1. General introduction

The reverse engineering system’s purpose is summarized as follows:

From the existing PCB, its image is inserted into the computer through the scanner. The software system used by expert engineers will convert each part from images of each PCB layer to Gerber files, Drill files, Assembly Data, Virtual PCB, Nestist, and principle circuits.

2. Operating principles and procedures

The process to make a reverse-engineered product from a given PCB:

• Create a BOM file: Create data about all components mounted on the board, their fundamental parameters, the manufacturer, and where the components can be purchased.
• Taking photos of the PCB: Taking pictures of the PCB will create input data for data processing software. There are two ways a PCB can be taken picture as input data:

• • Destructive method: It is a pressure spray system with microscopic glass particles of 0.3 microns in size under high pressure to clean the PCB surface and peel off layers of multilayer PCB. After peeling off each layer, high-resolution photography will be taken as input data.
  • Non-destructive method: X-ray imaging system. With support from the X-ray machine, tomographic images of each multilayer PCB layer will be fed directly into the processing software. The PCB is entirely intact after the reverse engineering process.
• Create Gerber file from input data: Gerber file is a type of file with complete information about printed circuit layers.
• Create Drill file: A type of file containing information about drilling holes in printed circuits from the top to the last layer.

Note: With data from Gerber and Drill files, users can send that information to printed circuit manufacturers and thoroughly test the PCB that needs to be reverse-engineered.

• Create PCB images to see the entire circuit board
• Create Netlist file
• Create Schematics file: principle diagram.

3. Data on reverse engineering a 4-layer PCB

4. Proposed solution

Please get in touch with us for more detailed information about the solution.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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1. Basic introduction to automatic bar feeder

Currently, in the process of production, assembly, and product quality inspection, the industry in general and the mechanical manufacturing industry in particular are all developing according to the trend of increasing automation. To ensure a stable production process, it is necessary to have a process of bar feeding accurately in time and space and continuously in cycles in a systematic and highly reliable manner. Therefore, the bar feeding process is one of the urgent requirements that need to be researched and resolved in automated production systems to improve productivity, labor quality, and machine usage efficiency.

In mechanical processing machines, to optimize production and increase productivity and product quality, there will be different bar feeding methods for each type of product. There are two main automatic bar feeding methods for CNC lathes: Bar feeder and Part feeder (Robot). We would like to introduce the bar feeding solution for CNC lathes in today’s topic.

2. Structure and technical specifications

2.1. Structure

The general structure of the system is as follows:

For each different manufacturer of automatic bar feeding systems, the machine structure will be different, but in general, an automatic bar feeding system will have the structure as above. For convenience, the system’s design needs to be quickly customized according to production requirements.

2.2. Main technical parameters

3. System characteristics and features

3.1. Characteristics

The system is used to bar feeders within a specific diameter range with predetermined length dimensions. Compressed air is an indispensable element in the equipment’s requirements for the system to operate smoothly and accurately. Compressed air needs to be dry, clean, oil-free, and water-free. Short bar feeding time helps increase machining output. In addition, the bar rack is designed to hold a lot of bar blanks, helping to reduce the time workers have to feed the bar blanks to the machine.

3.2. System features

For the machine to operate safely and productively and bring high efficiency in manufacturing and production, the device has the following specific features:

a. Protection sensors outside the system

• Sensor type: Vibration sensor.
• The sensor is used to protect the device when encountering unexpected problems such as not being fixed to the ground, vibrations occurring, or a strong impact on the system.

b. Push rod – customized according to bar stock diameter

• For each different bar diameter range in machining, a push bar of corresponding size is required.
• Changing and installing push rods is simple and easy to do, meeting production requirements.
• The push rod must be straight and not warped so that during the feeding process, it can maintain relative concentricity with the main axis of the machine.

c. Stopping finger

• When the bar stock is in a state waiting for processing, a stopping finger is required to prevent other bar billets from being pushed into the system while the system is working.
• The stopping finger is designed for all bars within the working diameter range.

d. Safety sensors in the system

• Sensor type: Proximity sensor
• Used to protect while the system is working, minimizing risks in actual production situations such as billets falling into the system, billets being too long compared to the working capacity of the device, clamping damaged workpiece, etc.

4. System applications

• Used to feed round bar billets to CNC lathes.
• Increase labor productivity, reduce product costs, and increase competitiveness.
• Suitable for many CNC lathes, simple installation, easy to operate.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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Solution Overview

Radar technology is a critical capability for flight safety, precision navigation, space applications, and more. To meet future electromagnetic spectral operation requirements, modern radars are increasingly being designed to be frequency agile with cognitive and multi-modes while utilizing ultra-broadband active electronically scanned arrays (AESA) to dynamically adapt to the ever-changing electromagnetic spectrum. Additionally, modern radars are increasingly being designed with the goal of improving EW resilience and low probability of intercept (LPI) with multi-function and perception capabilities, Radar, EW and Comms.

Due to the increased complexity and cost of designs, finding issues before open-air range test has never been more important. Today, radar engineers are leveraging powerful modeling and simulation tools to digitally test systems prior to implementation. Most leading Radar Manufacturers leverage Hardware in the Loop integration testing to minimize risk and find problems early in the design cycle. The Radar System Simulator is a powerful system for populating real Radar systems in the lab or during production testing to validate system performance or provide final functional testing before when deployed.

The future

The VI signal generation library includes features CW, LFM, NLFM, FSK, SFM, P1, P2, P3, P4, Zadoff-Chu, Frank, with PW and PRI schema configurations.

