ᴾᵒCat: RFI K-Band Payload

In this book information about ᴾᵒCat-3 P/L , a RFI Monitoring payload in the K-Band, is found including a subsystem description hardware and software designs as well subsystem verification.

RFI-5G Mission Analysis and Requirements

Project description

This project is performed as part of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing/Frequency Allocations in Remote Sensing (GRSS/FARS) Technical Committee project to monitor the spectrum with the 24 GHz water vapor band and the low part of the 5G 26 GHz band.

The system has to be able to perform a power spectrum analysis dividing the 24-25 GHz band in smaller parts and output a voltage level related with the power of said part measured at the input. The system has to be small enough to fit in a PocketQube, a 5 cm side cubic picosatellite.

The payload is to be flown in two ways with the same configuration: as a satellite and drone attached to a drone. 

Image not to scale

Requirements

RFI5G_010
 The payload shall measure input powers of -110 dBm in 10 MHz bands.
RFI5G_020 The payload frequency resolution has to be smaller or equal than 10 MHz.
RFI5G_030

The payload output has to be an analogue voltage between 0 and 3.3 V.
RFI5G_040 The payload's maximum peak power consumption has to be smaller than 1.5 W.
RFI5G_050 The payload's average power consumption has to be smaller than 0.5 W.
RFI5G_060 The payload has to interface with the "IEEE Open PocketQube".
RFI5G_070 The full PocketQube weight with the payload has to be smaller than 250 g.
RFI5G_080 The payload's non-operational temperature has to range from -40 to 80 ºC.
RFI5G_090 The payload's operational temparature has to range from 0 to 45 ºC.

Operation Conditions:

Pyload Execution:

RFI-5G Design

RFI-5G payload designs. Includes electrical, mechanical and software.

RFI-5G Design

RFI-5G Payload block diagrams

FE Block Diagram

Power Supply Block Diagram

Signal Conditioning Block Diagram

 

4. General block diagram

 

RFI-5G Design

RFI-5G Payload design

IGARSS_2023_Kband_RFI_Paper.pdf

Payload Structure

The payload is structured as a vertical stack of PCBs, like the rest of the satellite. This is done in order to be self-contained and to comply with the IEEE Open PocketQube Kit standard. 

This stack is designed so that the interferences from upper layers cannot penetrate down to the lower side and so the rest of the PocketQube. This isolation is mainly achieved thanks to the Structural piece, the aluminum shield, which connects the grounding from the PCBs in contact with it on both sides, so that it creates a grounded case, creating a Faraday Cage that is able to enclose the interferences radiated from within while also isolating those from the radiation coming from the exterior.

Another relevant structural component is the FR-4 Structural PCB. The only purpose of this PCB is to support the K-Band Antenna, which is very delicate and thin.

In both cases the Antenna and Top PCB with the FR-4 Structural and the Bottom PCB with the Interface they are attached with epoxy glue and soldered pins when possible. This ensures a good rigidity and a proper performance when faced the important vibrations produced during launch.

Payload Pinout

Schematics

Interface PCB

The Interface PCB is in charge of doing 3 main things:

This is why the interface schematic if divided into three parts.

low_freq_board.png

LDOs

This stage is in charge of regulating the 3.3V voltage line from the PQ to the various required voltage needed in the payload.

Voltage
 Target component
2.5V
 IF1Amp
2.7V
 LNA2
2.75V
3V
  

To be finished

The schematic below shows the design of the voltage regulation circuit for the payload. The purpose of this circuit is to provide stable, regulated power at various voltage levels required by different components within the payload, which is essential for reliable and accurate signal processing and data collection.

Now an in-depth look at the decisions made in the design will be done:

1. Voltage Regulators (U4 and U5 - MIC2215 Series)
2. Decoupling Capacitors
3. Voltage Dividers and Feedback Networks
4. Separate Power Lines for Isolation

low_freq_board-LDOs.png

Voltage Boosters

This schematic provides a look at a voltage-boosting circuit. Here, three independent boost converter stages are built around the LT3048IDC-TRMPBF component (U1, U2, and U3). Each of these stages is responsible for generating a specific voltage required by various components in the payload, focusing on boosting an input voltage to a higher, stabilized output for sensitive RF systems.

Here is an expanded explanation of the design decisions and key aspects:

1. Boost Converter ICs (U1, U2, and U3 - LT3048IDC-TRMPBF)
2. Input Filtering Components (L1, L2, L3, C24, C25, C27)
3. Output Voltage Feedback and Resistor Networks
4. Output Decoupling and Stabilization (C3, C4, C7, C8, C11, C12)
5. Bypass Capacitors for Noise Reduction
6. Application-Specific Voltage Rails
7. Isolation Between Voltage Rails

low_freq_board-Boost1.png

Instrumentation Amplifier

This schematic shows an instrumentation amplifier stage used to process the voltage output from the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) block, which holds the scientific data from the payload. The amplifier conditions this signal so that it can be accurately digitized by the DAC input of the satellite's microcontroller.

Below is an expanded explanation of the main components and design choices within this stage:

1. Instrumentation Amplifier (U6 - AD8224ARZ-R7)
2. Gain Resistors (R15, R16, R17, and R18)
3. Input and Output Filtering (C21, C22, C26)
4. Voltage Divider for Signal Conditioning (R19, R20, R21, R22, R23)
5. RSSI Input and Output Connections

low_freq_board-Inst_amps.png

Bottom PCB

1. IF Input
2. First Amplification and Bandpass Filtering
3. Mixing

This is the most important part in the payload design

4. Second Amplification and Filtering
5. Additional Bandpass Filtering (SAW Filter)
6. RSSI Measurement

RFI-5G_RF_Bottom.png

Top PCB

RFI-5G_RF_Top.png

PCBs

This payload is structured in 4 main block as stated in the Payload block diagram page. We will start by explaining the Interface PCB.

Interface PCB

This board is charge of electrically connecting the payload to the rest of the satellite, redistributing the grounding and converting it to a Multiple Point Ground (MPG), more specifically into two points, a single pin on the bottom and a multiple consecutive pin array on the top. 

Bottom PCB

This board takes the IF signal from the Top PCB and downconverts it to be captured by the RSSI and output a voltage proportional to the signal power.

Top PCB

This board takes the signal from the antenna at the K Band and downconverts it to a Intermediate Frequency (IF).

RFI-5G Design

Antenna Design

INTRODUCTION

The goal of PoCat payload 3 is to identify Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) in the lower Ka-band (24-25 GHz). A patch antenna is chosen as the resonant element for its lightweight, 2D design, and reduced size due to the inverse frequency-wavelength relationship. A basic Microstrip Patch antenna consists of a conductive patch on one side of a dielectric substrate, with a ground plane on the other, emitting radiation through fringing fields at the patch edge.

Requirements and specifications image 1.png

The design process is split in two main tasks. First, the single element design, includes choosing the appropriate substrate material, determine the patch antenna dimensions and the feedline that will match the patch with the rest of the array, and secondly, the design of the feeding network and the patches’ distribution.

