Created by: Kirt Blattenberger (the registered business name in North Carolina), owner and webmaster of the RF Cafe website (https://www.rfcafe.com)

RF Cascade Workbook™ is protected by United States copyright law. Unauthorized copying, alteration, or distribution of this spreadsheet is prohibited by law. As a lawful owner of a RF Cascade Workbook™ user license, you are permitted to make modifications for your unique application; however, this workbook may not be modified and distributed or sold as a new product.

Please visit the RF Cafe website to submit payment for RF Cascade Workbook™. Payment may be made via the PayPal(tm) online credit card system, or via cash or check using the mailing address provided on the RFCafe.com website.

Disclaimer: RF Cascade Workbook™ is offered AS IS. Your use of RF Cascade Workbook™ implies you alone accept responsibility for results obtained through its use, and will hold harmless Kirt Blattenberger, RF Cafe, and all legal assigns for any losses incurred through its use. RF Cascade Workbook™ has been tested very thoroughly, and there are no known problems at the time of this release. Discrepancies that affect accurate results, if discovered, will be fixed ASAP and a replacement version will be provided at no cost. Also, any and all User modifications to RF Cascade Workbook™ - other than entering values in the provided Unlocked cells, negates any and all responsibility by RF Cafe for the integrity of the software. Unprotecting a worksheet negates responsibility by RF Cafe.

Thank you for your support. Your contributions help keep RF Cafe online.

If columns are inserted or deleted for increasing or decreasing, respectively, the number of components, be sure to properly copy and paste formulas per published Excel standards so that preceding and/or succeeding calculations are continuous; otherwise, calculation flow will be lost and the results will be incorrect.

A guide for properly inserting/deleting columns and/or rows can be found on the RFCafe.com website. After inserting or deleting columns or rows, be sure to validate results before using RF Cascade Workbook™ for critical work.

https://www.rfcafe.com/business/software/rf-cascade-workbook-2018/rf-cascade-workbook-2018-insert-delete-columns.htm

DO NOT for any reason insert a component column to the left of the first or last component column, or to the right of the first two component columns. Doing so will not permit proper copying of formula cells and results will be invalid.

Consider instead hiding component columns you do not want displayed on the charts rather than deleting the columns. Results from component parameters in hidden columns will still be included in the overall calculations, but will not appear in the charts. See instruction provided in Excel to hide/unhide columns.

If you add or delete rows, be careful not to affect any of the rows occupied by original RF Cascade Workbook 2018 cells. Doing so will likely invalidate calculations.

Calculated Max and Min values for NF, OIP2, OIP3, and OP1dB in RF Cascade Workbook™ (RFCW™) may by your choice use either just the GainNom values, OR the GainMax and GainMin values per the RF Cascade Workbook™ (RFCW™) method. Using the GainMax and GainMin values calculates the absolute worst case values for NF, OIP2, OIP3, and P1dB, but some people only want the results of the component itself being at a Max or Min value (using just nominal gain) rather than having every component in the system is at the extreme edge of a tolerance. Therefore, if you have a system defined for a version of RFCW and enter it identically in WSD™, the calculated Max and Min values will only match the RFCW™ values if you set all four options in the "Use Gain Max|Min for NF, OIP2, OIP3, and OP1dB Max|Min calcs?" area to "Yes."

Cell Styles are defined by name using the built-in Excel feature. Doing so allows you to change the style of all similar cell types (Param Titles, User Input, Section Titles, etc.) in one place and have that style automatically be applied to all cells using that definition. It is similar to using a Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) in HTML web page design.

You may redefine any or all cells to suit your preference. Note that it might be necessary to turn off Worksheet Protection to do so (be sure to turn it back on afterward).

Always use drop-down menus when provided for selecting options. Doing so prevents the conditional statements in formulas from misinterpreting your selection.

Cell Styles are defined by name using the built-in Excel feature. Doing so allows you to change the style of all similar cell types (Param Titles, User Input, Section Titles, etc.) in one place and have that style automatically be applied to all cells using that definition. It is similar to using a Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) in HTML web page design.

You may redefine any or all cells to suit your preference. Note that it might be necessary to turn off Worksheet Protection to do so (be sure to turn it back on afterward).

You can also change the worksheet background if you do not like the one provided.

Control over what area of the worksheet will print is available with the Set Print Area feature. These instructions work for Excel 2007, but your version might be slightly different.

1) Go to the worksheet whose print area you want set

2) Use the cursor to highlight the area to be printed

3) Menu selection: "File"->"Print Area"->"Set Print Area"

4) Use Print Preview to verify selection

To force entire selection area to print on a single sheet

1)  Menu selection: "File"->"Page Setup..."

2) Select the "Page" tab

3) In the "Scaling" area, set to fit 1 page(s) wide by 1 page(s) tall

As provided, only the "Start," "Help," and "Revision History" worksheets are locked and cannot be unlocked. All cells in the "System Definition" page except those designated for user input (light and medium blue background) are formatted as "Locked" in order to prevent accidently overwriting cells with formulas, labels, and drop-down menus, etc. However, Worksheet Protection is not enabled as supplied, so I do recommend that you use the "Protect Worksheet" function on the "System Definition" worksheet.

Lock the protected cells by selecting the "Protect Sheet" option provided by Excel. Unlock protected cells by selecting the "Unprotect Sheet" option provided by Excel. (do an Internet search on Excel worksheet protection if you are not familiar with it)

The following Protection is implemented in RF Cascade Workbook™:

• "Start" Worksheet: Protection enabled and cannot be Unprotected by the user.