Radar Simulation Parameters

With easy to use, interactive interface panels for developing and debugging systems, to automatable APIs for deploying both characterization as well as production test systems, the RADAR SIMULATION provides a unified software experience for Radar. In addition to easy-to-use panels, the library also includes support for several development environments including LabVIEW, C, C#, and .NET, as well as for FPGA programming.

Transmit and analyze Radar signals

Parameters

• Radar Waveforms: Signal generation library includes CW, LFM, NLFM, FSK, SFM, P1, P2, P3, P4, Zadoff-Chu, Frank, and Barker features with PW and PRI schema configuration
• Ability to train impulses:
• Flexibility in frequency: Fixed, Linear/ Non Linear Step, Hopping, List/ Random
• Flexibility in pulse width: Pulse Width Agility: Fixed, Linear/ Non Linear values, List/Random
• PRI: Fixed, Stagger, Jitter, Linear/Non Linear, List/Random
• Modulation: Pulsed, Phase coding
• Antenna
• Antenna radiation diagram: azimuth, elevation, raster
• Antenna type: Isotropic, Sine, Cosec-Squared, Cosine-Squared, Fan, Fan, Phased Array, Digital beam forming
• Antenna scanning type: Lock, Circular, Sector

Radar Target Generator

The Radar Target Generation (RTG) Driver provides additional functionality for the PXIe Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) for radar system level test. The Vector Signal Transceiver (VST) combines an RF vector signal analyzer and generator with a programmable FPGA and digital interfaces for real-time signal processing and control.

The RTG driver is built on top of the VST as a closed-source, license-restricted, and pre-compiled FPGA personality that allows the VST to operate as a closed-loop, real-time radar target generator. With this driver, engineers can inject up to four independent targets with configurable range (time delay), velocity (Doppler frequency offset), and path loss (attenuation) into a radar for testing. In its default personality, the VST is a calibrated RF generator and analyzer. Beyond the standard VST calibration, the RTG driver includes a loop-back calibration, which enables users to apply accurate time delay and attenuation by de-embedding residual and external cabling and fixture effects. The RTG Driver is a great solution for engineers needing to do basic functional validation of radars, production tests, or MRO.

Echo Simulator supports target echo simulation for fast single pulse identification and tracking radar using 4-channel coherence simulation for Sum, ΔAz, ΔEl and Guard.

Operating frequency ranges from 1 GHz to 18 GHz with up to 1 GHz bandwidth; the system is capable of simulating echo signals with parameters Range, Doppler, Radar Cross Section, ECM Features, Antenna Patterns, Net Losses, etc .

Parameters:

• Frequency 9 kHz to 6 GHz
• Up to 1 GHz bandwidth
• Simulate 4 channel combination for Sum, ΔAz, ΔEl & Guard channels
• >8 targets per beam and 60 to 80 targets in complete Antenna Scan.
• Simulate trajectories for aircraft and targets using Constelli’s Combat Scenario Builder
• Target Simulation Scenario for Range, Doppler and RCS models – Swerling models 0,1,2,3 & 4
• ECM features such as RGPO/I, VGPO/I and Jamming
• Overlapping goals
• Simulate Antenna diagram
• Comprehensive guide documents

FPGA programming and integrated software

With the need for accuracy for flying objects, the STK software driver/plugin is integrated to help create simulated flying target parameters that are close to reality.

Additionally, the system implemented with open-feature FPGA programmability can help researchers and students obtain real-time I/Q data for their purposes.

System Overview

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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1. General introduction

Antenna testing & measurement is a very common need in the telecommunications industry in general and high frequency in particular. This is one of the basic tasks in antenna theory. Antenna theory cannot be completed if the antenna under test (AUT) measurement cannot be achieved as desired. Basically, when doing this work, we want to test the basic theoretical parameters of the antenna such as gain, efficiency, impedance or VSWR, bandwidth, and polarization of the antenna. New technology combined with data processing software can also draw the antenna radiation pattern characterization diagram.

2. Antenna transmission theory

The antenna’s transmission space is divided into 3 areas: reactive, near-field and far-field.

The spatial region with a distance greater than 2D2/λ radiation is called the far-field region, in which D is the maximum length of the antenna. In this region, the beam shape does not change with distance; in other words, the measured radiation pattern characterization is determined.

The spatial region limited from λ to 2D2/ λ, is called the near-field region. The radiation pattern characterization of the antenna in this spatial region changes with distance, especially the shape of the beams. However, we can determine the equivalent radiation pattern characterization as the far-field region by mathematical transformations from near to far-field.

The spatial region limited from the reflecting surface of the antenna to a distance λ (1 times the wavelength) is called the ultra-near field region. In this space, the antenna’s radiation has a negative impact on the antenna itself. Therefore, the signal in this region is very noisy, unstable, and has many different beam shapes that change with distance. In other words, it is challenging to determine the antenna radiation pattern in this case.

For example, with a 1m diameter antenna operating at 10 GHz (λ = 3cm), the near-field region will extend to about 2/.03 = 66m.

Due to the changing characteristics of the signal wave according to the area and distance of the antenna, antenna test and measurement methods are also divided into different ways. In fact, antennas are the main elements used for long-distance communications, when wired transmission is difficult to meet the requirements. Therefore, testing antennas in the far-field region is the most necessary and realistic task. However, setting up an antenna test, measurement, and evaluation system in this region is not easy. Antenna test and measurement methods are divided into two types, which are near-field and far-field. With the near-field measurement method, the measuring distance is relatively small, so usually, the system can be explicitly installed in the home, also known as a measuring chamber or anechoic chamber. Testing in far-field regions often involves vast distances, especially large-sized, high-frequency antennas such as antennas of radar stations, aircraft antennas, antennas in high-frequency receiver and transmitter systems, etc.