SINGLE ELEMENT: MICROSTRIP PATCH ANTENNA

SUBSTRATE

To optimize antenna performance, the choice of substrate is crucial. A low dielectric constant (𝜀r) is preferred for minimal losses, improved efficiency, broader bandwidth, and better radiation. Increasing substrate height or reducing permittivity can also increase the bandwidth, but it may introduce undesired radiation and coupling to other components due to surface waves in the substrate. The loss tangent (tan(𝛿) or Df) is another main parameter affecting losses, with higher values indicating more dielectric absorption and losses. Rogers-5880, with a Df value of 0.0009 at 10GHz, is a suitable choice due to its low loss characteristics.

SINGLE ELEMENT DIMENSIONS

The initial patch dimensions are given by the following equation, which gives a patch side of ~4 mm using the Rogers-5880 substrate at a 24.5 GHz frequency.

image 2.png

The length of the patches may be changed to shift the resonances of the centre fundamental frequency of the individual patch elements. The resonant input resistance of a single patch can be decreased by increasing the width of the patch. This is acceptable if the relation between the patch width and patch length (W/L) does not exceed 2 since the aperture efficiency of a single patch begins to drop, as W/L increases beyond this value.

Patch antenna main parameters:

Imagen3.png

PATCH ANTENNA MATCHING

In this project, the chosen method is to use a microstrip line attached at the edge of the patch, combined with adding an inset into the patch itself as shown in the following figure.

Imagen4.png

The longitude of the inset R can be calculated with the following equation where Zin(R) is the matching impedance and Zin(0) is the impedance at the edge of the patch (if the patch was fed in the end).

Imagen12.png

Hence, by feeding the patch antenna as shown, the input impedance can be decreased to tune it at the desired value. The spacing S is a more challenging parameter to estimate, and it requires the simulation software to define it.

2X2 PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY

The last step in the design process of a 2x2 patch antenna is to design the entire feeding network and the patches distribution. Knowing this field has been exhaustively studied, some made designs were considered at the beginning of this project, and researching about this technology, a design of a 24 GHz lineally polarized patch antenna, with the inset impedance matching technique, was found in an online repository from Zhengyu Peng, Ph.D. (Texas Tech University). In this manner, a reverse engineering study has been carried out to understand this design and then adapt it further to our requirements.

Array model and electrical lengths of the feeding network:

Imagen5.png

By adding an extra 180º length to access the patches from the bottom of the structure, the waves from the two resonant elements are adding up to each other. In addition, the corner mitering technique has been used as well.

Mitred bend:

Imagen6.png

A 90º bend in a transmission line adds a small amount of capacitance to the transmission line, which causes a mismatch. A mitred bend as shown in the previous figure reduces some of that capacitance, restoring the line back to its original characteristic impedance. On the other hand, the whole structure impedance matching is done by two quarter-wave impedance transformers, adjusting the trace’s width to obtain the desired characteristic impedance that sets 50 Ω at the output of the network.

λ/4 impedance transformers:

Imagen7.png

The λ/4 impedance transformer design equation is included below, where Z0 is the characteristic impedance of the line, Zin the input impedance and ZL the impedance of the load.

Imagen13.png

Each line has been designed to match this equation according to the required input and output impedance:

Imagen14.png

CONNECTOR

The antenna will be positioned on the upper side of the satellite. Therefore, the dimensions of the substrate layer are determined by the PoCat's own dimensions, which measure 40x40 mm². To enable the assembly of the entire structure, the payload's board includes holes for pins and screws. Additionally, a HIROSE C.FL connector is attached to the top section of the structure, where it connects to the 50 Ω feeding line. This allows easy access for the coaxial cable to connect to the upper layer from below, requiring the incorporation of a hole into the substrate and ground plane, placed at the farthest point compatible with elements from payload 2.

Connector mounting pattern following HIROSE’s recommendation:

Imagen9.png

FINAL 2X2 PATCH ANTENNA ARRAY MODEL

Imagen10.png Imagen11.png

RFI-5G Design

Data Acquisition

Parameters:

struct rfi5gParameters{
  char* name;
  uint32_t timestamp;
  uint32_t temperature;
  uint32_t startFrequency;
}

Constants

General Constants

#define N_SAMPLES 1000 
#define NUM_FREQ 62 
#define R 10

N_SAMPLES: Number of samples to capture in one frequency bin.

NUM_FREQ: Number of frequency bins.

R: Number of repetitions for the calibration step.

Statistical Constants

#define KU_UPPER_THRES 3.3 
#define KU_LOWER_THRES 2.7 
#define SK_UPPER_THRES 200 
#define SK_LOWER_THRES -200

Upper and lower thresholds for kurtosis and skewness.

Notice that skewness is multiplied by 1000.

Time Domain Constants

For the time domain the threshold is defined as th = βσ + m

#define AGGRESSIVENESS_TIME 1.5 
#define PERCENTAGE_TH 0.01 
#define K 1.3339

AGGRESSIVENESS_TIME: Aggressiveness Time (aka β) is an empirical value obtained by simulating different INR values.

PERCENTAGE_TH: Percentage Threshold is the minimum percentage to consider the existence of an interferent signal, it is defined as the minimum number of detection out of N_SAMPLES.

Frequency Domain Constants

#define AGGRESSIVENESS_FREQ 1.5

AGGRESSIVENESS_FREQ: Aggressiveness Frequency is an empirical value obtained by simulating different INR values.

Structures Definition

typedef struct{
	uint16_t mean;
	uint16_t stdv;
	uint16_t ku;
	int16_t sk;
	uint16_t Ndet;
	uint8_t decision;
} tRFIbinCapture;

mean: Mean is a statistical parameter that shows the central tendency of the distribution.

stdv: Standard Deviation is the square root of the second standardized moment, it measures the dispersion of the distribution.

sk: Skewness, also known as the third standardized moment, is a metric that characterizes the asymmetry of the distribution.

ku: Kurtosis is the fourth standardized moment, that measures how big are the tails of the distribution.

Ndet: Number of detections counts the number of samples that had surpassed the threshold in time domain algorithm.

decision: Decision is an 8 bits variable, which flags with a pair of bits if an alogorithm has detected an interference.

From the least significant bit to the more significant bit, the flags are grouped in pairs:

-The first two bits are turned on if the statistical domain algorithm detects an interference.

-The second pair of bits are activated if the time domain algorithm detects an interference.

-The third pair of bits are activated if the frequency domain algorithm detects an interference.

-The fourth couple of bits is the combination of the previous decisions, if any algorithm has detected an interference these two bits are turned on.

