbac form for Rapid IP3 and click OK.
3. With all the settings in place, run the simulation.
4. Plot the hbac analysis results with the Rapid IP3 function from the Direct Plot Form.

To learn more about performing the Rapid IP3 analysis, watch this video: Rapid IP3 Measurement.

Related Resources

• Spectre Circuit Simulator and Accelerated Parallel Simulator RF Analysis in ADE Explorer User Guide

Note: For more information on Cadence products and services for RF design, visit www.cadence.com.

Jommy Thomas