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AARTS DC-Only Systems


The DC Automated Accelerated Reliability Test Station (AARTS) systems are designed to maximize channel density.  The first systems developed by Accel-RF (ARF) were intended for RF and DC stimulus to the Device Under Test (DUT).  However, there are some applications in which RF stimulus is not required.  The DC-only systems offer several advantages:

A larger number of channels may be placed into the same footprint (up to 96 channels maximum)
Two DUT fixture options are available (see description below)
The system cost is lower because expensive RF components are not required
Total power dissipation is lower
Calibration is simpler since no RF is required

96-Channel DC-Only AARTS System
dc system

Two fixture options exist for the DC systems, as seen below. 

The RF-Ready DC-fixture offers the user the option of including input/output matching structures.  This provides a means to tune up a device for specific performance as measured on another test station, such as a network analyzer. Although RF stimulus and measurements are not available on the DC-only station, the DUT could be characterized before and after the life test run on external equipment.  Further, depending on device characteristics, matching may be required for device stability. 

The Dual-Device fixture is designed to house two separate devices in the same package. A PGA-style package is employed and bias lines are brought in from either side of the fixture.  Hence, independent biasing of each device allows even further increased density using this option.

RF-Ready DC Fixture
rf-dc fixture

Dual-Device DC Fixture
 dd fixture