Evaluation of Intermodulation Distortion of a Ferrite Element by the Two-Tone Method

A method to evaluate the intermodulation distortion (IMD) of a ferrite element by the two-tone method is proposed in which a dual-mode resonator enables an intense RF magnetic field to be applied to the ferrite. A test fixture operating at frequencies around 2 GHz was designed and assembled based on this concept. The IMD was measured using the test fixture and different shapes of ferrites were used to show the effect of different magnetization distributions. Discussions including the data obtained in former studies clarified factors dominating the IMD of ferrite. It is anticipated that these investigations will lead to a significant reduction in IMD in ferrite circulators, as well as an increase in power-handling capability.