3. General requirements and specifications

3.1. Required equipment for antenna testing and measurement

When using plane waves to test the antenna under test (AUT), we can consider using a source (transmitting) antenna with known characteristics and radiation patterns, affecting the antenna in the way of random fields. Required equipment includes the following:

• Transmitting antenna and signal generator: This antenna has known radiation used to transmit to the AUT.
• Receiver system: this part determines how much power the AUT receives.
• A positioning system: This system rotates the AUT, combined with the transmitting (source) antenna, giving a radiation curve as a function of the rotation angle.

The source antenna must ensure good operation at the frequency to be tested. This antenna must be polarized in advance and have a bandwidth suitable for the AUT antenna measurement range. The source antenna is usually a horn antenna or a dipole antenna with a parabolic reflecting surface.

The transmitter ensures stable power generation according to calculations. The output frequency must also be accurate and adjustable (ability to select and change the frequency range) and reasonably stable (low-frequency drift).

The receiver will be responsible for receiving and determining the power level of the signal received from the AUT. This receiver can be supplemented with low noise amplifiers to measure low power levels and extend the measurement range of the system.

The positioning system is used to steer and control the direction of the AUT. The essence of this method is to calculate the radiation graph of the AUT based on the results obtained from a function of the rotation angle value (e.g., spherical coordinates). The system will rotate the AUT in different directions and angles so that the transmitting antenna (source) can broadcast directly from many directions. Usually, the AUT will be turned and scanned 360 degrees in a spherical shape.

3.2. Measurement space

After having the measuring equipment, setting up a space to perform the antenna test is necessary. In theory, a measurement system can be deployed with such devices anywhere. However, in reality, this needs to be selected and calculated in detail because the antenna measurement requires a space unaffected by any signal or noise during the measurement process. Ideally, we need to perform this measurement in a space without any unwanted signal reflections or emissions during the measurement process. However, this is currently impossible. Therefore, the current solution chosen is to build a closed space, blocking all types of electromagnetic waves from unwanted radiation sources and making it capable of eliminating electromagnetic reflections in the implementation area. measurement.

It is called the Anechoic Chamber or Electromagnetic Wave Shielding Chamber.

It is easy to see that this method is very suitable for the near-field antenna measurement method because the measuring chamber area can only be built to a specific limit; it cannot be expanded too large, and it will encounter construction problems: construction and costs. Far-field measurement chambers are also deployed but are not as common as near-field.

* Anechoic Chamber (Electromagnetic Wave Shielding Chamber)

The AUT and receiving antenna are placed apart in the near field, the AUT is placed on a mount that can rotate along the AZ/EL (azimuth/ elevation) axes. The receiving antenna is also capable of moving in the plane along the X, Y and Z axes. The relative motion between the receiving antenna and the AUT results in different scanning methods: planar, cylindrical and spherical scanning.

When to use the measuring chamber?

When the need for accurate measurement and evaluation of the antenna is necessary, building a measurement chamber requires space, equipment, materials, and appropriate budget investment when the antenna to be measured is small in size, and the measurement method used is near-field measurement. The measuring chamber is also more convenient for the operator, monitoring the measurement process, and is not much affected by the weather.

• Planar scanning:

The near-field measurement arrangement for performing flat scanning is depicted in the figure of the sampling step ∆x = ∆y = λ/2. The AUT is fixed. In transmit mode, the probe is moved to scan and sample step by step ∆x, ∆y, up – down/horizontal, on a plane (x,y) parallel to the AUT aperture plane, away from the AUT aperture. from 3λ to 10λ.

The receiving field data will be received by the probe, recorded and then transformed and the probe will be compensated to obtain the far-field emission pattern of the AUT. This is the simplest type of measurement, both in terms of positioning equipment (positioner) and processing software (processing software). The main error encountered in planar measurements is due to the scanning surface not being infinite, leading to errors in the sidelobe structure and limitations in azimuth (truncation error).

This method is often used to measure directional antennas, with G > 15 dBi, the maximum measured azimuth angle is about < ±70 degrees. Depending on the size of the measurement room, array antennas or reflector antennas can be measured.

• Cylindrical scanning:

The AUT rotates around the z-axis in ∆φ steps while the probe moves up and down parallel to the z-axis in ∆z steps, creating a scanning journey equivalent to a cylindrical surface surrounding the AUT. The distance between the probe rack and the AUT is chosen to avoid interaction between the AUT and the probe. The length of the cylinder determines the truncation error. The parameters of interest in this method are ∆z = λ/2, ∆φ = λ/2 R; where R is the radius of the cylinder.

This method is suitable for measuring antennas with wide beams (azimuth) with apertures in the range of less than 1.5m.

• Spherical scanning:

There are 2 methods of scanning:

The AUT rotates around the z-axis with steps ∆φ, the probe rotates in a circular orbit around the AUT with steps ∆θ, and the probe remains stationary at a point on the z-axis of the AUT.

The AUT rotates simultaneously around the z-axis and the θ axis in steps ∆φ and ∆θ. The scanning trajectory of the probe is equivalent to that of a sphere of radius R. The scanning angular resolution is ∆φ = ∆θ = λ/2 R rad.