• "System Definition" Worksheet: Protection not enabled as provided, but it can be Protected (recommended) by the user.
   - a password is not required when enabling Protection (leave the "Password"
     field blank if desired)
   - Important !!! When enabling Protection, be certain to check off the "Edit objects"
     box or Macros will not run !!!

• "Help" Worksheet: Protection enabled and cannot be Unprotected by the user.

• "Icons" Worksheet: Protection enabled, but it can be Unprotected by the user (no password is set, none is required).

• "Revision History" Worksheet: Protection enabled and cannot be Unprotected by the user. • VBA (Developer) Code: Protection not enabled as provided, but it can be Protected by the user."

Click button to have Excel's "AutoFit Row Height" function readjust rows to their standard heights.

Extensive use of mouseover comments is provided in order to give instant help with most properties and functions in RF Cascade Workbook™. This 'Help' worksheet contains the text of the mouseover comments, along with additional information.

Turn comments On or Off in the Excel Options screen.

1) Most of the cells in the RF Cascade Workbook™ workbook are locked to prevent accidental overwriting of formulas and/or references used by the VBA macro code (see notes above on Protection). Use the built-in "Protect Sheet" and "Unprotect Sheet" menu selections. Be sure to relock the worksheet to prevent accidental overwriting (you may use your own password, but none is required).

2) Use the Excel "Cell Styles" function to globally change the background color and font style. You can delete the background image after Unprotecting the worksheet.

3) The following convention is used when referring to ordered components in cascaded calculations: A lower case "n" indicates an individual component parameter and an upper case "N" indicates the cumulative cascaded value. Both "n" and "N" are the numbered order in the cascade, beginning at the input with the first stage being (n=N=1), the second being (n=N=2), etc.

Using gain as an example: Gain[n] is the individual component's gain, Gain[n-1] is the previous component's gain, and Gain[n+1] is the succeeding component's gain. Similarly, GainNom[N] is the cumulative cascaded nominal gain up to and including that of component Gain[n].

4) The following convention is used with cascaded parameter formulas: Parameter names beginning with an upper case letter indicate a decibel unit value; e.g. NF[N] has units of dB and Psig[N] has units of dBm. Parameter names beginning with a lower case letter indicate a linear unit value; e.g. nf[N] is a ratio and psig[N] has units of milliwatts.

5) The absolute value of a parameter is indicated with the traditional vertical lines: |value|  =  ABS(value).

6) Units are indicated by curly brackets  {dB, dBm, V, etc.}.

7) OIP2, OIP3, OP1dB, and OPmax parameters are always referenced to the component output. Allowing an option for either input- or output-referenced values creates an opportunity for errors. For convenience, input-referenced equivalent values are calculated for the specified output-referenced values.

   Convert between input- and output-referenced values as follows:

         IOIP2  =  OOIP2 - Gain,                 OOIP2  =  IOIP2 + Gain

         IOIP3  =  OOIP3 - Gain,                 OOIP3  =  IOIP3 + Gain

         IOP1dB  =  OOP1dB - Gain + 1,      OOP1dB  =  IOP1dB + Gain - 1

         OPmaxLimited has no equivalent input-referenced value

8) Cascaded GainMin and GainMax values, and formulas that reference them, depend on whether or not "Use VSWR" is selected.

9) The term "cumulative" as used herein refers to the results of cascaded calculations on a stage-by-stage, component-by-component basis.

Move around the worksheet by using the "Navigation" drop-down lists to select the area of interest.

All the charts are stacked on top of each other, with the top chart being the one selected by the "Select Chart" drop-down list.

Left: This is where the left edge of the charts stack is positioned.

Top: This is where the top edge of the charts stack is positioned.

Width: This is overall width of the charts stack.

Height: This is overall height of the charts stack.

Left | Top | Width | Height  >= 10  {approximate size in pixels}

If the stack becomes misaligned due to user actions or due to editing of size and/or position numbers, click "Re-align Charts" button to resize and reposition them all uniformly. The original format has each stage's output in the center of the related cell; you might prefer to align outputs with the right side of the cells to indicate the value represented at the output of the stage.

Note: If you add a new chart to the "System Definition" worksheet and then click the "Re-align Charts button, it will most likely disappear somewhere in the stack beneath the others. It will not be added to the drop-down list for bringing to the top (that is a function provided by the VBA code, which is not User-accessible). Your best option is to modify an existing chart that is in the list, or if you must create a new chart, place it on a separate page so it will not be included in the re-alignment and resizing action.

All the charts are stacked on top of each other, with the top chart being the one selected by the "Select Chart" drop-down list.

The system input signal power. It can represent a single tone or a distribution of signals across the system noise bandwidth.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  Pin  <=  §Power{dBm}    §Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

Thermal noise power at 25 °C (room temperature) in a 1 Hz bandwidth, is -174 dBm. 1 gigawatt is +120 dBm.

The ambient system temperature used for noise power calculations.

-273.15  <=  Temp  <=  200  {°C}

-273.15 °C is absolute zero. 200 °C is 1,832 °F. Room temperature is typically defined as 25 °C.

The minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) used for calculating the dynamic range (DR).

-100  <=  Min SNR  <=  100 {dB}

Negative SNR values are permitted because signal processing can use wideband signals below the noise floor; e.g., with spread spectrum.

"Yes" causes the VSWR amplitude error of each component interface to be added to the cascaded GainMin and GainMax values.

"No" ignores VSWR amplitude errors.

