Intermodulation Products: Automated Prediction and Measurement

Most intermodulation distortion measurement systems are tailored to a specific RF signal procecsing system, where it is known which intermodulation products are desired and which are undesired. An alternative and more general approach would be to apply a set of signals of known frequencies and amplitudes. Now, all products to be a specified Nth order within a specified bandwidth can be calculated and measured. In this manner, the relationship between any resultant intermodulation product and the signals producing it are known. This facilitates a more intelligent, control over the spectrum analyzer for more accurate, repeatable, and comprehensive measurement of intermodulation.