Due to the possibility of ions or electromagnetic radiation to strike into the electronic circuits, causing an unwanted bit change, commonly refered as single event upset (SEU), each decision bit has a redundancy of one.

typedef struct{
	uint16_t id;
	tRFIbinCapture captures[NUM_FREQ];
} tRFIsweepCapture;

tRFIsweepCapture: This struct consists in the frequency axis data, since the system does not do a continuous frequency sweep, the axis is discretitzed in NUM_FREQ bins.

id: It is the identifier of a capture.

Comms considerations

As of now this section is in development

Non mandatory data:

RFI-5G Design

RFI-Dedicated Thread

RFI Thread

Introduction

Like many other subsystems, the Payload is a self-contained sub-system and so it has its own FreeRTOS Thread. This thread is concieved to be able to control each of the two RFI monitoring payloads.

As an overview, the thread is structured as secuential general operations. And each of them is a key step in the process of making the payload work.

Block Diagram

To begin, the general behavior of the code is defined, since it is basic to have it structured from the most generic functions to the most specific ones. This general structure is basic since it is the one that will be in direct ”contact” with the OBC code, and its structure and functioning requirements.

This figure, as stated above, defines how the payload code is structured and its sequential steps. Note that the discontinuous arrow indicates that once the loop has finished, the payload thread enters a sleep mode, waiting for the OBC to awaken him again to restart the loop. So, the first to take a deeper look into is going to be the Check start conditions block:

As it can be seen above, the first thing to do in order to get the payload running properly is to check if the conditions required by the Ground Station user are met, this includes three things:

  1. The satellite is pointing at the desired region of the Earth steadily.
  2. The order to make an RFI measurement has been truly received.
  3. It is the scheduled moment to take the photo.

If none of these requirements are met, the thread awaits until it is signaled by the OBC and then rechecking everything again. Once the check has been succeed, it is time to Start the electronics and the timer:

Obviously, the first step is to power on the payload and consequently all its elements. Then the ADC and DAC are initialized and started. The same happens to the timer. Once they have been started it is time to make sure that they work as expected:

Now the ADC and DAC are checked and calibrated, the timer is only checked. This is done to assure that when using them in the measurements they don’t give false reading due to a malfunction. Having everything powered on, initialized and checked, the measure loop can begin:

This loop is run as many times as needed in order to scan all the frequency bins forming the L or Ka bands. This scans are slow, so not to block the whole satellite system, every time a frequency bin is scanned the thread checks for notifications coming from the rest of the PQ to pause itself if necessary. Then, once the satellite does not need to have the RFI thread stop anymore, the RFI thread continues from where it was.

In order to bring the explanation to a lower level, the list below explains each block step by step:

Now that the measurements have been done, it is time to power off this subsystem:

So, first both ADC and DAC are stopped, then the payload is powered off and then the timer is stopped.
To finish the thread execution, the end of the payload work is signaled to the OBC and then the thread enters sleep mode.

Detection algorithms

Temporal algorithm

The aim of this sub-algorithm is to detect pulses through Envelope Detection, a straightforward technique used for RFI monitoring. It involves sampling the input signal and comparing its power with a predetermined threshold. The detector continuously observes the power of the received signal in each temporal sample and establishes a threshold based on the typical noise floor level. When the power level of the samples exceeds this threshold, the detector interprets it as a presence of RFI.

Although the Envelope Detection algorithm has been chosen, other time domain detection algorithms exist such as the FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) based ones. FFT is the most important calculation when talking about time sampled signal processing because it allows to not only analyse the signal in the temporal domain but also in the frequency one. And by combining these two ones, advanced algorithms can be elaborated.

In addition to that, despite the very limited processing capabilities of the microcontroller used in the satellite, some advances are being done. Some preliminar tests have already proven the possibility to compute FFTs in that microcontroller. In the following weeks the integration of those algorithms with the rest of the code will be tried and tested.

Now the mathematical algorithm will be explained. First, the temporal samples vector, expressed as: 𝑥[𝑛];being N the number of samples taken Is iterated in order to calculate its mean:

image.png

Finally, if the 𝑥 is higher or lower than an arbitrary threshold the decision of whether there is in fact a signal or not is taken. This threshold is the most important part of the algorithm and its value highly affects the accuracy of the decision.

Statistical Algorithm

The purpose of this sub-algorithm is to estimate if there are signals based on their third and fourth statistical moments. These moments are extracted from the temporal samples taken in each frequency bin.

However, there are many other statistical parameters that can be taken into account, such as the standard deviation, the covariance or the correlation. Unlike the reason above, these parameters will not be used because they are not considered necessary with the given skewness and kurtosis reliability.

Now the kurtosis formula will be explained:

image.png

Where: 𝑥𝑖 is the i-th sample.
In the numerator of the fraction there is the calculation of the fourth statistical moment, while in the denominator there is the standard deviation elevated to the fourth power. Now the skewness formula will be explained:

image.png

Where: 𝑥𝑖 is the i-th sample.
In the numerator of the fraction there is the calculation of the third statistical moment, while in the denominator there is the standard deviation elevated to the third power.

Again, as explained in the time domain algorithm, the decision of the statistical algorithm is based on the comparison between the statistical parameters and predefined thresholds that, if exceeded or not, a decision is then made.

Frequency Algorithm

The aim of this sub-algorithm is to detect signals in the frequency domain and eventually mitigate them by frequency blanking. This technique operates in a similar manner to Envelope Detection, but in the frequency domain. If a significant increase in power is observed at a particular frequency bin compared to its neighbouring bins, it may indicate the presence of interference. These power peaks are more easily detected when they have high power in a narrow bandwidth.

This analysis is done by comparing the received power from adjacent frequencies and applying a threshold to distinguish these values. So, if the algorithm detects a signal that is above that threshold, it decides that it is in fact an Interference.

Test


Test

RFI-5G FE-Bottom SSV

Test Description and Objectives

The objective of this test is to validate the correct operations of the P/L2 K-band RFI monitoring payload board layout, the quality of the data acquisition process, as well as the deployment and operation metrics of the Helical antenna. This test is meant to be performed both upon each new board assembly, as many of the errors discovered with this test are manufacturing-related and thus repeatable, as well as after any environmental test on the same board.

Requirements Verification

ID Description Status
M-0700 The L-band receiver antenna will be omnidirectional, operate in the 1-2 GHz band and feature a reflection coefficient greater than 6 dBs. Ok
M-0710 The L-band receiver antenna will be contained inside the satellite's allowed space envelope during launch and capable and controlled deployment once in orbit TBC
M-0720 The L-band receiver front end will be compatible with the rest of the satellite in terms of power requirements and data exchange and storage capabilities. TBC
M-0730 The L-band receiver front end will attain a 5 MHz or better frequency resolution. TBC

This specifications should be further detailed? To clarify the SSV results

Test Set-Up

For performing this test, the following items are required:

Below is the connections schematic:

RFI-5G_RF_Bottom_Painted.png

Make connections

Pass/Fail Criteria

This test will be considered passed if all of the following actions are performed succesfully:

The signals inputed and their supposed detection is yet to be completely characterized.

