Challenges of Manufacturing RF Products

And so�

It takes a specific expertise and discipline to successfully manufacture RF-based products in volume. And even though RF devices and entire RF sub-systems are becoming easier to integrate into your product, don't underestimate the importance of carefully specifying test limits and the time and effort it takes to develop a bulletproof test methodology.

Be somewhat fanatical about material and process specifications.

Maintain an extra-close relationship with design engineering during production ramp up. Have the design engineers review test yields during early production so all get a clear understanding of the variables in the material and process and the statistical properties of the test data. This allows you to actively monitor the stability of your materials and processes and quickly identify when corrective action is needed.

Hire or contract RF-savvy manufacturing and test engineering people who have successfully launched and sustained RF products. Don't forget a team of good RF troubleshooting technicians. If this is your first foray into RF, the best advice I can give is to team with and learn from a CM with a solid support team and a proven track record in bringing RF products into volume production

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author only and do not represent the views of the Techman/Kanata or of any of its directors, officers or employees. The author, Harvey Ikeman, can be reached at hikem01@yahoo.com

Publishers Note:

The sourcing and production of RF products has been a significant aspect of Techman/Kanata consulting. Recently assisting Vocera (http://www.vocera.com) source and select it�s contract manufacturer. Vocera�s product requires advanced production techniques and incorporates state of the art RF technology. Critical aspects of the sourcing and selection of a contractor were their capabilities with production engineering and manufacturing RF products and their willingness to work with Vocera in developing the RF production aspects. USI (http://www.usica.com) was short listed and then contracted based on their extensive RF technical and on shore and off shore production capabilities.

Bill Evans
Techman/Kanata

JUMP TO PAGE

BACK TO: HARVEY IKEMAN IDEAS