The family of RF transceiver test systems from JFW Industries connect multiple radios together in a closed mesh network configuration. By using variable step attenuators you are able to dynamically fade up/down the RF signal between radios. The systems are available in three different basic configurations to simulate almost any network topology (custom configurations available upon request).

Transceiver Test Configurations

A Full Fan-Out system is constructed as a fully meshed matrix with every port connected to every other port. The Limited Fan-Out system connects each port to several of its neighbouring ports. This option is most useful for reducing the size and cost of designs with a large number of ports. The Hub Fan-Out system is connected as a star with all ports connected via a resistive divider/combiner with one programmable attenuator per port.

Specifications

• Controlled via Ethernet, RS-232, or GPIB (GUI provided)
• Frequencies from DC-18 GHz
• Up to 32 inputs available in Full Fan-Out configuration
• SMA, N, or TNC connectors

Functionality vs Cost

For a transceiver test system, the major cost driver is the number of internal step attenuators. Each of the three types of systems we offer requires a different number of internal step attenuators.  This difference is due to the way the port-to-port connections are created. The full fan-out type has the highest number of internal step attenuators. The hub fan-out type has the lowest number of step attenuators.

For more information, please contact Accutronics, or visit the JFW Industries website.