** Advantages of the solution:

• Large measuring range, quick system setup, does not require much labor and time.
• Reasonable cost, simple testing.
• Easy to track, not affected by the weather.

** Disadvantages of the solution

• Request to build or select a space to be an anechoic chamber.

The measurement time is quite long, but the company has data processing solutions that have also optimized the processing and reduced the measurement time.

*** Some practical solutions for 5G antenna testing:

CATR system for 5G small antenna testing

• Internal dimensions (L x H x W): 3.13 x 1.65 x 1.1 m
• Reflector surface: 0.76 x 0.76 m
• Anechoic area: 0.5 x 0.5 m
• Frequency range: 2.4-41 GHz
• Signal blocking coefficient: >20 dB

Ideal for:

• BTS station
• IoT devices
• Antenna for mobile phones
• Antenna for laptop

Spherical Near-field Measurement System

An ideal system for measuring medium and low gain antennas up to 2.0 m (79 in) diameter and is well suited for testing mobile base station antennas.

• Dimensions (L x H x W): Optional x 2.9 x 2.7 m
• Scanning area: Full Spherical; Phi/Theta – 360°
• Maximum antenna load: 136 kg at 23 cm CG offset
• Maximum antenna size: 3.0 m
• Resolution: 0.01° Phi and Theta
• Position repeatability: 0.03° RMS
• Rotation speed: 20°/s Phi, 30°/s Theta

Ideal for:

• Mobile base station antennas

Spherical Near-field Measurement System

The ideal solution is to provide a complete 3D characterization of any antenna or wireless device.

• Dimensions (L x H x W): 3.7 x 4.1 x 3.7 m
• Scanning area: 360° Phi and 330° in Theta°
• Maximum antenna load: 136 kg
• Maximum antenna size: 1.5 m
• Resolution: 0.01° Phi and Theta
• Position repeatability: 0.03° RMS
• Rotation speed: 40°/s Phi, 10°/s Theta

Ideal for:

• IoT devices
• Mobile phone antenna
• Laptop antenna

*Outdoor measuring site:

When implementing the outdoor measurement plan, the AUT antenna is installed on a test positioner placed on the top of the tower (or roof, pedestal outside the system equipment control room). The end of the receiver line (the internal oscillator) is usually located below the positioner, with the mixer connected directly to the port of the AUT. The system only requires a single high-frequency path to the positioner, simplifying system setup and operation. The system can be equipped with additional outdoor screens to protect the internal oscillator from weather and extreme temperatures. Multi-port antennas can perform simultaneous measurements using a multiplexer installed before the mixer. The receiver and transmitter positions are controlled through the receiver interface.

The transmitting antenna (source) is placed opposite the receiving tower, ensuring the receiving side receives the signal. The signal source is placed near the transmitting antenna to reduce signal loss. Control communication between the transmitter and receiver sides is performed by fiber optic cable or Ethernet.

When to build an outdoor measuring site?

Outdoor measuring sites require a more complex and long-term deployment process. Of course, the efficiency of the measurement is also greatly improved, especially the practicality of the measurement, because the outdoor measurement system can measure many types of AUT antennas in different measurement ranges and sizes, huge antennas such as radar antennas, phased array antennas… In addition, outdoor measurement sites also provide more realistic results due to the influence of environmental factors during the measurement process.

Typical parameters:

• Frequency range: full frequency range supported by high-frequency devices
• Control system: stepper motor or servo motor
• Maximum antenna load: flexible, depending on requirements
• Position resolution: 0.01°
• Rotation speed: 40°/s
• Measuring system: measuring control workstation with LCD control screen
• Motor cable: Quick-connect; 40′ (12.2m)
• High frequency cable: ~6.1m; DC-18 GHz; SMA or N connection

Deployment plan

The reference antenna (source antenna) and the AUT antenna are arranged on high towers, ensuring the following distance and height requirements:

• Distance between reference antennas and AUT: r > 2D²/λ;
• Height of hAUT towers = hAS > 4D (where D is the vertical dimension of the AUT) to ensure reflections are minimized.
• Dimension d of reference antenna: d < 0.37 λR/D

To ensure amplitude taper at the AUT surface and reflected noise due to the environment, the first null point is required to be lower than the base of the antenna. If you want to reduce reflections further, you can use range fences.

** Advantages of the solution

• Wide measuring range, can measure many types of antennas.
• Measurements are performed quickly, and the measurement results are very close to reality.
• High professionalism and excellent reliability of results.

** Disadvantages of the solution

• Large cost and lengthy implementation time to ensure technical and project quality.
• Physically affected by weather and climate; however, there are solutions to protect the project.

4. List of investment equipment

Please get in touch with us for more detailed information about the solution.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

Chia sẻ

Chia sẻ

Drone-based antenna radiation pattern characterization for low-frequency range antennas (the frequency range of naval ship antennas) fixed on complex systems is challenging when performing field measurements in remote areas, especially for antennas with large sizes and weights. Therefore, the idea of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to integrate automatic data collection and processing was invented.

However, in terms of investment efficiency, using a drone model is not an economically effective solution because the cost of a drone is too high. Based on the need to build pattern characterization for fixed antennas on naval ships with a low budget, leading experts in the field of antenna measurement and quality assessment from Anritsu have come up with a solution using a handheld spectrum analyzer with minimal size and weight mounted on a drone, collecting data, then processing it with software to reduce costs and improve investment efficiency significantly.

