Web-Enabled Automated Test System Speeds Testing Of Basestation Antennas

As basestation antennas become more complex and the performance metrics more critical and challenging, acquiring and evaluating these parameters with minimal cost impact is essential. Furthermore, the ability to mine these test results for the opportunity to improve yields and/or performance is invaluable.

Consider the test requirements on a dual polarized, tri-band antenna. In this case, the manufacturer must demonstrate return loss on all 6 ports and the isolation performance between all ports. The result is 15 s-parameter measurements on one antenna. Additionally, the Passive Intermodulation (PIM) must also be verified for each of the 6 antenna inputs.

Using the Summitek Spartan software, the test procedure and acceptance criteria for all of these tests can be predefined by engineering and then served out to each client workstation at manufacturing cells anywhere in the world. This assures that all sites are testing the same way each and every day.

With the client workstation attached to a multi-port network analyzer, the s-parameter measurements are performed in seconds and stored in a database on the server where they can be accessed by an authorized user to support the job functions of various disciplines including Quality Control, Test Engineering, Operations, Product Development, Sales and Management.

The antenna can then be tested for PIM performance in swept frequency or over time using the Summitek Spartan software and PIM Analyzers. This data is also stored in the central repository for ready access as needed.

Taking advantage of the data mining utilities within Spartan, manufacturers can identify variables that impact product quality, manufacturing costs, and product yields. An authorized person can review test results as well as track progress against a particular purchase order from anywhere in the world.

To learn more about Spartan for test and evaluation of RF and Microwave components and subsystems, we invite you to schedule a demo or visit the Summitek booth (1526) at the MTT Show in Atlanta, June 17 through 19.

SOURCE: Summitek Instruments, Inc.