RF Load Board Tuning With 93K Feature

Abstract

RF load boards are used as interface between DUT (device under test) and ATE tester. Its performance affects correlation with Bench and production yield rate directly. But issues from load board design and production can possibly involve problems. Performance usually is not as good as expected. For mass production different load boards from same design need show similar performance, the tolerance for them is very tight. That's why tuning for RF load board is so important. But tuning itself is not strict forward as school book, no accurate model for micro strip, lump components, and normally no accurate S parameters for DUT. It's time consuming and usually a procedure of trial by error. In this paper, transmission theory, Smith chart tool, which are useful for match circuits design are quickly reviewed. Then introduce how to design match circuits, which structure can be used, how many components are needed, what factors should be considered. Finally by demonstrating an example in real case, author tries to explain how to perform RF load board tuning with 93K ATE tester.