Technical solution

• Working frequency range: up to 110 GHz
• Types of antennas that can be measured: phased network antennas, parabolic antennas, etc.
• The size of the largest open surface of the antenna needs to be measured in the azimuth plane: up to 16m
• The size of the largest open surface of the antenna needs to be measured according to the abtuse angle plane: up to 4m
• Antenna gain coefficient to be measured: The maximum that can be measured is 50 dB
• Side beamwidth level of the antenna to be measured: The maximum that can be measured is 45 dB
• Polarization types: vertical, horizontal
• Directional diagram of the antenna to be measured in azimuth: 360 degrees
• Directional diagram of the antenna to be measured according to the abtuse angle: fixed

With the above features, antenna parameters that can be measured and evaluated include:

• 2D and 3D diagrams of the azimuth and elevation angle planes
• E, H plane polarization
• Antenna gain coefficient, directivity
• Maximum radiation angle

Basic measuring principles

Description of the basic measurement method using the far field method:

From the requirements for testing radar antennas installed on naval ships, with complex connections, large size and weight, disassembly is completely difficult, further requiring a system. Far-field measurements are complicated and cumbersome.

The antenna to be measured will be fixed on the ship or mounting system.

The receiving antenna will be installed on the control aircraft to perform testing at a distance far enough to ensure the pah properties of the signal at the contact surface of the irradiated antenna.

To ensure measurement accuracy, the distance between the antenna to be measured and the transmitting antenna must ensure:

Distance ≥ 2D^2/l

Where: D is the open-face size of the antenna

l is the wavelength of the antenna to be measured

Structure and composition of measuring solution

The diagram of the antenna solution using the far-field measurement method, giving the diagram is described as follows:

– Signal collection part:

– Power supply to the receiver:

– Total volume of the receiver

Advantages of the solution

• Using drones and handheld spectrum analyzers has significantly reduced the size of the system, reduced costs, and increased cost efficiency
• The receiver has a wide working range, is high quality, suitable for many types of antennas, and produces accurate results
• Completely eliminate the need to disassemble and move large antennas when performing measurements
• Eliminate the influence of terrain on measurements
• Because there is no reference antenna system to align the phase, this solution is only suitable for measuring antenna radiation reduction.

Limitations of the solution:

• Drones have limited battery life, making it challenging to perform long, continuous measurements

The solution does not meet the requirements for measurements that require high accuracy. However, regarding investment efficiency and testing needs, this solution suits projects with low budgets.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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Basics of Analog Signature Analysis (ASA) – Analog characteristic curve analysis

The Huntron Tracker generates a precise AC current-limited sine wave signal to a component and displays the resulting current flow, voltage drop, and any phase rotation on the device display. Current causes a vertical beam on the screen, while voltage across the device generates a horizontal beam. The beam that displays the results on the screen is called the analog curve.

Understanding the ASA core circuit is the key to understanding how the analog curve responds to different types of components. ASA is sometimes called “V/I characteristic measurement”, and since the current generated is a function of the circuit’s impedance, the displayed analog signature can be considered a visual representation of Ohm’s Law.

V = IR where V = voltage, I = current and R = impedance

The following figure shows a simple diagram of the ASA core circuit. The sine wave generator is the test signal source and is connected to a resistor divider made up of Rs and RL. The load impedance, RL, is the impedance of the component being tested. RL is in series with the internal or source impedance of the Tracker, Rs. Because Rs is constant, both the voltage across the device under test and the current passing through it are a function of RL.

Each test signal or measurement range has 3 parameters: source voltage Vs, Impedance Rs, and source frequency Fs. When using ASA for diagnosis, the measured object will select the display range so that the information of the analog curve is most precise. Huntron Tracker can easily do this by changing the appropriate range parameter. The source voltage Vs of the test signal can be used to enhance or bypass the semiconductor’s switching characteristics and Avalanche effect. The Fs or frequency of the source test signal can be used to strengthen or bypass the resistance (capacitance or inductance) of a single component or circuit node. Rs or source resistor is utilized to match the impedance load under test and provide the best possible curve.

Four basic types of similar component characteristic curves

All analog curves are in the combination of one or more of the four primary device curves: impedance, capacitance, inductance, and semiconductor. Refer to the figure below. Each of the basic components responds differently to the device’s test signals. Recognizing these unique underlying signal patterns on the device display is the key to using ASA diagnostics. When components are connected to form an electrical circuit, the characteristic curve of each circuit node is a combination of the basic characteristic curves of the components in that circuit. For example, a circuit with both impedance and capacitance will have a curve that combines the similar curves of the resistor and capacitor. The resistor’s characteristic curve is always displayed as a straight line at an angle from 0 to 90 degrees. The characteristic curve of a capacitor is always circular or elliptical. While the inductor is also circular or elliptical, it also has internal resistance. The characteristic curve of a semiconductor is always made up of two or more linear curves, usually in the shape of a nearly right angle. The characteristic curve of a semiconductor device can indicate the conductivity of both forward and reverse bias. This will create a Zener semiconductor diagram showing all the branch points.

How the same characteristic curve is obtained

The curves shown in this document are those using ASA equipment manufactured by Huntron. Inc. for most curves shown in this document using two probes. The probes are held directly onto the component or between the component pins and a common reference point, such as ground or Vcc on the board.

The picture above is a typical application of measuring a component using a probe with a component as a resistor. One red probe is connected to channel A, and the other one (black probe) is connected to the Common pin.

Channel A and Channel B are connected as test signals or signal connectors. Actual test signals are applied through those connections.

The Common port is the signal reference or “response signal” port. This is sometimes known as a reference to “the ground” through the Common port, which can be attached to any point on the board.