Except where noted, all Max and Min cascaded calculations that depend on the Gain value will be affected by this setting.

Use the provided in-cell drop-down menu to select frequency units. These units are used for all frequency-dependent calculations, including noise power.

Options: Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz, THz

Copy and paste icons from the "Icons" worksheet (click on tab), or create your own icons and paste them in.

Uniformly arrange icons by doing the following:

- Use the Select Objects tool (Find & Select toolbar menu) to drag the cursor around the row of icons. Alternatively, select the first icon with the left mouse button, then hold down the Control key while left-clicking all the other icons.

- Under the Page Layout | Align drop-down menu, click on Align Middle, and then click on Distribute Horizontally.

Standard icon size is 58 pixels wide by 32 pixels high. You can make them any size you like, however, and you can create your own custom icons and store them on the worksheet.

Clicking the "Center Icons" button will position all icons on the worksheet inside the center of the cell where the upper left corners of the icons are located. If you click the button and an icon seems to have disappeared, it is probably sitting on top of the icon above and/or to the left of the cell where it should be (due to your having inadvertently positioned its top left corner in the wrong cell).

The names entered here are reflected at the tops of all other component input and calculation areas.

The following values are recommended for filling empty component stages so that they have no appreciable effect on the cascade calculations of populated stages. Your specific application might require other values, however.

Component Specifications

Gain {dB} = 0

NF {dB} = 0

OIP2 {dBm} = +249

OIP3 {dBm} = +249

OP1dB {dBm} = +249

Opmax {dBm} = +249

Input RL {dB} = 50

Output RL {dB} = 50

Filter Specifications

Filter Pass Type = ---

Filter X-fer Function = ---

Filter Order (N) = leave blank

Filter Ripple (N) = leave blank

Upper Cutoff {Freq. Units} = leave blank

Lower Cutoff {Freq. Units} = leave blank

NBW to Use {Freq. Units} = 999999

Mixer|Lo Specifications

LO Frequency {Freq. Units} = leave blank

Sideband (L,U) = ---

Trial Input Freq. {Freq. Units} = leave blank

The component's nominal gain (Gain) value. Gain is positive if the component increases signal strength, and is negative if it decreases signal strength.

-§Decibels{dB}  <=  Gain  <=  §Decibels{dB}    §Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

Note: When Gain is negative, the NF should be set equal to the absolute value of Gain. A red "NF" warning is displayed in the component's Status cell if it is not.

The component's maximum gain variation (±Gain) relative to nominal.

-§Decibels{dB}  <=  ±Gain  <=  §Decibels{dB}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

A negative value causes the gain variation to add to cumulative GainMax and GainMin values in the opposite direction.

Note: When Gain is negative, ±NF should be set to the absolute value of ±Gain.  A red "±" warning is displayed in the component's Status cell if it is not.

The component's nominal noise figure (NF) value.

-§Decibels{dB}  <=  NF  <=  §Decibels{dB}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

Note: When Gain is negative, the NF should be set equal to the absolute value of Gain. A red "NF" warning is displayed in the component's Status cell if it is not.

The component's maximum noise figure variation (±NF) relative to the nominal.

-§Decibels{dB}  <=  ±NF  <=  §Decibels{dB}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

A negative value causes the NF variation to add to cumulative NFMax and NFMin values in the opposite direction.

Note: When Gain is negative, ±NF should be set to the absolute value of ±Gain.  A red "±" warning is displayed in the component's Status cell if it is not.

The component's nominal output 2nd-order intercept point (OIP2) value.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  OIP2  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

Note: Using a large value (e.g., 200) for unspecified components helps prevent them from affecting the cascade calculation; however, the y-axis scale (set to Auto by default) will squash to where smaller values cannot be distinguished. Set the y-axis scale to a Maximum of whatever your highest expected OIP2 value is to prevent squashing.

The component's maximum OIP2 variation (±OIP2) relative to nominal.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  ±OIP2  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

A negative value causes the gain variation to add to cumulative OIP2Max and OIP2Min values in the opposite direction.

The component's nominal input 2nd-order intercept point (IIP2) value.

IIP2 = OIP2 - Gain  {dBm}

Note: This is a calculated value and cannot be edited.

The component's nominal output 3rd-order intercept point (OIP3) value.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  OIP3  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

Note: Using a large value (e.g., 200) for unspecified components helps prevent them from affecting the cascade calculation; however, the y-axis scale (set to Auto by default) will squash to where smaller values cannot be distinguished. Set the y-axis scale to a Maximum of whatever your highest expected OIP3 value is to prevent squashing.

The component's maximum OIP3 variation (±OIP3) relative to the nominal.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  ±OIP3  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

A negative value causes the OIP3 variation to add in the opposite direction.

The component's nominal input 3rd-order intercept point (IIP3) value.

IIP3 = OIP3 - Gain  {dBm}

Note: This is a calculated value and cannot be edited.

The component's nominal output 1 dB compression point (OP1dB) value.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  ±OP1dB  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

OP1dB is sometimes referred to as the "Blocking Power."

The formula used to calculate cascaded OP1dB is 'approximate' (same format as the OIP3 calculation), so be aware that the answer is not as exact as with NF, OIP2 and OIP3. The reason is that transition from linear to nonlinear regions is highly device-dependent.

Note: Using a large value (e.g., 200) for unspecified components helps prevent them from affecting the cascade calculation; however, the y-axis scale (set to Auto by default) will squash to where smaller values cannot be distinguished. Set the y-axis scale to a Maximum of whatever your highest expected OP1dB value is to prevent squashing.

