Design Considerations for Automated RF Test Equipment

Radio frequency (RF) equipment repair facilities face a number of challenges in developing and applying effective test strategies. Modern communications systems are not designed around a single technology. Equipment manufacturers offer varying implementations based on an array of technologies. Naturally, test requirements for these equipments are becoming more demanding. Maintenance organizations must possess the right resources necessary to test and repair these complex systems. Defining the optimum combination of manpower and test equipment for such a facility requires proper forethought. This paper explores communications systems test and repair by establishing general design considerations for an RF ATE system, outlining test requirements for one class of RF equipment, and presenting a specific implementation.