Developing radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications test and verification capability to grow UK supply chains

In 2022, the Catapult expanded its radio frequency (RF) testing capabilities to cover characterisation and verification of devices spanning frequencies up to 67 GHz, covering 5G bands, both sub 6 GHz and mmWave, and resilient communications frequencies. 

The testing focus is on power amplifiers, a key constituent part of the RF front-end electronics that provides the last stage of signal amplification before transmission over the air. Testing provides benchmarking of components to verify performance against specification sheets prior to system design and manufacture with linearity, efficiency and power being key verification metrics. 

Following the installation of the load-pull test bed, the operating procedures were optimised and standardised and the team were trained to use the equipment. 

Automated testing began to improve throughput. Four key test beds have been set up to span low and high-frequency ranges and on wafer and connectorised devices. 

RF equipment is highly sensitive, so it was necessary to calibrate the configuration of cables and connectors to deliver repeatability of results and to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures across the team for consistent results. 

To validate our measurements further by benchmarking against multiple test facilities to verify their accuracy.