01 KNOX-PMSeries // Introduction

The KNOX-PM series RF front-end module dedicated tester is designed for mass production CP testing and FT testing of RF front-end modules. The basic configuration of the KNOX-PM series machine includes a vector network analysis unit, a spectrum and vector signal analysis unit, a vector signal generation unit, a multi-port RF switching matrix, a PPMU source measurement unit, and a SMU source measurement unit. It supports the MIPI communication protocol and integrates an automated test management software test system on this basis.

As a mass production test machine, KNOX-PM has fast measurement speed, high trace stability, and comprehensive test coverage. Through MET's test management software, users can easily create and manage test parameters, perform calibration, perform tests, and generate test reports.

The test items provided by the KNOX-PM series include: OS test, DC test, S parameters, RF power, spectrum and vector signal analysis under modulated signal excitation, etc. Combined with the rich hardware and software options provided by MET, or by selecting the multi-site mode, users can easily expand the test capabilities and improve test efficiency.

The KNOX-PM series machines have been tested in large-scale use scenarios in packaging and testing lines and are efficient, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions provided by MET Technology (MET) to users.

KNOX-PM Schematic diagram

02 KNOX-PM// Application

       Various RF front-end modules

• LNA bank ......Multiple LNAs
• PAM ......PA Module
• DiFEM......Diversity Front-end Module
• L-FEM......LNA Front-end Module
• FEMiD......Front-end Module lnegrated DuplexerE
• PAMiD......PA Module lnegrated DuplexerE
• L-PAMiD......LNA PA Module Inegrated Duplexer
• L-PAMiF......LNA PA Module Inegrated Filter

03 KNOX-PM// Testing Capabilities

       Test items

• Various Open/Short tests:
• Various DC tests: leakage......
• S parameter test: S11, S21, S22......
• RF power test: Pin, Pout, Gain......
• Energy efficiency test: Ef......
• Linearity test: IMD, PndB, TO1, nth harmonic...
• Vector signal analysis: PAR, ACPR, EVM, flatness...
• Noise figure, load pull...
• Vector signal source: pulse, vector broadband modulation, continuous wave...

Frequency band coverage

• 6 Ghz
• 14 Ghz

04 KNOX-PM// Advantages and features

1. PRECISION

• Gamma power calibration provides higher power measurement accuracy than scalar power measurement
• Use input power servo to complete closed-loop monitoring of input power, adjust the output power of the test system in real time, and improve measurement accuracy

2. ACCURACY

• Vector signal generation unit with integrated digital pre-distortion technology provides high-quality source excitation
• System deviation calculation and compensation to improve measurement accuracy
• Support UOSM/TOSM/TRL calibration methods
  
• Non-ideal load correction option to correct load mismatch and improve measurement accuracy

3. SPEED

• SMU uses Source Adapt technology to speed up DC testing
• S-parameter high-speed measurement option, the speed of multi-point measurement can be increased by more than 10 times
• Vector signal analysis using fast FFT calculation

4. UNCERTAINTY

• Provides a wide range of software and hardware options to improve measurement and test stability
• The system is factory self-calibrated to complete the power end migration of the internal components of the system
• Power-on and periodic automatic calibration for closed-loop adjustment of power offsets during initial power-on and after long periods of power-on

5. SAFE

• The test system has strict input and output power as well as current and voltage monitoring
• The test logic sets up a strict system self-check function
• Dedicated high-power RF link design, test bench protection design
• Provides additional temperature sensing monitoring to provide abnormal temperature monitoring for the DUT test environment

6. SERVICE

• All-weather technical support and response, from on-site support to after-sales support, always provide timely and comprehensive technical support
  
• The test system software can be quickly updated and optimized according to customer needs.

05 NOX-PM//Testing software

  KNOX-PM series, a dedicated tester for RF front-end modules, uses MET's test management software.

Software features include:

• Create and manage testsheets, configure multi-site, and perform calibration
  
• Execute automatic test of test items and generate test report
  
• Device management, support GPIB/TTL/Ethernet communication with devices
  
• Support customized requirements, such as UI modification, report format modification, etc.

06 KNOX-PM// Configuration and options

KNOX-PM Basic platform

          Basic platform:

• Provides a basic framework to interconnect all units of the whole machine

          Management Software:

• Create and manage testsheets, configure multi-site, and perform calibration
• Execute automatic test of test items and generate test report
• Device management, support GPIB/TTL/Ethernet

          RF switching matrix:

• Multi-port RF switching matrix controlled by digital interface
• Complete automatic RF link allocation, calibration and measurement

          PXI Chassis/Controller:

• Compatible with a variety of measurement and test instruments, providing power for the instruments
• Provide host computer control of the measurement and test system, monitor system operation and complete measurement and testing

          Vector signal generation unit:

• Supports generation of various RF signals such as continuous wave, pulse signal, vector broadband modulation signal, and specified PAPR signal

          Vector Signal Analysis Unit

• Spectrum and vector signal analysis, combined with self-developed power measurement algorithms, can achieve power-on self-calibration and realize power measurement and vector analysis of the above-mentioned types of signals

          Four-quadrant source measure unit

• Provides high speed, low ripple power supply
• Achieve high-speed, accurate measurement with voltage/current limit control

          PPMU source measurement unit:

• Provide multi-channel power supply and support MIPI communication protocol

KNOX-PM Expansion options

          Hardware options:

• RF port quantity expansion option (32 Ports)
• Vector Network Analysis Unit
• Cold source method noise figure measurement unit (need to configure vector network analysis unit)
• Power extension unit (30 dBm / 40dBm / 50dBm)

          Software options:

• Linearity Failure Analysis Option (3D Display)
• High-precision power measurement option (accuracy improved by an order of magnitude)
• Non-ideal load correction option (corrects load mismatch and improves measurement accuracy)
• S-parameter high-speed measurement option (measurement speed increased by more than 10 times)

          Appendix:

• GPIB protocol interface unit: used for remote control via GPIB
• Calibration parts
• Power Meter