Deliver 100,000 Modules a Month? of Course, We use Cam!

The application of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques to the assembly and test of a low-cost high-volume X-band Radar T/R module will be investigated by highlighting the differences between low frequency and microwave CAM methods, focusing on the difficulties of automated testing, evaluation and circuit tuning. The problems encountered when implementing high-precision automated assembly methods, which include wire-bonding, soldering and piece-part placement will also be discussed. The assembly methods, and a novel implementation of a microwave circuit Laser tuning technique, which were used to manufacture the module´s five-bit phase shifter, aids in illustrating the above CAM concepts.