Test Plan (By Subblocks)

Before moving towards the testing of the whole subsystem, in order to single out possible errors, the payload's isolated segments will be tested a part, starting for simplicity with those which do not require a STM32 (be it a Nucleo Board or the OBC&COMMS board) to be verified.

RF chain Low Noise Amplifier (LNA)

In the form of the HMC342, fully explained in the appropiate P/L page, under the ³Cat-NXT Design chapter, the LNA is supposed to provide a gain of arround 19dB (at 24-25 GHz) over the Ka-band. To test this feature, a signal will be introduced at the receiver's input, and sampled from the first RF chain probe. The procedure is as follows:

Bandpass filters

Once the LNA is proven to work fine, the filters mut be checked. For these operations the same procedure is followed.

Ka band filter

IF filtering

SAW filter

The B39871B4316P810 bandpass filter's function is to select the signal within a range indicated by the manufacturer to be between 862 MHz and  876MHz, with an insertion loss of lower than 1.6 dB in-band. These characteristics can be tested as follows:

RF downconversion tuner

The downconversion of this receiver is done using the voltage controlled HMC260 tuner, from the 24-25 GHz RF chain to the 7 GHz IF chain, by applying a frequency sweep. The steps to follow are:

Note that the relation between voltage and frequency is not linear and need to be characterized as stated in the VCO calibration procedure

IF downconversion tuner

The downconversion of this receiver is done using the voltage controlled SIM-14+ tuner, from the 6669-7669 MHz IF chain to the 869 MHz LF chain, by applying a frequency sweep. The steps to follow are:

Note that the relation between voltage and frequency is not linear and need to be characterized as stated in the VCO calibration procedure

Test Plan (Full subsystem)

From this point the document is a stub.

Having tested and isolated possible errors as much as possible in a bit-by-bit manner in the previous section, a full subsystem test will now be performed.

7.  Test Results


8.  Anomalies


9.  Conclusions


Test

RFI-5G FE-Top SSV

Document Scope

The objective of this document is to detail the procedures, results and conclusions to properly test at subsystem level the RFI-5G front-end top board. Several parts will be tested:

  1. Test of the LNA chain
  2. Test of the LO chain
  3. Test of the Front-End top board RF
  4. Test of the temperature sensor

Test of the LNA chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the HMC342 LNA amplifier provides the expected +19 dB of gain for input signals between 24 to 25 GHz, and that the band-pass filter does not introduce more than the expected -4 dB of losses.

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LNA is providing gain and validate that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the power supply to the Vcc_LNA1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  4. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  5. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LNA shows to provide gain (~19 dB) and the power consumption matches the expected one (~43 mA at 3.3 V). There is though some margin accepted, since the RF probe and cables are not rated for the frequency range used.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 2.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-020
 Set the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-030

Set the signal generator to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Pout = -70 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-040

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 10 MHz

     RBW = 10 kHz

     VBW = 1 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-050
 Switch on the signal generator output.
 Passes if signal generator output is on.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-060
 Switch on the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-070
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:

Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-080
 With the RF probe, probe the input of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF input pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-090 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-100

 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-110 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-130
 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the gain and frequency delta values.
Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-140
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-150
 Add a third trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-160 With the RF probe, probe the output of the band-pass filter by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the filter. Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-170 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-180
 Add a third marker in trace 3. Note the power and frequency delta values with marker 1.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-190
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-200
 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-210
 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the LO chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the LO chain works as intended. This means that the HMC506 VCO provides a tone at the expected 8665.5 MHz, and that the HMC342 LO amplifier provides gain (~19 dB) so that the LO input of the mixer is over 12 dBm (~14 dBm).

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LO chain is providing the correct LO tone to the mixer and that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
6x Jumper cables

image.png
6x Banana cables

image.png
6x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the first channel of the  power supply to the Vcc_VCO and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the second channel of the power supply to the Vtune1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.

  4. Connect the third channel of the power supply to the Vcc_IF1Amp Vcc_LO1Amp

    and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  5. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  6. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  7. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LO shows a tone at 8665.5 MHz +- 5%, if the LO amplifier provides the expected gain (~19 dB) and if the level of the LO input of the mixer is over 10 dBm. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-000
 Make sure that the power supply is off.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 3.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 100 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-030
 Set the second channel of the power supply to 8.7 V and limit the current to 10 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-040 Set the third channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-050

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 8665.5 MHz

     Span = 100 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-060
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-070

Switch on the first second channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.

 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH1

   Voltage:

   Current:

CH2

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the VCO by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-090 Adjust the Vtune1 voltage until the LO frequency is centered to the desired 8665.5 MHz.
 Passes if LO frequency is ~8665.5 MHz.

CH2 Voltage:

frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-130

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 17331 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = 10 dBm

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-140 With the RF probe, probe the output of the frequency multiplier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the frequency multiplier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-150 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-160
 Add one marker at the peak. Note the power and frequency values. Passes if power and frequency are within specification.

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-170
 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one. Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-180
 Switch on the third channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-190 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH3

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-200
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LO amplifier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LO amplifier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-210 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-220 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the power and frequency delta values.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-230 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-240 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-250 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the Front-end Top board RF

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of the RF part of the RFI-5G front-end top, i.e., with an input signal between 24-25 GHz, the signal is down-converted to an intermediate signal with frequency between 6669-76669 MHz, with a net gain of 5 dB.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:


Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the output of the RFI-5G front-end top board is a signal between 6669-7669 MHz when the antenna input is between 24-25 GHz, and the board provides a net gain of +5 dB. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 4.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3.3 V and limit the current to 200 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-030

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = -20 dBm

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-040

Set the signal generator to:

    f = 24.5 GHz

    Pout = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-050
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:

Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-RF-070 Enable the output of the signal generator. Passes if signal generator output is enabled.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-080 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are same as in RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060.

Voltage:

Current:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-090 Add one marker at the peak. Note the frequency and power of the intermediate signal. Additionally compute the net gain and the frequency shift. Passes if the net gain is +5 dB and the frequency shift of 17331 MHz.

frequency =

Power =

frequency shift =

Gain =
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-130

Switch off the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-140

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 1200 MHz

     RBW = 300 kHz

     VBW = 30 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-150

Set the signal generator to:

     Mode = frequency sweep

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 1 GHz

     Step = 10 MHz

     P = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-160

Switch on the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is on.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-170 Wait until a complete frequency sweep is done. Passes when complete frequency sweep finishes.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-180 Check qualitatively the flatness of the RFI-5G front-end top board RF output. Passes if the RF output is "flat".

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-190 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-200 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-210 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-220 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the temperature sensor

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of temperature sensor in the RFI-5G front-end top board, and that the sensor library code functions correctly.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


RFI-5G EGSE


STM32 Nucleo-L476RG board

image.png
USB A-to-mini cable

image.png
Power supply

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
Temperature sensor test code

NA

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Missing setup picture


Pass/Fail Criteria

Description of which metric is used to perform the test and when it is considered that the test passed or not. If different metrics are used, it is important to define when the test passed or not (e.g. when all the metrics are in the pass criteria, or when only one of them).

