Near Field Signature Analysis - Software
Precision placement and accurate measurement of Virtual Test Points™ in RF and Microwave Diagnostics
The Huntron Workstation Software for use with the Near Field Signature Analyzer™ system from Huntron and
Test Evolution (TEV) is designed to bring a high level of efficiency and flexibility to
board test creation and RF troubleshooting.
The multiple pane layout of Huntron Workstation allows for fast test creation, quick viewing of Near Field Signature Analysis (NFSA) signatures, control of the Access Probers and
CAD viewing tools that update on the fly.
Huntron Workstation NFSA software is used to develop automated tests for troubleshooting RF boards. The board under test is set
to a powered state so the TEV RF Probe can be automatically
placed precisely over a specified Virtual Test Point™ set in the Huntron Workstation software. A relative dB signal strength measurement is made and compared to stored measurement from
a known good functional PCA. These comparisons between good and suspect PCAs can be used to lead you to faulty components.
Huntron Workstation 4 NFSA interface
Tree pane (top left): Using a spreadsheet style format, the creation of test sequences is quick and easy. Fine tune component test parameters to the pin/range level and combine
components into custom test sequences.
Signature pane (bottom left): Configure the NFSA signature scale to display several columns of NFSA signatures at one time. Initiate Scans and view Test PASS/FAIL results
in the Troublesheet.
Prober pane (top right): Selecting tools for Access Prober control is as easy as clicking the appropriate tab. Select Alignment points and teach the XY locations of test points.
Image pane (bottom right): View linked CAD data, board image and stored XY data points. Create an image of the entire PCB and use it to navigate an Access Prober.
Near Field Signature Concept
The NFSA Non-contact Probe takes the functionality and sensitivity of a spectrum analyzer and puts it mechanically into the reactive near field of an
operating circuit. Utilizing Huntron Workstation software, field measurements are made in an automated manner relative to stored values and use software to collate anomalies
indicating substandard behavior to an operator. The need to distinguish between good and suspect assemblies does not require knowledge of the absolute
vector magnitude within the reactive near field of a given circuit. It merely requires the consistent placement of a probe within that space and comparative measurements.
To measure near fields, precise and repeatable probe placement is essential. Robotic positioning places the RF Probe over the circuit under test to obtain the Near
Field Signature. This position or Virtual Test Point™ can be stored for recall later when another circuit is tested. Huntron Workstation software is used to
map Virtual Test Point™ positions and process the Near Field Signature information.
See the Huntron Access NFSA in action - view the Access NFSA video (requires Windows Media Player)
Download a Case Study of Near Field Signature Analysis as presented at AutoTestCon 2008
Near Field Signature Software Features
- Create custom test routines for low volume manufacturing, repair and rework applications
- Optional test creation using PCB CAD data
- Easily create, modify and save Microsoft Access based test databases
- View, print and store test results immediately
- Optional Remote Control feature allows control from other programs
- Includes an easy to use Test Only pane better suited to test execution in a production environment
- Auto Align feature performs the Access Prober board alignment automatically
For more information on Near Field Signature Analysis from Huntron and Test Evolution Corp., download the Near Field Signature Analysis data sheet (registration required) or contact Huntron directly. The Huntron Access® 2 NFSA is now available from Huntron to USA customers.
Additional Information (screenshots)
The images above show the Components and Pins tabs in the Tree pane.
The images above show the Signature/Troublesheet pane with multiple signatures and a zoomed signature.
The images above show the Prober/Teach pane and Image/Image pane.
Huntron CAD Tools
Add Huntron® CAD tools to the Huntron Workstation software to enhance test building and fault isolation. Huntron's CAD tools are based on the Mentor Graphics
robust CAMCAD Pro products.
The Huntron HAF Assist application and CAMCAD Pro import and convert PCB layout files into a standardized Huntron ASCII file (HAF) for import into
the Huntron Workstation software. This process also creates a CC (CAMCAD) file that contains the PCB Layout for viewing in Huntron Workstation.
HAF Assist runs in conjunction with CAMCAD and provides shortcuts to each step required to import CAD data and successfully export to the HAF file to Huntron Workstation.
HAF Assist also provides shortcuts to other useful functions such as panelization, adding component values, component pin offsetting, and test point creation
while still allowing full access to all the features of CAMCAD.
The Huntron Workstation Import feature builds tests in the Huntron Workstation software from a HAF file. This process creates a board with a Sequence for each PCB side required.
Two formats of import are supported. The COMPONENT import format creates a component in the Huntron Workstation Tree for each component listed in the HAF file including all of the pin information.
The NET import format creates a "Net" based on real net (node) points on the PCB. All pins, vias and test points associated with the Net are placed at the Pin level of the Tree in
Huntron Workstation.
HAF Import starts HAF Assist and CAMCAD for seamless importing
into Huntron Workstation. HAF Import provides net prioritization, board or entire panel selection, preferred board side, Huntron Prober slot selection and
probe sequence optimization.
Huntron Workstation supports syncing of current component, pin and net from the Tree pane with the displayed CAD image.
For more information and a list of supported CAD packages, download the CAD Tools datasheet.
NOTE: CAMCAD is not currently supported in Microsoft Windows Vista. Windows XP is recommended.
An additional CAD Tools Maintenance fee is required for the first year of use and allows for the installation of software updates.
Supported Hardware
- Huntron Access® NFSA
- Huntron Access® 2 NFSA
Recommended System requirements
- PC with 2Ghz or faster processor (1.5 GHz if Multi-Core)
- Microsoft Windows XP or Vista (32-bit)*
- 512MB RAM or higher (1GB for Vista)
- 1GB available hard drive space
- 1024x768 video resolution with 16bit or higher color
- CDROM or DVD drive
- Keyboard and mouse
- Available USB port for system control
Notes: * CAMCAD is not currently supported in Microsoft Windows Vista. Windows XP is recommended.
About Huntron Workstation Annual Maintenance
Huntron strives to provide the best possible software for the control of your Huntron hardware. Beginning with Huntron Workstation 4, Huntron charges a nominal
fee for the continuation of support and software updates. The first year Maintenance is included with the purchase of software controlled products from Huntron or a
Huntron authorized source. After the first year, the annual Maintenance fee must be paid to continue your access to software updates, upgrades and support. The Huntron
Workstation software will automatically prompt you when the current Maintenance is about to expire or has expired. Huntron Workstation will continue to function
normally even if your Maintenance is expired. Versions of software created after the expiration date will not run without maintained renewal.
The Maintenance fee is due annually from the date of purchase and is not prorated if paid after the expiration date. This means that for the
first full year after the expiration date, the full maintenance fee will be charged. Maintenance that has been expired for more than one year
will require that a full software license upgrade be purchased.
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- 98-0466 Maintenance for Huntron Access or Access 2 NFSA system
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- 98-0465 Full Version 4.X License Upgrade