Radio Frequency Tuning

High performance broadband radio frequency (RF) devices are sensitive to many factors during assembly and the electrical performance verifications that follow. Each and every RF product device we manufacture is subjected to verification testing according to a part number specific acceptance test procedure (ATP).

Tuning Your RF Product

We target a low-tune and low-touch device by precisely defining component values and their physical placement during the DFM process. This leads to a quality-focused, highly developed proof-of-concept build which is the first step in realizing the design prior to first article or production processes.

During the prototype stage, tuning procedures are reviewed, component values adjusted, and pre-tuning criteria identified.

We utilize 4-port ENA’s with sub-band and guard-band state files to ensure performance margins inside of the requested specifications. This systematic approach helps prepare work instructions and the ATP used during the production phases.

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Quality and Production Throughput

Focusing on these aspects at the front end provides enhancements to quality and production throughput.

Quality Assurance

Ideally once each RF product has been properly assembled, the components would be allowed to stay in a static position. Lumped element RF devices require tuning through physical manipulation of the components.

Great care is taken during this process to avoid damage to these components or degradation to associated solder joints.

Both expertise and soft material tuning tools are employed. By realizing ideal component values during the DFM process, the intrinsic quality built into the assembly is not lost during the tuning phase due to over manipulation.

Production Throughput

A lot of time is spent in the assembly process crafting our devices, but it is critical that we meet delivery deadlines and achieve quick turn prototypes. Reducing the performance verification timeline post-assembly is a major factor in doing so. Consistent assembly standards and providing exacting component placement minimizes tuning and post-assembly handling.