LTCC - Prototyping - Characterisation

LTCC (and also other) modules can be characterised at IMST. For RF circuits measurement equipment is available to determine S-parameters, noise behaviour, power, harmonics, spectrum, inter-modulation and load-pulling up to highest GHz-frequencies. For antenna measurements and EMC testing three anechoic chambers and an out-door range are available. Qualified staff will carry out these demanding measurements. All testing facilities are accredited laboratories.

RF Measurement Technology

Developing modern, cellular telecommunications products requires high-quality, innovative components and circuits. To ensure they functionality properly, their quality and reliability has to be monitored continuously. The equipment this requires is usually highly specialised and expensive, which particularly applies to the characterisation of components and circuits for the high- and ultra-high-frequency technology. Nevertheless, these devices are imperative for an efficient and successful development of high-quality products.

Aligment of substrate in the RF measurement facilities

Measurement of non-linear parameters till 60 GHz

Measuring technology is used on components, circuits, and systems levels. The demands of each level may differ, but their characteristics are comparable. Typical parameters which are determined using RF measuring technology include:

S-parameters
noise figures
noise parameters
phase noise
output power of primary and harmonic waves
spectrum analyses
intermodulations and load-pull measuring

Antenna Measurement Technology

The fully accredited antenna laboratory offers precise, high-quality measurements, tests, and calibrations of almost all kind of antennas.

The antenna laboratory is accredited for the most important national and international regulations and guidelines. The covered accreditation-scope includes measurement procedures for the point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTMP) radio-link antennas, as well as antennas for stationary and mobile wireless radio services in a frequency range up to 50 GHz.

The portfolio of custom-tailored and standardized antenna test projects conducted in the recent past ranges from "simple" isotropic antennas to antennas with medium and high gains as well as broadband antennas. Based on customer's specifications we design, build and calibrate high-quality reference antennas also.

Planar Nearfield Scanner in our anechoic chamber

Anechoic Chamber (Figure above)

The completely shielded (pyramidal absorbers) equipped anechoic chamber allows for both the measurement of near-fields and far-fields as well. The very low reflections of the absorber configuration enables measurements over a very wide frequency range - from 400 MHz up to 64 GHz. Utilizing the installed roll-over-azimuth-over-elevation positioner full 3D radiation patterns of antennas, at a minimum impact from the positioner device, can be performed at very high-accuracies.The planar near-field scan capability consist of a X-, Y-, Z- scanner unit, which is controlled by a modern, powerful software (MIDAS). For high-gain antennas this is the most appropriate method to determine the 3D radiation pattern.

Our service offer:

High-quality, precise characterization of almost all type of antennas in our accredited laboratories
Far-field and planar/cylindrical near-field measurements, as well as far-field measurements at our outdoor range
Characterization of radiation patterns (2D/3D), antenna noise, gain, G/T, ...
3D radiation of radio air-interfaces for mobile terminals and other wireless devices
Additionally, consulting on antenna measurement methods and technologies as well as the optimization of antennas for your needs

Our decisive advantages:

One source for almost all kind of antenna tests: passive/active, converting, electronic controllable, smart, etc ...
Excellent, modern, calibrated, state-of-the-art, efficient facilities and equipment:
- Anechoic Chamber, l/h/w = 12/5,5/8 m
- 3-axisis-positioner: Angular resolution: < 0.5
- Planar near-field scanner: lateral resolution 0.1 mm; scanning field 2.5 m x 2.5 m
- Frequency range of the anechoic chamber: 400 MHz ... 64 GHz
- Control and signal processing in a separate control room
- Outdoor measurement range, 110 m
Highly-skilled, experienced, customer-oriented support for your individual needs
Fast measurement cycles, short turnaround times at fair conditions
Additionally, value-added consulting and support services for the optimization of cuatomer's antenna needs

Outdoor Farfield Range

Outdoor Measurement Range

The Outdoor range - from our companies roof to a separate tower 110 m apart – allows for the characterization of larger and heavier antenna devices, e.g. satellite or radio link antennas.

Several transmit antennas can be mounted and re-directed towards the AUT. Thus, it enables us to characterize the polarization properties of an antenna.

Reference Antennas

Reference antennas are required for the precise measurements of antenna gains. Typically, standard-gain-horns, logarithmic-periodic horns, or dipoles in a frequency range from 30 MHz up to 75 GHz are used for this.

For our planar near-field measurement capability we make use of a set of linear-polarized reference antennas. For circular-polarized antennas circular-polarized reference antennas are utilized accordingly.


	prototyping characterisation