What is the recommended evaluation board test procedure for characterizing a new MMIC amplifier?

The recommended evaluation board test procedure for characterizing a new MMIC amplifier systematically measures all key RF parameters to verify that the MMIC meets its datasheet specifications and to establish the performance baseline for the specific evaluation board design. The procedure is: visual inspection (examine the evaluation board for correct MMIC placement, solder quality, and component population; verify that all bypass capacitors and matching components are present and correctly oriented), DC characterization (before applying RF: apply the bias voltages in the correct sequence (gate first for depletion-mode devices); measure the quiescent drain current (I_dq) and verify it matches the datasheet specification within ±10%; sweep the gate voltage and record the I_ds vs. V_gs curve to verify the transistor is functioning normally), S-parameter measurement (calibrate the VNA with the appropriate calibration standard; connect the evaluation board; measure S21 (gain), S11 (input return loss), S22 (output return loss), and S12 (reverse isolation) from below the operating band to at least 2x the operating frequency; compare to the datasheet specifications; note the gain flatness, the frequency of peak gain, and any resonances), noise figure measurement (use a noise figure meter or a calibrated noise source + spectrum analyzer; measure NF vs. frequency across the operating band; compare to the datasheet NF_min and the NF at the specified impedance; the evaluation board's measured NF includes the board's matching network and connector losses), power performance (measure P1dB and IP3 at the center frequency and at the band edges; for P1dB: sweep the input power from small signal to 3 dB above the 1 dB compression point, recording Pin vs. Pout; for IP3: use a two-tone test with the tones spaced 1-10 MHz apart; measure the output IM3 products and calculate IIP3 and OIP3), and stability verification (check for oscillations with no RF input applied; vary the supply voltage ±10%; connect a mismatch load (use a mechanical stub tuner or a set of known VSWRs) and verify no oscillation at any load phase angle).