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The WARP hardware user guide mentions "the MAX2829 RF inputs are specified for input powers below approximately -10dBm", while the datasheet lists the absolute max input power as +10dBm. As such, any RF input powers between -10dBm and +10dBm shouldn't damage the chip, only the chip behavior and output signal isn't characterized , correct?
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As such, any RF input powers between -10dBm and +10dBm shouldn't damage the chip, only the chip behavior and output signal isn't characterized , correct?
I agree the specified MAX2829 damage level is higher than -10dBm. However I would *strongly* encourage you to avoid such high input powers. Ultimately the Rx circuits will be damaged by an over-voltage condition. This is likely to occur with RF input power > +10dBm. However, depending on the waveform (i.e. high PAPR), you could develop a damage-level voltage at the Rx circuits even with an average power <+10dBm. Keep in mind that such high Rx powers are unrealistic for most wireless links - you should be able to add some attenuation without affecting the validity of your experiments.
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Hm okay. Now as far as I understand it, the maximum power output of one WARP v3 RF chain is approximately 22 dBm, but this is assuming the MAX2829 chip gains (RF and baseband) are set to max correct? I.e. when my script runs wl_interfaceCmd(pnodes,'RF_ALL','tx_gains', 3, 63). Otherwise if I run wl_interfaceCmd(pnodes,'RF_ALL','tx_gains', 0, 0), the output power should be approximately -14 dBm, correct?
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It depends entirely on the waveform you're transmitting. You can transmit a reasonably clean full-scale sinusoid at 20+dBm. For a waveform with high PAPR (like OFDM), the average power must be lower to avoid significant saturation and the resulting degradation of the Tx waveform. For example, we characterized the 802.11 Ref Design Tx for Tx power accuracy and Tx power vs EVM. These tests were done with the NONHT (11ag, 20MHz) OFDM waveform.
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Okay assuming a clean full scale sinusoid, the 20+dBm output power is with MAX2829 gains set to max, correct?
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Right, the only Tx power controls available in the WARP v3 RF interface are the MAX2829 Tx VGA and Tx baseband gain.
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