The component's maximum OP1dB variation (±OP1dB) relative to nominal.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  ±P1dB  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

A negative value causes the gain variation to add to cumulative OP1dBMax and OP1dBMin values in the opposite direction.

The component's nominal input 1 dB compression point (IP1dB) value.

IP1dB = OP1dB - (Gain - 1)  {dBm}

Note: This is a calculated value and cannot be edited.

A conditional flag for the allowable maximum output power (OPmax) of the component. It is used to alert you to an excess power condition. OPmax is typically greater than OP1dB, but it does not have to be.

-§Power{dBm}  <=  OPmax  <=  §Power{dBm}    §=Defined in the "Min/Max Component Definition Limits" area.

The OPmaxLimited[N] cascaded output power of each component is limited to OPmax[n]. If OPmaxLimited[N-1] + Gain[n] + ±Gain[n] would result in output power >= OPmax[n], then the new cascaded OPmaxLimited[N] is set equal to OPmax[n]. Otherwise, the new OPmaxLimited[N] is equal to OPmaxLimited[N-1] + Gain[n] + ±Gain[n].

** OPmax does not affect the linear cascaded calculations - it is only a flag for an overpower condition. It sets a system output power limit to what it would be if any component(s) is(are) saturated at the output. A red "Pwr" flag will appear in the Status cell for the component to alert you to the condition.

Note: Using a large value (e.g., 200) for unspecified components helps prevent them from affecting the cascade calculation; however, the y-axis scale (set to Auto by default) will squash to where smaller values cannot be distinguished. Set the y-axis scale to a Maximum of whatever your highest expected Pmax value is to prevent squashing.

Tests for invalid parameter specifications.

"Pwr" indicates the component's output power >= the OPmax value.

"NF" indicates that when Gain is negative, NF is not equal to ABS |Gain| and/or ±NF is not equal to ABS |±Gain|.

The component's Input Return Loss (Input RL).

0.001  <=  InputRL  <=  100 {dB}

RL  =  -20 * log [(1-VSWR) / (1+VSWR)]

VSWR mismatch error values are handled according to the "Use VSWR" cell.

The component's output Return Loss (output RL).

0.001  <=  OutputRL  <=  100 {dB}

RL  =  -20 * log [(1-VSWR) / (1+VSWR)]

VSWR mismatch error values are handled according to the "Use VSWR" cell.

-1E16 <= User1|User2 <= 1E16  {units}

It is up to you to properly input all data and equations to obtain valid results since there is no way "Wireless Systems Designer" can decide what is valid.

This is the largest value (positive or negative) gain value {dB} that can be used to specify a component parameter. Attempting to input a larger number will cause the data Validation tester to report a violation.

-1000 <= GainLimit <= 1000  {dB}

This is the largest value (positive or negative) power value {dBm} that can be used to specify a component parameter. Attempting to input a larger number will cause the data Validation tester to report a violation.

-1000 <= PowerLimit <= 1000  {dBm}

This is the highest frequency to be used for calculating filter responses.

fLower < fUpper <= 10e12  {Freq. Units}

This is the lowest frequency to be used for calculating filter responses.

10E-12 <= fLower < fUpper  {Freq. Units}

176 frequency points between fLower and fUpper, inclusive, are used for calculating the frequency response.

StepSize = (fUpper - fLower)/175  {Freq, Units}

Use the in-cell drop-down menu to select the frequency units used to calculate system noise values. The selected Frequency Units are displayed along with all frequency values.

Frequency Units:

THz (10E12 Hz)

GHz (10E9 Hz)

MHz (10E6 Hz)

kHz (10E3 Hz)

Hz (1 Hz)

This value places a limit on the minimum and/or maximum power level output for each component stage during calculations, thereby preventing data points that cause chart autoscaling to compress the plot. For instance, a frequency many decades outside the passband of a bandpass filter could easily be -500 dBm, but that is an insane value to include on a chart. Specifying, say, 200 dBm, for Min/Max Power/Stage changes a calculated power from -500 dBm to -200 dBm.

0 <= Min/Max Power/Stage <= 1000  {dBm}

Standard ideal filter transfer functions are used. In-cell drop-down box has the following choices:

---  (no filter) | Highpass | Bandpass | Bandstop (aka Notch) | Lowpass

Standard ideal filter formulas are used. In-cell drop-down box has the following choices:

---  (no filter) | Brickwall | Butterworth | Chebyshev

Brickwall filters exhibit 0 dB attenuation within the passband and infinite attenuation outside the passband.

Butterworth is called "maximally flat" because it has the greatest out-of-band attenuation while having no ripple in the passband. It has relatively low group delay at the band edges.

Chebyshev is called "equiripple" because it has equal amplitude ripple in the passband with high out-of-band attenuation that depends on the amplitude of the inband ripple (higher ripple = higher attenuation). It has relatively high group delay at the band edges (higher ripple = higher group delay).

Although integer values for Filter Order are typical since each inductor and capacitor in the lowpass prototype adds to the total for 'N,' you can enter non-integer values for the sake of modeling.

2 <= Order <= 25

Used only with the Chebyshev filter transfer function.

0.001 <= Ripple <= 10  {dB}

1E-12 <= fHigh <= 1E12 {Freq. Units}

AND fHigh > fLow

Used with the highpass, bandpass, and bandstop filters.

