RF and Microwave System Analysis

• Starting with top level requirements:
  • System operational requirements
  • Box or Module Requirements
  • Receiver Requirements
• Determine
  • Lower level component design requirements
• Develop software programs
  • to provide lower level requirements
• Verify component requirements
  • within cost and schedule objectives
  • are available and realistic
• Analyze tradeoffs
  • in system performance and component requirements
• Use actual component performance
  • to provide system performance predictions
• Include tolerances to develop statistical production yields
• Total Quality Improvement (TQM) processes are used throughout

At R. A. Wood Associates, we understand the system requirements imposed by the user, and are knowledgeable of the current capabilities of the RF and microwave components. This enables us to perform accurate "up front" system analysis that will eliminate or reduce problems as the design progresses toward production.

After the initial Requirements Flowdown, the actual lower level component performance can be used to predict the performance of the the system and compare against the top level requirements. Component variations can be included in the model to produce a statistical performance of the top level system.

• 
  Requirements Flowdown
• 
  Performance Prediction

• Accurate, early estimate of system performance
• Traceability of lower level components to top level system performance
• Reduce development time from design to production phases
  • Eliminate or minimize the "Breadboard" phase
• Reduce design development costs
  • Keep a step ahead of your competition
• Perform "What-ifs" as new parts are developed

The impacts of maintaining a controlled, or disciplined microwave system analysis are numerous. A good, accurate model will provide an early indication of system performance. Any problems in meeting the performance can be identified and corrected early in the program. All component requirements can be traced to top level system requirements. In many cases the model will allow the design to go from paper concept to production without the need for a breadboard development phase. This will reduce costs and help to maintain an edge on you competition. As new components are introduced into the industry, a "what-if" analysis can be performed to determine if the new part could be used in the system.