CW P3dB in Power amplifier

[postmanbk]

Hi edaboard community,
I see in spec of ET (envelope tracking) PA for 3G has a parameter: CW P3dB. Is it the same as maximum output power (peak power) or is it the average power. How can I convert it to 3G (WCDMA) power?
Thanks all.

 

[BigBoss]

I think P3dB remarks that the 3dB CW power compression point and it should be peak power. Peak-to-Average ratio of the input signal should be taken into account to define the right operating point for this PA.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

There are two 3dB Power Compression test methods;
(3dBP CW) and modulated Peak Envelope Power (3dB PEP)

% Modulation = (( PEP - P_C) / P_C) *100% for Pc= carrier power CW rated at 3dBP CW