1E-12 <= fLow <= 1E12  {Freq. Units}

AND fLow < fHigh

Used with bandpass and bandstop filters. This is the calculated arithmetic center frequency (not editable), used to make it easy to relate it to the band edges.

fCenter = (LowerCutoff + UpperCutoff) / 2  {Freq. Units}

The geometric center frequency, which is where the mathematical center of the band lies, is:

fCenter = Sqrt (LowerCutoff * UpperCutoff) 2  {Freq. Units}

This is the frequency at which, for the Butterworth filter and odd-order Chebyshev filter the insertion loss of an ideal filter is zero. An ideal even-order Chebyshev filter will have an insertion loss equal to the inband ripple value at the geometric center frequency.

Used with bandpass and bandstop filters. This is the calculated bandwidth (not editable).

Bandwidth (BW) = UpperCutoff - LowerCutoff  {Freq. Units}

This is the filter "Quality" metric (not editable) and applies only to bandpass and bandstop filters.

FilterQ = ((UpperCutoff + LowerCutoff) / 2) / (UpperCutoff - LowerCutoff)

Noise bandwidth (NBW) is the bandwidth that an ideal (Brickwall) filter passing the same amount of noise power would have. It is calculated using standard textbook equations. 

This NBW value is the one actually used to calculate noise power in the system cascade. You may use the calculated FilterNBW value or enter your own.

1E-12 <= NBW <= 1E12  {Freq. Units}

Tests user-entered values necessary for proper calculations based on FilterPassType and FilterX-ferFunction.

"fU" displayed if FilterPassType = Lowpass and UpperCutoff is not specified.

"fL" displayed if FilterPassType = Highpass and LowerCutoff is not specified.

"fL&fU" displayed if FilterPassType = Bandpass or Bandstop and LowerCutoff and/or UpperCufoff is not specified.

"fL>fU" displayed if FilterPassType = Bandpass or Bandstop and LowerCutoff >= UpperCufoff.

"PassType" if FilterPassType is not specified.

"XferType" if FilterX-ferType is not specified.

"N" if FilterX-ferType is Butterworth or Chebyshev and Order is not specified.

"R" if FilterX-ferType is Chebyshev and Ripple is not specified.

Local oscillator frequency for the up or down conversion.Only enter for stages where you plan a frequency conversion.

0 <= fLO <= 1E12  {Freq. Units}

Only enter for stages where you plan a frequency conversion.

Use the in-cell drop-down box for the following choices:

---  (no conversion) | Upper  (LO + Input) | Lower  (|LO - Input|)

Only enter for stages where you plan a frequency conversion.

This value is used with the LO Frequency and Sideband entries to calculate the upper and lower sideband frequencies, Trial USB and Trial LSB, respectively, to provide an indication of where the sidebands will be.

0 <= Trial Input <= 1E12  {Freq. Units}

Calculated frequency of the upper sideband (USB) based on LO Frequency and Trial Input.

Trial USB = LO Frequency + Trial Input  {Freq. Units}

Calculated frequency of the lower sideband (LSB) based on LO Frequency and Trial Input.

Trial LSB = | LO Frequency - Trial Input |  {Freq. Units}

Indicates whether the specified inputs for LO Frequency, Sideband, and Trial Input will result in a frequency inversion (aka spectrum inversion). If inversion occurs, "Inversion" will be displayed in the stage's cell. See the RFCafe.com website for more information on spectral inversion.

No frequency inversion in any stage of the system, or an even number of stages with a frequency inversion results in no frequency inversion at the output. Conversely, an odd number of stages with a frequency inversion results in a frequency inversion at the system output.

"Yes" indicates a net frequency inversion at the output.

"No" indicates no net frequency inversion at the output.

Checks to make sure that if an LO Frequency is specified, a Sideband is also specified, and vice versa. A red "SB" or "LO" is placed in the cell, respectively, as required.

Cumulative calculated nominal gain (GainNom) using each component's nominal Gain value.

GainNom[N]  =  GainNom[N-1] + Gain[N]

Cumulative calculated maximum gain (GainMax) using each component's Gain and ±Gain values.

GainMax[N]  =  GainMax[N-1] + Gain[n] + ±Gain[n]

Also adds gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Include VSWR Error" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum gain (GainMin) using each component's Gain and ±Gain values.

GainMin[N]  =  GainMin[N-1] + Gain[n] - ±Gain[n]

Also subtracts gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Include VSWR Error" is set to "Y."

Calculated Max and Min values for NF, OIP2, OIP3, and OP1dB in RF Cascade Workbook 2018 (WSD) may by your choice use either just the GainNom values, OR the GainMax and GainMin values as was done in RF Cascade Workbook 2018 (RFCW).

Using the GainMax and GainMin values calculates the absolute worst case values for NF, OIP2, OIP3, and P1dB, but some people only want the results of the component itself being at a Max or Min value rather than when every component in the system is at the extreme edge of a tolerance.

Select "Yes" from the in-cell drop-down menu to use the GainMax and GainMin values.

Select "No" from the in-cell drop-down menu to use GainNom value.

Cumulative calculated nominal noise figure (NFNom) using each component's nominal NF value.

nfNom[N]  =  nfNom[N-1] + ( nf[n] / gain[N-1] )

NF[N] =  10 * log ( nf[N] )   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum noise figure (NFMax) using each component's NF and ±NF values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

nfMax[N]  =  nfMax[N-1]  +  { (nf[n] + ±nf[n] ) / gain[N-1] ) }

NFMax[N]  =  10 * log ( nfMax[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum noise figure (NFMin) using each component's NF and ±NF values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

nfMin[N]  =  nfMin[N-1]  +  { (nf[n] - ±nf[n] ) / gain[N-1] ) }

NFMin[N]  =  10 * log ( nfMin[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal output 2nd-order intercept point (OIP2Nom) using each component's nominal OIP2 value.

