We often develop Antenna/RF Test Sets and Systems for both, our internal use, and for Clients to audit the performance of Radio Frequency and Communications Electronics, whether in-situ (onsite) or within a production environment, or in a laboratory. Our Test Fixtures may be self-contained/fully automatic, with its own embedded microcontroller and firmware, or may be semi-autonomous, communicating in both directions with a Personal Computer, Server, or portable device. Where simplicity is best, the Fixture may just be made to operate as a slave peripheral to a master controller, usually a PC. Controls and Data communications are often effected via UART, USB, LAN, SPI, Parallel Port or wirelessly (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, ISM, Custom protocol, etc.) where appropriate.
Myers Engineering International, Inc. (MEI) is used to implementing the full solution, including the firmware and PC resident Software. Oftentimes, we split the effort at the PC interface, allowing the Client to control the format and sequence of tests. Usually, the application requirements determine the best demarcation of of the RF Test System or Fixture.
RF Sampling or measurements may be made via a direct connection, via custom-made probes, or via capacitive, inductive, electromagnetic coupling, or via near or far field antennas. Where required, a controllable turntable, multi-axis motion system and a Semi-Anechoic enclosure may form part of the RF Test System.
A few example images of MEI RF Fixtures are shown below:
RF Fixture, UART/USB PC Interface
Stargate Automatic RF Test System
Multiband RF Radiated and Conducted Couplers for Mobile Phone production lines