Compare objects that are performing well and suspect objects

In most cases, a similar curve analysis is used for comparative error finding. This means that the printed circuit board characteristic curve (PCA) in good condition is used for comparison with the suspect PCA. Different curves may indicate a potential problem. Typically, channel A is used for positive PCA, and channel B is used for suspect PCA.

There are two channels of the Huntron Tracker, channel A and channel B. These channels are selected by pressing the corresponding button on the device or selecting the appropriate channel on the Huntron Workstation software.

When using a single channel, the red probe should be plugged into the corresponding channel test output, and the black probe or common lead should be plugged into the Common test port. When testing, the empty probe should be connected to the positive output of a device (e.g. Anode, +V, etc.) and the black probe should be connected to the negative terminal of the device or a general reference point (e.g. cathode, soil), following the above procedure to ensure that the signal curve appears on the quadrant of the screen.

Typical comparison curves are shown in the figure below. Blue is the curve of the good component, and red is the curve of the suspect component.

The figures above show a good versus bad curve (green is good, red is bad). The characteristic lines on the left figure show that the Transistor component has been damaged (leaked) compared to the component that is operating normally. The characteristic line on the right shows the inductor with a twisted winding.

The figures above show the good curve versus the bad state (green is good, red is bad). The characteristic lines on the left figure show the signal on the output of IC pin 74S04 and the damaged output pin. The figure on the right shows a good capacitor compared to a leaky capacitor inside.

Parameters are controlled

The table below shows the parameters that can be selected on the machine or in software.

Automation – increase efficiency

In addition to manual measurement equipment, Huntron also provides the Access Prober System to help automate testing, which is highly suitable for testing large quantities of circuits or storing data available for rare boards.

The Huntron Access Prober device can automatically measure pulses up to 56 x 58 cm in size with an accuracy of up to 10 microns.

Firstly, we need to define the test locations and test components for the measuring probe. After obtaining the position data, the machine conducts the first measurement and collects characteristic curve data of the measurement positions. Once we have these parameters, we can easily install a new board or test object for evaluation.

This saves a lot of time compared to completely manual measurements and settings.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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I. Definition

Invented in the 1980s, 3D printing technology (3D printing – 3DP) has continuously developed and been applied in almost all areas of life, from aerospace, automotive, and molding to architecture, construction, healthcare, education, and fashion. Nowadays, 3D printing technology is considered one of the main pillars of Industry 4.0.

3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing method based on the 3D design of the product. The 3D design will be converted into control data (Gcode) using slicer software (Slicer). From there, control data will be loaded into the 3D printer to create product shapes with high accuracy and details based on the initial design data.

II. Benefits and application

1. Benefits

Using 3D printing technology can provide many benefits to both individuals and businesses. Here are 6 significant benefits of 3D printing technology:

• Production speed
• Easy access & application
• Test sample quality
• Cost savings
• Creative design and freedom of customization
• Minimize waste

2. Application

Combining 3D printing technology with other manufacturing technologies is enhancing the development of the world’s industry towards smart manufacturing, where machinery and internet systems can exchange information and respond to feedback from the production management system. Besides, 3D printing technology eliminates the need for technological equipment, minimizing post-processing, material waste, and human intervention. These are essential characteristics that create the industry of the future. Thanks to 3D printing technology, manufacturers have the opportunity to increase flexibility and adapt to increasingly demanding and unpredictable market needs. It allows the creation of custom objects without the need for expensive molds and manufacturing tools. 3D printing technology is also an environmentally friendly friend, allowing the minimization of pollution impacts and playing an important role in sustainable production, saving resources, and minimizing waste.

With the principle of manufacturing products by adding materials in layers, 3D printing technology enhances and expands freedom in design, exploits the results of structural optimization algorithms, and eliminates the complexity of assembly by the unified design of assemblies into one part, reducing the life cycle time between product design, manufacturing and delivery, and significantly saving on raw material costs because the product is optimal design.

III. How to apply:

Step 1: Product design: Use CAD software to design the product before 3D printing.

Step 2: Design file preparation: Convert the design file into a 3D format, such as STL or OBJ format.

Step 3: Materials and 3D printer choosing: Choose the right material for the product and choose the 3D printer suitable for the product and material type.

Step 4: 3D printer preparation: Make sure the 3D printer is fully prepared, including loading materials and standard surfaces.

Step 5: 3D Printing: Start with the 3D product.

Step 6: Quality checking: After 3D printing is completed, check product quality and adjust if necessary.

IV. Types of 3D printing

There are many 3D printing technologies in the world, from simple to complex, from plastic materials to metals, ceramics, glass… 3D printing technologies are classified into 3 main categories:

a, FDM technology

FDM is the simplest and cheapest 3D printing technology. Also, this is the printing technology in most 3D printers on the market. Basically, an FDM printer will melt and extrude the plastic wire layer by layer to form a model.

• Advantages: FDM 3D printing technology is cheap, easy to use, and can print huge samples.
• Disadvantages: Smoothness is not high, and it is difficult to print complex patterns
• Application: FDM has a wide range of applications; almost every field can be applied well!

b, Resin Technology

This is the general name of a series of 3D printing technologies based on liquid resin ink, including SLA, DLP, and continuous 3D printing technology.

• Advantages: 3D RESIN printing technology produces products with the highest smoothness.
• Disadvantages: The resin printing process is complicated and should only be used to print small, delicate models.
• Application: Creating 3D models of jewelry, dentistry, and minature models

c, SLS technology

SLS is a printing technology that uses laser beams to shine on layers of powder (metal or polymer), causing them to melt and stick together to create the shape of an object.

