Thursday, June 13, 2013

Automated RF/Microwave Test Station

A 2nd general purpose automated RF/Microwave Test Station was designed and built by R. A. Wood Associates. The purpose was to provide automated test and device characterization to:
  • 10 MHz - 18 GHz test range as built with capability to expand up to 20 GHz
  • Reduce manual test time
  • Eliminate errors in recording of results
  • Increase throughput
  • Eliminate manual RF connections and DC connections in mid-test
  • Provide automated test reports
  • Save test results electronically in a database structure
The Automated RF/Microwave Test Station includes:
  • DAQ/Switch Unit
  • Three programmable power supplies
  • Signal Generator
  • Spectrum Analyzer
  • Table/Work Surface
  • Rack Mount Computer
  • Monitor
  • LabVIEW Software utilities to support setting up the Spectrum Analyzer and Signal Generator, retrieving data from the Spectrum Analyzer, controlling the RF Switch/DIO Box and other measurement equipment in the Test Station
  • Storage drawer
  • Custom RF Switch/DIO Box provides:
    • Automated RF Switching to 1 of 6 RF Inputs and 1 of 6 RF Outputs up to 18 GHz
    • Oscillators needed for Test Units
    • Digital I/O to control and read digital signals to/from Test Units
    • Relay Switching to read Resistances and switch DC Power to Test Units
 
Posted by Bob Wood at 12:49 AM
Edited on: Monday, October 07, 2013 7:49 PM
Categories: 10 QuickNews, 20 Hardware Products-Current, 30 LabVIEW Projects-Current