RF Engineers Automate Tests
Many test engineers sidestep the built-in capabilities in today's RF-test equipment and devise their own algorithms, applications, and automated tests.
By Martin Rowe Senior Technical Editor, Test & Measurement World -- EDN, June 11, 2009
Testing of RF devices, such as amplifiers and RFICs (radio-frequency integrated circuits), can be tedious work. Such devices work over a wide range of frequencies and power levels, and they must meet specifications over temperature and power-supply ranges. Testing for all of those conditions can generate loads of data. Fortunately, automation can cut test time and help you make sense of all that information. You may have a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer, or a power meter with features that can improve testing, but you may be unable to use the instrument if you must maintain compatibility with older models. If you're testing leading-edge RF products, your test equipment may lack the necessary dedicated features, and you'll have to develop your own.
This article originally appeared in the April 2009 edition of EDN's sister publication, Test & Measurement World. Please click here to view the rest of the article.