OIP2Nom[N]  = 1 / OIP2[n]  +  1 / ( OIP2Nom[N-1]  *  gain[n] )

OIP2Nom[N]  =  -20 * log ( OIP2Nom[N] )   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum output 2nd-order intercept point (OIP2Max) using each component's OIP2 and ±OIP2 values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OIP2Max[N]  = 1 / ( OIP2[n] + ±OIP2[n] )  +  1 / { OIP2Max[N-1]  *  gain[n]}

OIP2Max[N]  =  -20 * log ( OIP2Max[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum output 2nd-order intercept point (OIP2Min) using each component's OIP2 and ±OIP2 values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OIP2Min[N]  = 1 / ( OIP2[n] - ±OIP2[n] )  +  1 / { OIP2Min[N-1]  *  gain[n] }

OIP2Min[N]  =  -20 * log ( OIP2Min[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal output 3rd-order intercept point (OIP3Nom) using each component's nominal OIP3 value.

OIP3Nom[N]  = 1 / OIP3[n]  +  1 / ( OIP3Nom[N-1]  *  gain[n] )

OIP3Nom[N]  =  -10 * log ( OIP3Nom[N] )   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum output 3rd-order intercept point (OIP3Max) using each component's OIP3 and ±OIP3 values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OIP3Max[N]  = 1 / ( OIP3[n] + ±OIP3[n] )  +  1 / { OIP3Max[N-1]  *  gain[n] }

OIP3Max[N]  =  -10 * log ( OIP3Max[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum output 3rd-order intercept point (OIP3Min) using each component's OIP3 and ±OIP3 values.

OIP3Min[N]  = 1 / ( OIP3[n] - ±OIP3[n] )  +  1 / { OIP3Min[N-1]  *  gain[n] }

OIP3Min[N]  =  -10 * log ( OIP3Min[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal output 1 dB compression point (OP1dBNom) using each component's nominal OP1dB value. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OP1dBNom[N]  = 1 / OP1dB[n]  +  1 / ( OP1dBNom[N-1]  *  gain[n] )

OP1dBNom[N]  =  -10 * log ( OP1dBNom[N] )   {dB}

Note: This formula is similar to the cascaded IP3 formula and has been adopted by the RF world as a good approximation to the cascaded P1dB value. A more accurate result requires precise modeling of the nonlinear transition region of each device, which is beyond the scope of RF Cascade Workbook 2018.

Cumulative calculated maximum output 1 dB compression point (OP1dBMax) using each component's OP1dB and ±OP1dB values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OP1dBMax[N]  = 1 / ( OP1dB[n] + ±OP1dB[n] )  +  1 / { OP1dBMax[N-1]  *  gain[n] }

OP1dBMax[N]  =  -10 * log ( OP1dBMax[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum output 1 dB compression point (OP1dBMin) using each component's OP1dB and ±OP1dB values. Note that the nominal value of gain is used, not the min or max value.

OP1dBMin[N]  = 1 / ( OP1dB[n] - ±OP1dB[n] )  +  1 / { OP1dBMin[N-1]  *  gain[n] }

OP1dBMin[N]  =  -10 * log ( OP1dBMin[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

A conditional flag for the allowable Maximum output Power (Pmax) of the component. It is used to alert you to an excess power condition.

The PmaxLimited[N] cascaded output power of each component is limited to Pmax[N]. If PmaxLimited[N-1] + GainNom[N] would result in output power >= Pmax[N], then the new cascaded PmaxLimited[N] is set equal to Pmax[N]. Otherwise, the new PmaxLimited[N] is equal to PmaxLimited[N-1] + GainNom[N].

It does NOT affect the linear Psig cascaded calculations (Nom, Max, Min).

This sets a system output power limit to what it would be if any component(s) is(are) saturated at the output.

If the power output of a component using the GainNom[N] value would be >= Pmax[N], a red "Pwr" will appear in the Status cell for the component to alert you to the condition.

Note: Using a large value (e.g., 200) for unspecified components helps prevent them from affecting the cascade calculation; however, the y-axis scale (set to Auto by default) will squash to where smaller values cannot be distinguished. Set the y-axis scale to a Maximum of whatever your highest expected Pmax value is to prevent squashing.

Note: Nonlinearities are not modeled - this assumes linear operation right up to the hard output power limit of each component.

Cumulative calculated nominal signal power (PsigNom) using GainNom value.

PsigNom[N]  =  Pin + GainNom[N]  {dBm}

Note: Assumes only linear operation; i.e., does not account for compression or saturation in any component.

PsigMax[N]  =  Pin + GainMax[N]  {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Note: Assumes only linear operation; i.e., does not account for compression or saturation in any component.

Cumulative calculated minimum signal power (PsigMin) using GainMax value.

PsigMin[N]  =  Pin + GainMin[N]  {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Note: Assumes only linear operation; i.e., does not account for compression or saturation in any component.

Narrowest bandwidth from system input up through output of each component - no fancy math.

If NBW[n]  <  NBW[N-1], then NBW[N]  =  NBW[n];

   otherwise, NBW[N]  =  NBW[N-1].

