IFTE RF path loss compensation at run time enhances system self-maintenance

Abstract

The US Army Integrated Family Test Equipment (IFTE) provides RF stimulus and measurement from -100 dBm to +40 dBm over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 22 GHz. A power-plane technique is used to compensate for system path loss at test program set (TPS) runtime. This technique has been utilized successfully on a number of automatic test equipment programs to enhance system capability and simplify calibration and self-maintenance requirements. The power-plane technique eliminates the need for system-level calibration, compensates for instrument drift, enhances TPS transportability, enhances detection of minor defects, reduces training requirements, and provides measurement and stimulus utilities.<>