An 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:
- 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
This automated test station reduced product test time from 24 hours of semi-automated testing down to approximately 2 hours. The RCT0017 Automated RF/Microwave Test Station includes:
- DAQ/Switch Unit
- Three programmable power supplies
- Signal Generator
- Spectrum Analyzer
- Custom RF Switch/DIO Box
- 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