Cumulative calculated nominal noise power (PnoiseNom) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

PnoiseNom[N]  =  10 * log (kTB) + GainNom[N] + NFNom[N]  {dBm},

             where kTB  =   1.380662E-23 * [273.15 + SystemTemp] * NBW[N] * 1E3  {dBm}

Cumulative calculated maximum noise power (PnoiseMax) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

PnoiseMax[N]  =  10 * log (kTB) + GainMax[N] + NFMax[N]  {dBm},

             where kTB  =   1.380662E-23 * [273.15 + SystemTemp] * NBW[N] * 1E3  {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum noise power (PnoiseMin) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

PnoiseMin[N]  =  10 * log (kTB) + GainMin[N] + NFMin[N]  {dBm},

             where kTB  =   1.380662E-23 * [273.15 + SystemTemp] * NBW[N] * 1E3  {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal signal-to-noise ratio (SNRNom) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

SNRNom[N]  =  PsigNom[N] - PnoiseNom[N]  {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNRMax) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

SNRMax[N]  =  PsigMax[N] - PnoiseMin[N]  {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNRMin) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

SNRMin[N]  =  PsigMin[N] - PnoiseMax[N]  {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal compression dynamic range (CDRNom) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

CDRNom[N]  =  P1dBNom[N] - PnoiseNom[N] - MinimumSNR  {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum compression dynamic range (CDRMax) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

CDRMax[N]  =  P1dBMax[N] - PnoiseMin[N] - MinimumSNR  {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum compression dynamic range (CDRMin) in the noise bandwidth (NBW) of each component.

CDRMin[N]  =  P1dBMin[N] - PnoiseMax[N] - MinimumSNR  {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal 2nd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR2Nom).

SFDR2Nom[N]  =  1/2 * ( OIP2Nom[N] - PnoiseNom[N] )   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum 2nd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR2Max).

SFDR2Max[N]  =  1/2 * ( OIP2Max[N] - PnoiseMin[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum 2nd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR2Min).

SFDR2Min[N]  =  1/2 * ( OIP2Min[N] - PnoiseMax[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal 2nd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD2Nom).

IMD2Nom[N]  =  PsigNom[N] - ( OIP2Nom[N] -  PsigNom[N])   {dBm}

Cumulative calculated maximum 2nd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD2Max).

IMD2Max[N]  =  PsigMax[N] - ( OIP2Min[N] -  PsigMax[N] )   {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum 2nd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD2Min).

IMD2Min[N]  =  PsigMin[N] - ( OIP2Max[N] -  PsigMin[N] )   {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal difference (ΔIMD2Nom) in power between IMD2Nom and PsigNom.

ΔIMD2Nom[N]  =  PsigNom[N] - IMD2Nom[N]   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum difference (ΔIMD2Max) in power between IMD2Min and PsigMax.

ΔIMD2Max[N]  =  PsigMax[N] - IMD2Min[N]   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum difference (ΔIMD2Min) in power between IMD2Max and PsigMin.

ΔIMD2Min[N]  =  PsigMin[N] - IMD2Max[N]   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal 3rd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR3Nom).

SFDR3Nom[N]  =  2/3 * ( OIP3Nom[N] - PnoiseNom[N] )   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum 3rd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR3Max).

SFDR3Max[N]  =  2/3 * ( OIP3Max[N] - PnoiseMin[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum 3rd-order spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR3Min).

SFDR3Min[N]  =  2/3 * ( OIP3Min[N] - PnoiseMax[N] )   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal 3rd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD3Nom).

IMD3Nom[N]  =  PsigNom[N] - ( OIP3Nom[N] -  PsigNom[N])   {dBm}

Cumulative calculated maximum 3rd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD3Max).

IMD3Max[N]  =  PsigMax[N] - ( OIP3Min[N] -  PsigMax[N] )   {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum 3rd-order intermodulation distortion product power (IMD3Min).

IMD3Min[N]  =  PsigMin[N] - ( OIP3Max[N] -  PsigMin[N] )   {dBm}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated nominal difference (ΔIMD3Nom) in power between IMD3Nom and PsigNom.

ΔIMD3Nom[N]  =  PsigNom[N] - IMD3Nom[N]   {dB}

Cumulative calculated maximum difference (ΔIMD3Max) in power between IMD3Min and PsigMax.

ΔIMD3Max[N]  =  PsigMax[N] - IMD3Min[N]   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Cumulative calculated minimum difference (ΔIMD3Min) in power between IMD3Min and PsigMax.

ΔIMD3Min[N]  =  PsigMin[N] - IMD3Max[N]   {dB}

Also includes gain variation due to VSWR mismatch if "Use VSWR" is set to "Y."

Positive (+) amplitude uncertainty due to VSWR mismatch (VSWRe+) between components at the output of the current component, on a stage-by-stage basis.

VSWRe+[N]  =  20 * log ( 1 + |gamma[n]| * |gamma[n+1]| )   {dB}

See cumulative VSWR mismatch error, which is the worst-case scenario where all errors add up in phase.

Negative (-) amplitude uncertainty due to VSWR mismatch (VSWRe-) between components at the output of the current component, on a stage-by-stage basis.

VSWRe+[N]  =  20 * log ( 1 - |gamma[n]| * |gamma[n+1]| )   {dB}

See cumulative VSWR mismatch error, which is the worst-case scenario where all errors add up in phase.

Cumulative calculated positive (+) VSWR mismatch error (VSWReCum+).

VSWReCum+[N]  =  VSWReCum+[N-1] + VSWRe+[N]   {dB}

Note: System input and output assumed to be a perfect impedance match, therefore generating 0 dB amplitude error.

