With the rapid deployment of 5G cellular, expansion of satellite services and existing applications like cable tv and radar, chances are that you will need to automate testing of your products to support high volume production demands. Adding a signal routing system using microwave relays can help facilitate this, increase your throughput and help further reduce investments in expensive additional RF measurement or signal generation instruments. But this is not as simple as it sounds.
There are multiple sources on the Internet for switching, cables, connectors, and other accessories. But the higher in frequency you go (5G Microwave signals go to 67 GHz), more of a “Black Magic” strategy may be called for; for example, a cable bent incorrectly, or the wrong connector type specified and/or unterminated cables can result in an attenuated signal with reflective signal components that can make your test system unusable. If your application is a high-volume product, selecting the wrong switch type can create near-term failures making the system a headache for your maintenance department.
Key takeaways from this webinar include:
- The types of switching available
- Where they should fit in your test strategy
- Switching configurations
- Cable and connector suggestions
- Tips to consider helping design, deploy and sustain your Microwave test system