• Advantages: SLS 3D printing technology is not afraid of objects with complex shapes and is the most effective full-color 3D printing technology.
• Disadvantages: The SLS printing process is expensive and requires investment in a lot of supporting equipment.
• Application: Creating models of machine parts, models, architecture, and 3D printing of human statues.

V. Metal 3D printing

Below is a popular 3D printer in the world:

Desktop Metal Studio System is one of the most popular and highly rated metal 3D printers on the market today. This 3D printer uses a metal 3D printing technology called “Bound Metal Deposition” (BMD) to create metal 3D printed products. It can 3D print with various types of metal, such as stainless steel, copper, titanium, and nickel.

Desktop Metal Studio System provides 3D printing capabilities with high precision and resolution, allowing the creation of 3D printed products with complex shapes and high precision. It is also capable of rapid 3D printing with speeds up to 16mm3/min and 3D printing sizes up to 300mm x 200mm x 200mm.

The Desktop Metal Studio System 3D Printer is designed for metal manufacturing companies, product designers and researchers. It has a higher price than 3D printers using traditional FDM or SLA technology; still, with the ability to 3D print metal, Desktop Metal Studio System is a good choice for businesses and individuals with production needs for high-quality metal products.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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Radar Cross-section (RCS) is a measurement of a target’s ability to reflect the radar signal in the direction of the receiving radar, which is a measurement of the ratio of the backscatter quantity per cubic angle unit in the direction of the radar target on the power density blocked by the target. RCS measurement aims to ensure that the designs of commercial companies in this field, military helicopters, and radar systems also achieve the desired quality and performance.

The accuracy of RCS measurement directly affects an aeronautical system’s safety and successful operation. In the military, stealth technology is used to reduce RCS and make it difficult to detect targets. In commercial aviation, a large RCS value is essential, from which the aviation radar system can easily detect, locate, and land safely. In practice, tactical jets typically have RCSs between 5 and 100 m2, and bombers typically have RCSs between 10 and 1000 m2. In contrast, stealth aircraft have RCS below 0.1 m2; some advanced designs can go down to 0.0002 m2.

The vector network analyzer (VNA) is the device of choice in RCS measurement applications because of its speed and accuracy in setting and measuring the S parameter. The enhanced VNA series enables the required performance allocation and features such as gating time domain measurement to simplify RCS measurement in the aircraft or on-site.

Radar range equation

The radar system (Figure 2) transmits a signal pulse through a transmitting antenna with a gain of Gt. The signal amplitude at the output of the transmitting antenna is attenuated by free-space transmission. At the target, some of the power (backscatter) is reflected toward the radar. The ratio of the backscattered power to the incident power is the RCS of the target. Loss amplitude is due to free space. Therefore, the signal received by the receiving antenna has a gain Gr and is detected in the receiver.

The block diagram (Figure 2) describes the physical blocks of the radar. The equivalent circuit of the radar is shown in Figure 3. The transmitting and receiving antenna gains are characterized by the amplifiers, then the target.

Capacitors are characteristic of free space loss. The VNA system used to measure the S21 has the same schematic diagram as the radar system. It performs the response in the S21 frequency domain of the system when port 1 of VNA is connected to the transmitting antenna and port 2 is connected to the receiving antenna.

Although VNA is very popular for frequency domain measurement applications, the addition of time domain and Gating Time analysis features makes it possible to simulate radar pulse performance by eliminating reflection gaps that do not affect the target. A 12-month period of VNA’s error correction is to minimize system failures due to loss of coordination or leakage and to set the reference plane correctly.

Polarization

The polarization of the reflected signal’s electric field vector may differ from the polarization of the transmitted signal. The shape of the target affects the depolarization factor.

To perform precise depolarization, image the fully polarized matrix into the independent electric field’s horizontal and vertical field components. This leads to the requirement of two polarized transmitters and receivers. From the measurement, a polarization matrix will be generated to describe the polarization effect, thereby accurately performing depolarization.

VNA measurement

Figure 4 shows the measurement of the S parameter in the frequency domain. The frequency range of the measurement reflects the radar’s band (8.2 to 12.4 GHz, with an X-band WR-90 waveguide). VNA’s time domain feature transforms the frequency domain S parameter measurement into the time domain.

The basis of the transformation is Alias Free Range (AFR). The transformation is a circular function and iterates itself periodically out of its own time range, t=1/(frequency step magnitude). The frequency step magnitude is proportional to the sweep range and inversely proportional to the number of sweep points.

For example,

At band X, the scan range is 4GHz; there are 4001 scan points, AFR = 4000/4.0GHz= 1000 ns corresponding to 300 m of allowable deviation range. Within 300m of the 2-way distance, the target should be placed within 150m from VNA.

A typical helicopter RCS measurement configuration using VNA is shown in Figure 5. A transmitting antenna (connecting VNA port 1) and receiving antenna (connecting VNA port 2) are placed on the same plane. The measurement target consists of a helicopter placed on the flight path or over an area with few reflective objects.

Implementing S21 measurements (frequency domain) for VNA is done similarly to radar when configured. The coax output is connected to the waveguide-coaxial converter. Port 2 connects to the output of the waveguide receiver antenna.

Both antennas are connected as close as possible on the same horizontal or vertical plane. To construct the polarization matrix, both transmitting antennas must be able to rotate 90 degrees. The target must be located within a range less than AFR/2 but far away enough to ensure that the entire target is within the antenna’s beam.

