Signal generators accelerate for production tests

Aeroflex has added List Mode as a new option to the IFR 3410 series signal generators, offering a 6x increase in speed for high-volume production testing.

Aeroflex has added List Mode as a new option to the IFR 3410 series signal generators, offering a 6x increase in speed for high-volume production testing.

Speeding up testing times is critical in applications such as high volume RF semiconductor manufacturing and also when testing high-speed signals such as frequency hopping communication systems.

In addition, Aeroflex announced today it is adding options for free pre-loaded waveform suites such as: cdma2000, WLAN and GSM for all new IFR 3410 series orders.

The new IFR 3410 series List Mode option allows the user to create and use lists to automate testing sequences and decrease test time.

Using List Mode reduces the carrier frequency setting time from 3ms using GPIB to 500us - a 6x improvement.

Fast frequency and RF level setting times are key parameters in achieving minimum test execution times and maximum throughput for production test.

The IFR 3410 series provides an extremely fast mode for frequency and level settings through the use of these user-stored lists.

With List Mode, the user can create a list of frequencies and levels for a range of required tests.

By filling out a table of desired frequencies and levels for testing, the user can automate testing of a variety of frequencies and levels.

List Mode will calculate and store the internal instrument settings to achieve the required output signals.

Optional preloaded waveform suites are now available for the IFR 3410 series.

Waveform suites allow the user to start generating test signals right away, without having to re-create or download standard waveform signals.

Waveform information is used by the IFR 3410's dual arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) to provide users with a variety of RF waveform signal suites for common wireless test applications.

Waveform suites available today include GSM, cdma2000, UMTS, TETRA, WLAN including 802.11A and Bluetooth, satellite/cable, and digital cordless including DECT and PHS.

Waveform suites are available free of charge at the time of order.

The IFR 3410 series digital RF signal generators are small and lightweight signal generators that combine wide frequency coverage from 250kHz to 6GHz with high-performance vector modulation, making them ideal for testing wireless communication systems and components.

IQCreator RF waveform creation software is free with the purchase of any new IFR 3410 series instrument.

A starting configuration for the IFR 3410 series RF digital signal generators with List Mode is priced at around US $18,300.

Delivery for an IFR 3410 series instrument with List Mode is seven weeks on receipt of order.

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