Test Plan

This section includes the test sequence necesary to do the test. The test sequence must include all the steps, from the set-up up to the conclusion of the test.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes
Test

K-Band VCO Calibration Procedure

Objective

Measure the frequency response of the VCO and characterize it.


Steps to follow

Test

Front-end Gain calibration Procedure

Objective

Measure the total system gain at the output of the RSSI and equalize it.

Steps to follow

Test

K-band Noise floor characterization Procedure

Objective

Measure the RSSI obtained though all the 1GHz band with only noise and characterize it.


Steps to follow

Test

K-band CW characterization Procedure

Objective

Measure the RSSI obtained though all the 1GHz band when inputting a CW and characterize it.

Steps to follow

Test

P/L3 Envelope Detection characterization Procedure

Objective

Characterize the capacity of the RFI Monitoring system to detect signals by Envelope Detection method.

Steps to follow

Test

P/L3 Statistical pulsed signal characterization Procedure

Objectives

Characterize the capacity of the RFI Monitoring system to detect pulsed signals by statistical algorithms.

Steps to follow

Tests as Run

Tests as Run

RFI-5G FE-Top SSV asRun 23/10/2023

Document Scope

The objective of this document is to detail the procedures, results and conclusions to properly test at subsystem level the RFI-5G front-end top board. Several parts will be tested:

  1. Test of the LNA chain
  2. Test of the LO chain
  3. Test of the Front-End top board RF
  4. Test of the temperature sensor

The as run versions of this document will have the title as "RFI-5G FE-Top SSV as run dd/mm/yyyy".

Test of the LNA chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the HMC342 LNA amplifier provides the expected +19 dB of gain for input signals between 24 to 25 GHz, and that the band-pass filter does not introduce more than the expected -4 dB of losses.

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LNA is providing gain and validate that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the power supply to the Vcc_LNA1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  4. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  5. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LNA shows to provide gain (~19 dB) and the power consumption matches the expected one (~43 mA at 3.3 V). There is though some margin accepted, since the RF probe and cables are not rated for the frequency range used.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
 ok
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 2.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.
 setup done
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-020
 Set the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
 power supply set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-030

Set the signal generator to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Pout = -70 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.
 signal generator set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-040

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 10 MHz

     RBW = 10 kHz

     VBW = 1 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
 spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-050
 Switch on the signal generator output.
 Passes if signal generator output is on.
 signal generator on
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-060
 Switch on the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
 power supply on
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-070
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage: 2.99 V

Current: 40 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-080
 With the RF probe, probe the input of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF input pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.
 signal appears if signal generator power is -50 dBm due to probe
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-090 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
 trace mode VIEW
 y

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-100

 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
 spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-110 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer. signal shows in spectrum analyzer
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
 trace mode VIEW
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-130
 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the gain and frequency delta values.
Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 15.8 dB

Frequency: 0 Hz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-140
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name: LNA_001.wmf

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-150
 Add a third trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

third trace added

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-160 With the RF probe, probe the output of the band-pass filter by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the filter. Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

signal shows in spectrum analyzer

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-170 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
 trace mode VIEW
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-180
 Add a third marker in trace 3. Note the power and frequency delta values with marker 1.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 11.15 dB

Frequency: 0 Hz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-190
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name: LNA_002.wmf

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-200
 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

power supply and signal generator off

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-210
 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Discussion in results

 y

Test Results

LNA:

Perceived LNA gain is of ~16 dB. Compared to  the expected 19.2 dB of gain, the performance is considered valid, since the measuring technique introduces losses that are not accounted for. Additionally, the power consumption of 40 mA seems o be nominal since the expected was 43 mA.

image.png

Band-pass filter:

The band-pass filter seems to introduce ~4 dB of losses, which was expected from the specifications.

image.png

Anomalies

The signal power from the signal generator has been increased to 50 dBm because of the probing method used, otherwise the signal was not strong enough to be coupled to the probe and appear in the spectrum analyzer measurement.

Conclusions

This test concludes that the LNA chain implementation performs as expected.

Test of the LO chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the LO chain works as intended. This means that the HMC506 VCO provides a tone at the expected 8665.5 MHz, and that the HMC342 LO amplifier provides gain (~19 dB) so that the LO input of the mixer is over 12 dBm (~14 dBm).

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LO chain is providing the correct LO tone to the mixer and that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
6x Jumper cables

image.png
6x Banana cables

image.png
6x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the first channel of the  power supply to the Vcc_VCO and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the second channel of the power supply to the Vtune1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  4. Connect the third channel of the power supply to the Vcc_IF1Amp and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  5. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  6. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  7. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LO shows a tone at 8665.5 MHz +- 5%, if the LO amplifier provides the expected gain (~19 dB) and if the level of the LO input of the mixer is over 10 dBm. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-000
 Make sure that the power supply is off.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
 power supply off
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 3.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.
 setup prepared
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 100 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
 ch1 set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-030
 Set the second channel of the power supply to 8.7 V and limit the current to 10 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
 ch2 set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-040 Set the third channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
 ch3 set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-050

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 8665.5 MHz

     Span = 100 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
 spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-060
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
 ch1 on
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-070
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
 ch2 on
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH1

   Voltage: 3 V

   Current: 81 mA

CH2

   Voltage: 8.7 V

   Current: 0 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the VCO by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.
 Signal present in spectrum analyzer
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-090 Adjust the Vtune1 voltage until the LO frequency is centered to the desired 8665.5 MHz.
 Passes if LO frequency is ~8665.5 MHz.

CH2 Voltage: 8.17 V

frequency: 8665.5 MHz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
 trace mode VIEW
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name: VCO-001.wmf

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

trace mode CLEAR/WRITE

 y

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-130

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 17331 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = 10 dBm

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
 spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-140 With the RF probe, probe the output of the frequency multiplier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the frequency multiplier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer. signal shows in spectrum analyzer
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-150 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
 trace mode VIEW
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-160
 Add one marker at the peak. Note the power and frequency values. Passes if power and frequency are within specification.

Power: -25.92 dBm

Frequency: 17335.8 MHz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-170
 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one. Passes if spectrum analyzer set. spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-180
 Switch on the third channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

ch3 on

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-190 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH3

   Voltage: 3 V

   Current: 44 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-200
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LO amplifier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LO amplifier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

signal shows in spectrum analyzer

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-210 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

trace mode VIEW

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-220 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the power and frequency delta values.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Power: 11.07 dB

Frequency: 0.8 kHz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-230 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name: DOUBLER_001.wmf

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-240 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.
 power supply off
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-250 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.
 Discussion in results
 y

Test Results

VCO:

The VCO output provides a tone centered to a frequency provided by the Vtune voltage. In order to obtain the desired 8665.5 MHz of VCO frequency, the tuning voltage has been lowered from the expected 8.7 V to 8.17 V. Additionally, the frequency tuning appears to be erroneous: when the front-end is shifted or the cables are moved, the output of the VCO varies significantly.

