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
