Abstract
To support the responsible implementation of next-generation wireless communications networks such as 5G, the efficiency of power amplifiers located in both base-stations and mobile handsets must be improved. This improvement will also benefit other areas of wireless innovation such as satellite communications, military and civilian short-range radar (automotive and gesture tracking), and future submillimetre-wave communications. Significant efficiency gains can be obtained by using nonlinear amplifier techniques, however these cause undesired distortion to the signal. Methods used to mitigate these effects rely on accurate models extracted from the internal transistors, which circuit simulators interrogate to predict the performance of new amplifier designs. This thesis presents the first evaluation of measurement uncertainty propagated into a nonlinear behavioural model, X-parameters, and used within a circuit simulator to provide confidence in the results. This uncertainty evaluation can also reveal the relative uncertainty contributions from different aspects of the measurement setup, the knowledge of which can be used to make informed improvements in manufacturing test laboratories. The evaluation was tested on a millimetre-wave amplifier designed for communications use, which showed encouraging results when simulated in a test circuit to provide figures for gain and PAE. During development of this uncertainty evaluation, a standard guidance document was reviewed and found to contain ambiguities which significantly affect scattering-parameter measurements commonly used in RF laboratories. This ambiguity is highlighted to inform those working on revisions that is must be addressed. Finally, traditional uncertainty evaluation techniques for vector network analyser measurements in coaxial transmission lines are applied to rectangular metallic waveguide setups to investigate their success. Waveguide concerning frequencies up to 750 GHz are considered, covering E-band and higher which are being developed for future high-bandwidth communications. Although the uncertainty evaluation techniques work well for most waveguides tested, mechanical issues in WR-1.5 prohibits the feasibility of the technique.