Automated RF Near Field Test and Measurement


Huntron® Access RF

Place a RF Probe precisely for repeatable Spectrum Analyzer measurements

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Access RF Robotic Probing system
Huntron Access RF Probing System (click to enlarge)

The Huntron Access RF system provides reliable and repeatable near field measurements of RF signals. The system integrates a Huntron Access 2 Prober, a spectrum analyzer and Langer RF near field probes under the control of Huntron Workstation. This combination delivers an automated method to place a “sniffer probe” precisely where it is needed.
In a typical application, single point measurements in RF circuits are dependent on the manual dexterity and interpretation of the operator. The position of the RF probes must be duplicated to achieve repeatable measurements. The Huntron Access RF eliminates errors in probe placement and the need for documentation that identifies the physical location of the probe points. When measuring points on your circuit board assembly (CCA), the Huntron Access RF will provide a minimum 10:1 improvement in probing time over manual methods.

Testing with the Access RF system requires the CCA under test to be powered and in a functional state so measurements can be taken. The end user provides the PC, power supplies and control hardware based on their knowledge of the CCA and the measurements that need to be captured. The size of the Access RF provides plenty of space to allow for cabling and connections to be made to the CCA. The Prober has a base plate cover that can be removed to allow for easy access to the probing area from below.

The Access RF is a diagnostic tool and is not intended for EMC/EMI pre-compliance testing.

Access RF Prober and Huntron Workstation software
Huntron Access RF and Huntron Workstation software automates RF near field measurements. (click to enlarge)

  • Cost effective, open architecture robotic platform
  • Design, manufacturing and service depot applications
  • Increase operator productivity
  • Repeatable, accurate X, Y and Z movement
  • Easy access to probing area
  • Configured with a Keysight 9935A or Rohde&Schwarz FSH4 spectrum analyzer
  • Get Brochures

Access RF Highlights

  • Single head flying probe tester for capturing RF measurements on a stimulated CCA
  • Configured with a Huntron Access 2 Robotic Prober, Keysight 9935A or Rohde&Schwarz FSH4 spectrum analyzer and Langer RF near field probes
  • Sized for medium to large PCAs
  • Exceptional accuracy for precise placement of a RF near field probe
  • Durable design for many years of service
  • Automate your RF measurements to save time and resources
  • Compare Access Prober Specifications
Access RF Prober Specification Access 2    image
Part number 99-0434 or 99-0440 (w/o spectrum analyzer)
Number of Test Heads 1
Maximum Board Under Test Size 22" x 23" (56cm x 58cm)
Maximum Probing Area 18.2" x 22.4" (46.2cm x 56.9cm)
Maximum Board Component Height 4" (10cm)
Dimensions 36" W x 15.7" H x 29" D (91.44cm W x 39.88cm H x 73.66cm D)
Accuracy and Resolution 0.0007874" (±20 microns) at 0.0003937" (10 microns) minimum
Frequency range (N9935A with N9935A-235 preamplifier or Rohde&Schwarz FSH4) 100 kHz to 3 GHz with included probes
Speed Approx. 40 test points/minute at 1 measurement/point

Accessories

Included Accessory Part Number Buy Now from Shop Huntron
Keysight N9935A Spectrum Analyzer or Rohde&Schwarz FSH4 Part number 98-0694 -
Langer RF Probe Kit Part number 98-0695 -
18GHz RF Cable 48" Part number 98-0737 -
Adapter N to SMA (connects to N9935A) Part number 07-1487 -
Huntron Workstation CD Part number 06-5228 -
Manual on CD Part number 06-5217 Buy Now
Power cord Part number 98-0015 -
USB Cable Part number 98-0418 -
Tool Kit Part number 98-0452 -
2 Crossbar Assemblies - 22" Part number 98-0119 -
Slide Bar Extension Part number 98-0132 -
4 Rotating Slide Bar Assemblies Part number 98-0685 -
4 1" Rotating PCA Support Arms Part number 01-3586 -
4 2" Rotating PCA Support Arms Part number 01-3598 -
4 0.5" PCA Support Pins used with Rotating PCA Support Arms Part number 01-3669 -
4 Wing Nuts used with Rotating PCA Support Arms Part number 07-3317 -
PCA Support Kit Part number 98-0167 -
2 Board Spacers (4 slot) Part number 98-0292 -
3/32 Allen Wrench for Stop Blocks Part number 98-0228 -
Video Microscope Part number 98-0693 -
Optional Accessory Part Number Buy Now from Shop Huntron
Rotating Board Holder Kit Part number 98-0592 Buy Now

Access RF Prober FAQ

Q: What are the primary differences between the Access RF and the Access 2?
Answer: The Access RF is a modified version of the Huntron Access 2 Prober. The standard probe holder that uses spring probes has been replaced with a special holder for a high quality Langer RF probe. Special high frequency RF cabling from Gore has been installed that connects the Langer RF probe to the Spectrum Analyzer. The Access RF can be configured to use external instruments such as a Huntron Tracker or DMM by swapping the RF probe holder with a standard Access probe holder (included).

Q: Does the circuit card assembly (CCA) need to be powered to capture RF measurements with the Access RF?
Answer: The CCA will need to be powered on and in a functional state to the point where measurements can be captured. The end user is responsible for providing the equipment necessary to get the CCA into a working state. This includes power supplies, cabling, stimulus and any special fixtures needed to support the CCA within the probing area.

Q: Can the Access RF be used for pre-compliance testing?
Answer: The Access RF is a diagnostic tool and is not intended for EMC/EMI pre-compliance testing.

Q: How fast is the Access RF Prober?
Answer: The probing speed depends on how the Prober is being used. If it is being used to take measurements, the speed is affected by how long it takes to capture the measurement. In general, the Access RF will be able to probe about two seconds per point.

Q: How accurate is the Access RF Prober?
Answer: Huntron Access Probers are very accurate. The minimum step resolution is 10 microns with an accuracy of +/- 20 microns.

Q: Can I use CAD data to develop a test routine?
Answer: Yes. Optional software is available to assist you in using your CAD data to create tests in Huntron Workstation. You can find more details by visiting the Workstation Software page.

Q: How does the Rotating PCA Support system work?
Answer: Included with the Access RF is a combination of slide bars, movable arms and pins that allow you to mount the PCB under test using the board's mounting holes. We refer to these parts as the Huntron Board Holder Kit. Rather than trying to explain the details here, take a look at the Huntron Board Holder Kit instruction sheet.