RCS measurement

A 12-month calibration feature is implemented at the coax output to build a standard reference plane for RCS travel. The frequency domain S21(f) measurement is performed on the target range. The S parameter data is transformed over the distance domain S21(d) by performing a bandpass process. The system can be calibrated in RCS by measuring the known target in advance of the RCS and referencing all other targets to the known target.

The S21(f) measurement is taken as a standard measurement. The data of the S21 measurement is transformed in the time domain mode, and a suitable gate timing is set at the standard range. The amplitude S21(std) of the standard reflectance is calculated.

The value of the measurement reflects the RCS measurement. If the standard target is a sphere with an RCS of 1m2, then the RCS of the target is given by the equation:

The data unit is dBsm. Conversion formula: dBsm=10Log(RCSm2) (dB)

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam           

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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With continuously increasing data rates, the signal integrity aspects of high-speed digital designs and the components used are becoming increasingly complex. Especially at higher data rates, vector network analyzers (VNA) are gradually replacing traditional time domain reflectometry (TDR) setups for examining passive elements, such as connectors, cables, PCB, etc. The applications and conveniences of using VNA make VNA the chosen device in the field.

Purpose:

When performing tasks such as verifying high-speed signal structures on a PCB, measurements must be implemented on specific layers without the impact of probes, converters, etc. It requires using precise de-embedding algorithms to calculate and remove these effects from the measurements, leaving only the results for the region of interest.

Measurement solution:

The setup below shows an example to verify high-speed differential signals on PCB up to 20 GHz.

The device used is a 4-port VNA vector network analyzer. Common de-embedding tools such as (Delta-L, EMStar Delta-L+, EMStar Smart Fixture De-embedding (SFD), or AtaiTec In-Situ De-embedding (ISD) can be run directly on the machine, without the need for an additional external one.

Automated Implementation Process

To simplify this process and guide the operator through the test steps, testing is often automated through software. The screenshot on the left shows an example of the three stages of this test procedure:

• Measure the two short-circuit terminals to calculate the error (de-embedding).
• Measure the entire circuit to be tested.
• Calculate the results of the area to be measured based on the de-embedding method.

Eye Diagram

To meet some advanced needs, the network analyzer can be used to analyze the lattice plot of the test data area. This feature allows users to evaluate signal quality, such as amplitude noise, time-domain chaos, etc. In addition, it can also set up a mask test to quickly assess PASS/FAIL results.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5^th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam          

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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1. Basics of analog signal analysis (ASA)

The Huntron Tracker outputs an AC sine wave signal with the correct limiting electric current to a component and displays the resulting electric current, voltage drop, and any phase shift on the device display. The current causes the vertical axis signal line deviation on the screen, while the voltage along the component causes the horizontal axis display signal deviation. The signal line that displays the results on the screen is called the analog display signal.

Understanding the ASA core circuit is the key to understanding how the analog display signal responds to the difference of component types. The ASA is sometimes referred to as a “V/I test” and since the constitutive current is a function of the impedance of the circuit, the displayed analog signal can be simulated by Ohm’s law.

V= IR (with V: voltage, I: current, and R: impedance)

The following figure shows a schematic diagram of the ASA core circuit. The sine wave signal source is the test signal source and is connected to an impedance voltage divider composed of Rs and RL. Resistive load, RL, is the impedance of the test device. RL is connected in series with an internal impedance source Rs; because Rs is fixed, both the voltage along the device being measured and the current through it are the sole function of RL.

Each test signal or range has three parameters: source voltage Vs, impedance Rs, and source frequency Fs. When using the ASA for error checking, the measuring object is selected for a range so that the display shows enough signal line information. The Huntron’s device can adjust the signal for easy reading and analysis by varying the parameter ranges. The source voltage Vs of the test signal can be used to increase or bypass the semiconductor switching and semiconductor cascade characteristics. Fs, or the frequency of the test signal source, can be used to increase or ignore the response coefficient (inductance and capacitance) of a component or a circuit node. Rs or source impedance is used to match the load impedance to be measured and provides a wealth of insight into the displayed signal curve.

2. Signal form of four basic types of components

Including Resistance, Inductance, Capacitance, Semi Conductance with the following shape:

3. Huntron’s Error-Assessment Solution

Huntron’s solution allows to compare the signal form of two components of the same type with each other or components in the same position on two identical boards to easily detect which component is damaged and replace it.

In the figures shown below, the red signal line represents the signal of the faulty component, and the blue signal line shows the component operating normally.

With this reference method, Huntron’s solution can easily and intuitively detect and replace damaged elements in the circuit board, thereby providing a rapid repair process.

In addition to manual measuring equipment, Huntron also offers automated measuring systems for industrial-scale mass inspection. By storing the location and value of each component on the circuit board in normal operation as a comparison sample, for the following circuit tests of the same type, the device can automatically check and compare the value of each measured component with standard values to find fault locations many times faster than conventional circuit detection.

Our company always wishes to become a reliable partner and a leading supplier of equipment and solutions for the success of our customers. For more detailed information, please contact:

MITAS Hanoi Technology JSC

Address: 5^th Floor, C’Land Building, No. 81 Le Duc Tho St., My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem Dist., Hanoi, Vietnam          

Web: https://mitas.vn  | Tel: (+84) 243 8585 111 | Email: sales@mitas.vn

The trust and support of our customers are a driving force and an invaluable asset to our company. We sincerely thank you./.

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