The Joint ARFTG/RWW Workshop, titled “Next-Generation Power Amplifier Measurements and Modeling for Space-Based Communications,” will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Organized by Nizar Messaoudi (Keysight Technologies), the workshop will bring together leading experts to discuss state-of-the-art measurement and modeling techniques enabling the next generation of high-efficiency amplifiers for space applications.

The rapid expansion of LEO satellite networks and beamforming architectures is driving new challenges in power amplifier (PA) design and validation for space-based communications. This workshop brings together leading industry experts and measurement specialists to explore the latest innovations in PA and beamformer IC (BFIC) technologies for space applications.

The session will open with insights from Analog Devices, who will provide an overview of emerging LEO system architectures and evolving challenges in PA design for space. This will be followed by a discussion on recent innovations in satellite-side RF front-end design, with a focus on how early-stage modeling and measurement—“shifting left”—can significantly improve time-to-market and performance outcomes.

Next, Keysight Technologies will lead a segment introducing modern PA measurement techniques using modulated signals. Attendees will gain practical exposure through live demonstrations of signal generator-based PA testing methodologies, including:

• Cable de-embedding for power correction
• Match-corrected measurements for EVM, output power, and DPD complexity
• Wideband Active Load Pull (WALP) techniques, including correlation with antenna S-parameters across bandwidth and steering angles

The workshop will also feature simulation workflows using SystemVue and RFPro, including load modulation analysis and point grid generation for WALP. This workshop is ideal for RF engineers, system architects, and researchers working on satellite communications, PA design, and advanced measurement systems. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate measurement and simulation to accelerate innovation in space-based RF systems.

Make plans to join us for this exciting workshop. Details and details and the full workshop agenda will be available soon on the ARFTG website.

Mauro Marchetti
ARFTG ExCom
Workshops Chair