The power consumption of the VCO is of 81 mA at 3 V, which is higher than the expected 77 mA from the specification. The reasoning of this increase in consumption might be the bad connections used with the jumper.

image.png

Frequency doubler and amplifier:

The frequency doubler doubles the VCO output tone accordingly. The losses introduced by the doubling cannot be measured accurately.

The LO amplifier provides a net gain of ~11 dB, and when considering the 50 Ohm resistor in series at its input to reduce the signal power that adds ~4dB of extra losses , the behavior of the amplifier is in pair with the LNA (is the same ic). The power consumption appears to be of a nominal 40 mA.

image.png

Anomalies

The list of anomalies is shown below:

  1. Erroneous VCO frequency tuning when front-end or cables are shifted.
  2. Higher power consumption than nominal of the VCO.
  3. The LO signal at the input of the mixer seems to be of not powerful enough to drive the mixer.

Conclusions

The VCO behavior is validated, but its characteristics need to be measured with the interface board attached, to reduce the impedance of the jumper cables used and improve the performance.

Test of the Front-end Top board RF

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of the RF part of the RFI-5G front-end top, i.e., with an input signal between 24-25 GHz, the signal is down-converted to an intermediate signal with frequency between 6669-76669 MHz, with a net gain of 5 dB.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:


Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the output of the RFI-5G front-end top board is a signal between 6669-7669 MHz when the antenna input is between 24-25 GHz, and the board provides a net gain of +5 dB. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
 power supply and signal generator off
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 4.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.
 setup prepared
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3.3 V and limit the current to 200 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
 power supply set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-030

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = -20 dBm

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
 spectrum analyzer set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-040

Set the signal generator to:

    f = 24.5 GHz

    Pout = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set. signal generator set
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-050
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
 power supply on
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

CH1

   Voltage: 3.3 V

   Current: 150 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-070 Enable the output of the signal generator. Passes if signal generator output is enabled. signal generator enabled
 y
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-080 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are same as in RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060.

CH1

   Voltage: 3.3 V

   Current: 150 mA

 n
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-090 Add one marker at the peak. Note the frequency and power of the intermediate signal. Additionally compute the net gain and the frequency shift. Passes if the net gain is +5 dB and the frequency shift of 17331 MHz.

frequency =

Power =

frequency shift =

Gain =

 n
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-130

Switch off the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-140

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 1200 MHz

     RBW = 300 kHz

     VBW = 30 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-150

Set the signal generator to:

     Mode = frequency sweep

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 1 GHz

     Step = 10 MHz

     P = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-160

Switch on the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is on.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-170 Wait until a complete frequency sweep is done. Passes when complete frequency sweep finishes.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-180 Check qualitatively the flatness of the RFI-5G front-end top board RF output. Passes if the RF output is "flat".

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-190 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-200 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-210 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-220 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

The mixer does not seem to perform the frequency downconversion

Upon investigation

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the temperature sensor

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of temperature sensor in the RFI-5G front-end top board, and that the sensor library code functions correctly.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


RFI-5G EGSE


STM32 Nucleo-L476RG board

image.png
USB A-to-mini cable

image.png
Power supply

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
Temperature sensor test code

NA

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Missing setup picture


Pass/Fail Criteria

Description of which metric is used to perform the test and when it is considered that the test passed or not. If different metrics are used, it is important to define when the test passed or not (e.g. when all the metrics are in the pass criteria, or when only one of them).

Test Plan

This section includes the test sequence necesary to do the test. The test sequence must include all the steps, from the set-up up to the conclusion of the test.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes
Tests as Run

RFI-5G FE-Top SSV as run 13/11/2023 (1)

Document Scope

The objective of this document is to detail the procedures, results and conclusions to properly test at subsystem level the RFI-5G front-end top board. Several parts will be tested:

  1. Test of the LNA chain
  2. Test of the LO chain
  3. Test of the Front-End top board RF
  4. Test of the temperature sensor

The as run versions of this document will have the title as "RFI-5G FE-Top SSV as run dd/mm/yyyy".

Test of the LNA chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the HMC342 LNA amplifier provides the expected +19 dB of gain for input signals between 24 to 25 GHz, and that the band-pass filter does not introduce more than the expected -4 dB of losses.

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LNA is providing gain and validate that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the power supply to the Vcc_LNA1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  4. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  5. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LNA shows to provide gain (~19 dB) and the power consumption matches the expected one (~43 mA at 3.3 V). There is though some margin accepted, since the RF probe and cables are not rated for the frequency range used.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 2.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-020
 Set the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-030

Set the signal generator to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Pout = -70 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-040

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 10 MHz

     RBW = 10 kHz

     VBW = 1 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-050
 Switch on the signal generator output.
 Passes if signal generator output is on.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-060
 Switch on the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-070
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:3V

Current:42 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-080
 With the RF probe, probe the input of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF input pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

max hold of -70.61 dBm at center frequency

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-090 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-100

 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-110 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer. max hold of -46.95 dBm at center frequency y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-130
 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the gain and frequency delta values.
Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 23.66 dB

Frequency: 0 Hz


Gain between 16 and 26 dB. For 24.5 GHz, the gain should be lower according to datasheet

 n
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-140
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:

"LNA1-1 131123.WMF"

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-150
 Add a third trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-160 With the RF probe, probe the output of the band-pass filter by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the filter. Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why). output level of -54.85 dBm, attenuation of 7.9 dB, much higher than the expected 2 dB of datasheet n
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-170 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-180
 Add a third marker in trace 3. Note the power and frequency delta values with marker 1.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 15.76  dB

Frequency: 0 Hz

 n
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-190
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:

"LNA1-2 131123.WMF"

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-200
 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.
.y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-210
 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.
n

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

LNA gain much higher than expected, filter attaenuation much higher than expected.

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

Measurements differ too much from expected values, test is being re-done.

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the LO chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the LO chain works as intended. This means that the HMC506 VCO provides a tone at the expected 8665.5 MHz, and that the HMC342 LO amplifier provides gain (~19 dB) so that the LO input of the mixer is over 12 dBm (~14 dBm).

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LO chain is providing the correct LO tone to the mixer and that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
6x Jumper cables

image.png
6x Banana cables

image.png
6x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the first channel of the  power supply to the Vcc_VCO and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the second channel of the power supply to the Vtune1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  4. Connect the third channel of the power supply to the Vcc_IF1Amp and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  5. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  6. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  7. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LO shows a tone at 8665.5 MHz +- 5%, if the LO amplifier provides the expected gain (~19 dB) and if the level of the LO input of the mixer is over 10 dBm. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-000
 Make sure that the power supply is off.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 3.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 100 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-030
 Set the second channel of the power supply to 8.7 V and limit the current to 10 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-040 Set the third channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-050

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 8665.5 MHz

     Span = 100 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-060
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-070
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH1

   Voltage:

   Current:

CH2

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the VCO by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-090 Adjust the Vtune1 voltage until the LO frequency is centered to the desired 8665.5 MHz.
 Passes if LO frequency is ~8665.5 MHz.

