#576b TinySA Calibrator Output Caution

Episode 576b
The calibrator outputs more than you can see. Be careful!
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[@johnwest7993]

I guess Expert Mode is for experts.

[@davethomaspilot]

Can I use my LiteVNA to measure OUTPUT impedance of an 2.4 Ghz (13dbM) amplifier? The ones I'm using are supposed to be 50 ohm, but they are cheap and from China. Before "blindly" designing a matching network so my antenna looks like 50 ohms to the amp, I think it makes sense to actually measure the output impedance of the PA. Especially since I plan to use them at 2.51 Ghz, not at the 2.45 Ghz center frequency. Can I get attenuators that have different load impedances? I'm thinking I could do the math to compare the output dbM with two different load impedances, do the math, and figure out what the actual output impedance is at 2.51 Ghz. Then design my matching network for that, rather than 50 ohms (if it differs).

[@muhdiversity7409]

Wow, 12dBm out of band. Yikes. I guess that's why professional test equipment is so expensive. My R&S sweep generator outputs a single tone all the way up to 3GHz.

[@nethoncho]

That is one hot LO

[@IMSAIGuy]

Not sure why it is that high.

[@barrykery1175]

But how do you resolve this issue? Barry