Tech Brief: Considerations for Creating Microwave and Millimeter-wave Automated Test Systems

Next-generation automated test systems are critical to the rapid development and deployment of high-frequency 5G, Wi-Fi 6/6e, systems, MIMO, and satellite communications (SATCOM). Today's test systems often include programmable RF devices such as digital step attenuators, phase shifters, and signal generators. They can be built modularly from individual components or brought together as a large rackmount system for simulation testing in a lab environment. This tech brief dives into specific considerations for optimizing these programmable RF systems for advanced simulation and testing both in the field and in engineering lab environments.