CH2 Voltage:

frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-130

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 17331 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = 10 dBm

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-140 With the RF probe, probe the output of the frequency multiplier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the frequency multiplier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-150 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-160
 Add one marker at the peak. Note the power and frequency values. Passes if power and frequency are within specification.

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-170
 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one. Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-180
 Switch on the third channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-190 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH3

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-200
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LO amplifier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LO amplifier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-210 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-220 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the power and frequency delta values.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-230 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-240 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-250 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the Front-end Top board RF

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of the RF part of the RFI-5G front-end top, i.e., with an input signal between 24-25 GHz, the signal is down-converted to an intermediate signal with frequency between 6669-76669 MHz, with a net gain of 5 dB.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:


Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the output of the RFI-5G front-end top board is a signal between 6669-7669 MHz when the antenna input is between 24-25 GHz, and the board provides a net gain of +5 dB. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 4.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3.3 V and limit the current to 200 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-030

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = -20 dBm

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-040

Set the signal generator to:

    f = 24.5 GHz

    Pout = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-050
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:

Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-RF-070 Enable the output of the signal generator. Passes if signal generator output is enabled.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-080 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are same as in RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060.

Voltage:

Current:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-090 Add one marker at the peak. Note the frequency and power of the intermediate signal. Additionally compute the net gain and the frequency shift. Passes if the net gain is +5 dB and the frequency shift of 17331 MHz.

frequency =

Power =

frequency shift =

Gain =
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-130

Switch off the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-140

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 1200 MHz

     RBW = 300 kHz

     VBW = 30 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-150

Set the signal generator to:

     Mode = frequency sweep

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 1 GHz

     Step = 10 MHz

     P = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-160

Switch on the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is on.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-170 Wait until a complete frequency sweep is done. Passes when complete frequency sweep finishes.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-180 Check qualitatively the flatness of the RFI-5G front-end top board RF output. Passes if the RF output is "flat".

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-190 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-200 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-210 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-220 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the temperature sensor

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of temperature sensor in the RFI-5G front-end top board, and that the sensor library code functions correctly.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


RFI-5G EGSE


STM32 Nucleo-L476RG board

image.png
USB A-to-mini cable

image.png
Power supply

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
Temperature sensor test code

NA

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Missing setup picture


Pass/Fail Criteria

Description of which metric is used to perform the test and when it is considered that the test passed or not. If different metrics are used, it is important to define when the test passed or not (e.g. when all the metrics are in the pass criteria, or when only one of them).

Test Plan

This section includes the test sequence necesary to do the test. The test sequence must include all the steps, from the set-up up to the conclusion of the test.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes
Tests as Run

RFI-5G FE-Top SSV as run 13/11/2023 (2)

Document Scope

The objective of this document is to detail the procedures, results and conclusions to properly test at subsystem level the RFI-5G front-end top board. Several parts will be tested:

  1. Test of the LNA chain
  2. Test of the LO chain
  3. Test of the Front-End top board RF
  4. Test of the temperature sensor

The as run versions of this document will have the title as "RFI-5G FE-Top SSV as run dd/mm/yyyy".

Test of the LNA chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the HMC342 LNA amplifier provides the expected +19 dB of gain for input signals between 24 to 25 GHz, and that the band-pass filter does not introduce more than the expected -4 dB of losses.

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LNA is providing gain and validate that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the power supply to the Vcc_LNA1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  4. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  5. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LNA shows to provide gain (~19 dB) and the power consumption matches the expected one (~43 mA at 3.3 V). There is though some margin accepted, since the RF probe and cables are not rated for the frequency range used.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 2.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-020
 Set the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-030

Set the signal generator to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Pout = -70 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-040

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 10 MHz

     RBW = 10 kHz

     VBW = 1 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-050
 Switch on the signal generator output.
 Passes if signal generator output is on.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-060
 Switch on the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-070
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:3V

Current:42 mA

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-080
 With the RF probe, probe the input of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF input pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

Does not detect with Pout -70 dBm. Increased to -50 dBm.

Max hold of -66.69 dBm at center frequency

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-090 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y

RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-100

 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-110 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LNA by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

delta of 17.37 dB at center frequency

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-130
 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the gain and frequency delta values.
Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 17.37 dB

Frequency: 0 Hz

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-140
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:

"LNA1-3 131123.WMF"

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-150
 Add a third trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one.
 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-160 With the RF probe, probe the output of the band-pass filter by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the filter. Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why). delta of 14.41 dB, attenuation of 2.96 dB y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-170 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-180
 Add a third marker in trace 3. Note the power and frequency delta values with marker 1.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Gain: 14.41  dB

Frequency: 0 Hz

 n
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-190
 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:

"LNA1-4 131123.WMF"

 y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-200
 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.
.y
RFI-5G-TOP-LNA-210
 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.
y

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

Pout = -50 dBm not -70 dBm.

Measures must be taken on the same point on the wire (stripline), since they vary depending on where they are taken from.

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

LNA gain is expected, filter attenuation is within expected values.

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the LO chain

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate that the LO chain works as intended. This means that the HMC506 VCO provides a tone at the expected 8665.5 MHz, and that the HMC342 LO amplifier provides gain (~19 dB) so that the LO input of the mixer is over 12 dBm (~14 dBm).

Since the probing used is not the frequency range used, this is only a qualitative test to check if the LO chain is providing the correct LO tone to the mixer and that the consumption is nominal.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
RF probe

image.png
SMA 50 Ohm RF load

image.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
6x Jumper cables

image.png
6x Banana cables

image.png
6x Crocodrile clips

image.png
2x SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  2. Connect the first channel of the  power supply to the Vcc_VCO and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  3. Connect the second channel of the power supply to the Vtune1 and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  4. Connect the third channel of the power supply to the Vcc_IF1Amp and GND pins with the jumper cables and the crocodile clips.
  5. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  6. Connect the RF probe to the spectrum analyzer using one SMA cable.
  7. Connect the SMA 50 Ohm RF load to the output of the mixer with the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the LO shows a tone at 8665.5 MHz +- 5%, if the LO amplifier provides the expected gain (~19 dB) and if the level of the LO input of the mixer is over 10 dBm. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-000
 Make sure that the power supply is off.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.
y
RFI-5G-TOP-LO-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 3.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 100 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-030
 Set the second channel of the power supply to 8.7 V and limit the current to 10 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-040 Set the third channel of the power supply to 3 V and limit the current to 60 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-050

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 8665.5 MHz

     Span = 100 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-060
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-070
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH1

   Voltage:

   Current:

CH2

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-080
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the VCO by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LNA.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-090 Adjust the Vtune1 voltage until the LO frequency is centered to the desired 8665.5 MHz.
 Passes if LO frequency is ~8665.5 MHz.