Cumulative calculated negative (-) VSWR mismatch error (VSWReCum-).

VSWReCum-[N]  =  VSWReCum-[N-1] + VSWRe-[N]   {dB}

Note: System input and output assumed to be a perfect impedance match, therefore generating 0 dB amplitude error.

Enter a custom formula that references the "User Parameters" entered in the "Component Parameter Specification Inputs (non frequency-dependent)" section ** and/or ** references ** any other cell(s) ** in the workbook - even the locked cells.

Resulting data is presented in the "User Parameters (non-frequency-dependent)" chart.

It is up to you to properly input all data and equations to obtain valid results since there is no way "Wireless Systems Designer" can decide what is valid.

Values for both f1 through f176 and Psig1 through Psig176 are copied from the "Mixer|LO Frequency Calculations" and  "Filter & Mixer|LO Signal Power Calculations" cells near the bottom of the worksheet. They are alternated here in order to facilitate visualizing the one-to-one relationship between each frequency and its resulting power level.

Frequency and power are calculated in separate groups near the bottom of the worksheet because it makes selecting the data for charts easier by being able to specify continuous ranges for the x- and y-axis rather than needing to individually specify each cell as would ne necessary in the alternating frequency | power format. Trust me on this, or try it for yourself.

176 evenly spaced frequencies are calculated based on the Upper and Lower frequencies specified in the "Analysis Frequencies" user input section.

175 intervals were chosen as a compromise in providing enough data points for a meaningful frequency response plot and keeping the calculation time of the spreadsheet fast.

These values are copied from the "Mixer|LO Frequency Calculations" section of the worksheet.

Rejection provided by the filter (if any) and Nominal gain (GainNom) are used to calculate a frequency-dependent power level for each stage in the cascade.

These values are copied from the "Filter & Mixer|LO Signal Power Calculations" section of the worksheet.

Power supply voltages (PS1-PS4) to which a current requirement (in mA) may be assigned for each component.

-10,000  <=  PS1-PS4Voltage  <= 10,000   {V}

Power supply currents (PS1-PS4Current) required from PS1, in milliamps (mA).

0  <=  PS1-PS4Current  <=  1,000,000   {mA}

Calculated powers (PS1-PS4Power) required from PS1, in milliwatts (mW).

PS1-PS4Power[N]  =  PS1-PS4Voltage[N] * PS1-PS4Current[N]   {mW}

Calculated sum of current and power of each power supply (PS1 - PS4).

Total PS1 Current  =  Σ ( PS1Current[1] + … + PS1Current[4] )   {mA}

Total PS2 Current  =  Σ ( PS2Current[1] + … + PS2Current[4] )   {mA}

Total PS3 Current  =  Σ ( PS3Current[1] + … + PS3Current[4] )   {mA}

Total PS4 Current  =  Σ ( PS4Current[1] + … + PS4Current[4] )   {mA}

Total PS1 Power  =  Σ ( PS1Power[1] + … + PS1Power[4] )   {mW}

Total PS2 Power  =  Σ ( PS2Power[1] + … + PS2Power[4] )   {mW}

Total PS1 Power  =  Σ ( PS3Power[1] + … + PS3Power[4] )   {mW}

Total PS1 Power  =  Σ ( PS4Power[1] + … + PS4Power[4] )   {mW}

Calculated sum of all power supplies (ΣPS1Power - ΣPS4Power) for each component.

ΣPS1-PS4Power[N]  =  PS1Power[N] + PS2Power[N] + PS3Power[N] + PS4Power[N]   {mW}

Verbose description of component. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (in MS Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

Manufacturer and/or supplier of component. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (on Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

Part number used to purchase the component. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (on Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

Enter numerical value for cost. The total cost of all components is displayed to the right of the last component stage.

0  <= Price[N]   {monetary units}

Enter monetary units in the right-most cell.

Specify a currency unit.

The sum of all component costs.

Manufacturer and/or supplier of component. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (in MS Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

Enter numerical value for weight. The total weight of all components is displayed to the right of the last component stage.

0  <=  Weight[N]   {weight units}

Enter weight units in the right-most cell.

The sum of all component weights.

Specify a unit of weight.

Expected date of availability. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (in MS Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

The latest date entered in all the Delivery Date cells is displayed here. This gives an indication of the most critical component delivery date in the system.

Space for verbose notes. Text will wrap as needed. Use Alt+Enter (in MS Windows) to force a line break within the cell.

176 evenly spaced frequencies are calculated based on the Upper and Lower frequencies specified in the "Analysis Frequencies" user input section.

175 intervals were chosen as a compromise in providing enough data points for a meaningful frequency response plot and keeping the calculation time of the spreadsheet fast.

In order to conveniently present frequency | signal power pairs next to each other, these values and those calculated in the "Filter & Mixer|LO Signal Power Calculations" section are copied INTO the "Calculated Filter & Frequency Conversion Values (frequency dependent)" section of the worksheet.

Rejection provided by the filter (if any) and Nominal gain (GainNom) are used to calculate a frequency-dependent power level for each stage in the cascade.

NOTE: A minimum power level of -250 dBm is used in the calculations, so if any stage would produce less than -250 dBm, its value is adjusted to -250 dBm. Doing so helps keep numbers realistic. This limit is coded into the VBA module and cannot be changed.

In order to conveniently present frequency | signal power pairs next to each other, these values and those calculated in the "Mixer|LO Frequency Calculations" section are copied INTO the "Calculated Filter & Frequency Conversion Values (frequency dependent)" section of the worksheet.