CH2 Voltage:

frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-130

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 17331 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = 10 dBm

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-140 With the RF probe, probe the output of the frequency multiplier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the frequency multiplier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-150 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-160
 Add one marker at the peak. Note the power and frequency values. Passes if power and frequency are within specification.

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-170
 Add a second trace in the spectrum analyzer with the same configuration as the first one. Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-180
 Switch on the third channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-190 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why)

CH3

   Voltage:

   Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-200
 With the RF probe, probe the output of the LO amplifier by carefully touching with the signal pogo-pin the RF output pin of the LO amplifier.
 Passes if a signal is shown in the spectrum analyzer.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-210 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-220 Add one marker to the peak of trace 1, and another marker that measures the delta in the peak of trace 2. Note the power and frequency delta values.
 Passes if the gain is within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Power:

Frequency:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-230 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:


RFI-5G-TOP-LO-240 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-LO-250 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the Front-end Top board RF

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of the RF part of the RFI-5G front-end top, i.e., with an input signal between 24-25 GHz, the signal is down-converted to an intermediate signal with frequency between 6669-76669 MHz, with a net gain of 5 dB.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


C.FL to SMA-2.92mm adapter

image.png
C.FL cable

imatge.png
DC Block N to SMA adapter

image.png
Power supply

image.png
Signal Generator capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
Spectrum Analyzer capable of at least 25 GHz

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
SMA 2.92 mm cables

image.png
SMA to SMP cable

image.png

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:


Pass/Fail Criteria

The test will be considered successful if the output of the RFI-5G front-end top board is a signal between 6669-7669 MHz when the antenna input is between 24-25 GHz, and the board provides a net gain of +5 dB. Additionally, the current consumption has to be nominal.

Test Plan

Step ID

 Description

Pass/Fail Criteria

Actual

Passed [Y/N]
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-000
 Make sure that the power supply and signal generator outputs are off. Passes if power supply and signal generator outputs are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-010
 Prepare the setup as stated in 4.3.
 Passes if setup prepared.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-020
 Set the first channel of the power supply to 3.3 V and limit the current to 200 mA.
 Passes if power supply set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-030

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 200 MHz

     RBW = 100 kHz

     VBW = 3 kHz

     Reference level = -20 dBm

     Trace = Clear/Write

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-040

Set the signal generator to:

    f = 24.5 GHz

    Pout = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-050
 Switch on the first channel of the power supply. If the power supply is limiting switch it off immediately.
 Passes if power supply is on and not current limiting.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are within specification (some margin is allowed but has to be explained why).

Voltage:

Current:


RFI-5G-TOP-RF-070 Enable the output of the signal generator. Passes if signal generator output is enabled.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-080 Note the voltage and current. If the current consumption is abnormal switch it off immediately.
 Passes if voltage and current are same as in RFI-5G-TOP-RF-060.

Voltage:

Current:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-090 Add one marker at the peak. Note the frequency and power of the intermediate signal. Additionally compute the net gain and the frequency shift. Passes if the net gain is +5 dB and the frequency shift of 17331 MHz.

frequency =

Power =

frequency shift =

Gain =
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-100 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-110 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-120 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to CLEAR/WRITE to clear the spectrum.
 Passes if trace mode is CLEAR/WRITE.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-130

Switch off the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-140

Set the spectrum analyzer to:

     f = 7169 MHz

     Span = 1200 MHz

     RBW = 300 kHz

     VBW = 30 kHz

     Trace = Max Hold

 Passes if spectrum analyzer set.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-150

Set the signal generator to:

     Mode = frequency sweep

     f = 24.5 GHz

     Span = 1 GHz

     Step = 10 MHz

     P = -80 dBm

 Passes if signal generator set.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-160

Switch on the output of the signal generator.

 Passes if signal generator output is on.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-170 Wait until a complete frequency sweep is done. Passes when complete frequency sweep finishes.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-180 Check qualitatively the flatness of the RFI-5G front-end top board RF output. Passes if the RF output is "flat".

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-190 Set the trace mode in the spectrum analyzer to VIEW to freeze the image.
 Passes if trace mode is VIEW.



RFI-5G-TOP-RF-200 Capture the screen of the spectrum analyzer and save it into a USB drive.
 Passes if .wmf is saved into a USB drive.

File name:
RFI-5G-TOP-RF-210 Switch off the power supply and the signal generator.
 Passes if power supply and signal generator are off.

RFI-5G-TOP-RF-220 If all steps are passed, proceed with next test.
 Passes if all steps passed.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes

Test of the temperature sensor

Test Description and Objectives

The purpose of this test is to validate the correct functioning of temperature sensor in the RFI-5G front-end top board, and that the sensor library code functions correctly.

Requirements Verification

This test does not verify any requirement, and is only to check that the board part works as expected.

Test Set-Up

The required components for this test are the following:

RFI-5G front-end top board

image.png
RFI-5G interface board with inverse connectors


RFI-5G EGSE


STM32 Nucleo-L476RG board

image.png
USB A-to-mini cable

image.png
Power supply

image.png
2x Banana cables

image.png
2x Jumper cables

image.png
Temperature sensor test code

NA

The steps to prepare the setup are the following:

  1. Mate the RFI-5G front-end top board with the RFI-5G interface board that has the inverse pin header.
  2. Connect the EGSE to the power supply with the banana cables.
  3. Connect the output from the signal generator to the antenna input of the RFI-5G front-end top board by using the C.FL cable and the C.FL to 2.92 mm adapter.
  4. Connect the DC-block N to SMA adapter to the spectrum analyzer input.
  5. Connect the RFI-5G front-end top board output to the spectrum analyzer using the SMA to SMP cable.

The diagram below represents the initial setup:

Missing setup picture


Pass/Fail Criteria

Description of which metric is used to perform the test and when it is considered that the test passed or not. If different metrics are used, it is important to define when the test passed or not (e.g. when all the metrics are in the pass criteria, or when only one of them).

Test Plan

This section includes the test sequence necesary to do the test. The test sequence must include all the steps, from the set-up up to the conclusion of the test.

Test Results

Description of the Test results with supporting data.

Anomalies

List of deviations to the Test Specification and Procedure and non-conformances witnessed during the test campaign, including a brief description, the close-out status and reference to the relevant reports.

Conclusions

The Conclusions shall include (where needed as annex):

  1. Test results, including as a minimum:
    • Requirement to be verified
    • Subsections of test campaign in which that requirement was verified (e.g. Thermal Vacuum RFT 1, Inspection 1, Inspection 2, ...)
    • Close-out judgement (compliance status) and rationale, per subsection of the test
    • Traceability to used documentation
    • Conformance or deviation including references
  2. Overall conclusion on the success of the test, including clearly stated and described open issues and possible remediating actions.
  3. Test Readiness Review minutes and Post Test Review minutes