In the realm of electronic testing, the ability to accurately measure high-frequency signals is crucial. The High-Frequency Interface Board (HFIB) is designed specifically to bridge the gap between high-frequency sources and commercial in-circuit test (ICT) equipment, such as the Keysight 3070, Genrad 228X, Teradyne Z18XX, and Spectrum 88XX. This article explores the features, functionality, and installation aspects of HFIB, highlighting its importance in modern electronic testing environments.
HFIB serves as an interface board that divides high-frequency signals down to a range that can be effectively measured by standard ICT equipment. Its compact design allows it to be positioned as close to the frequency source as possible, minimizing potential signal degradation. This is particularly important in maintaining signal integrity during testing.
There are two primary types of HFIB available:
1. HFIB-ECL: This version supports four sub-versions for various ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic) standards:
2. HFIB-TTL: This version is designed to interface with TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) and CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) signals ranging from 1.8V to 3.6V.
The HFIB boards are engineered to perform precise signal division:
Both versions are equipped with a miniature isolating relay at the input, which allows for the bypass of the divider during testing of passive components at ICT. When powered, the relay isolates the frequency source from the ICT tester, ensuring accurate signal processing.
When directly soldered to the ICT socket in a fixture, the HFIB-ECL can accurately divide ECL signals up to 400 MHz. However, the use of a 1-foot twisted pair wire at the input may reduce this limit to approximately 170-220 MHz. Similarly, the HFIB-TTL, when soldered directly to the ICT socket, can divide TTL signals up to 250 MHz. The use of a 1-foot twisted pair wire may limit this to around 150 MHz. It’s important to note that maximum measured frequency can vary depending on the specific fixture, noise levels, and other factors.
The HFIB boards are designed with a compact form factor, allowing for easy installation. They can be soldered directly to probe sockets or used as in-line modules. To prevent shorting with other wires in the fixture, the units can be simply shrink-tubed. Notably, HFIB does not require additional mounting within the fixture, streamlining the installation process.
In scenarios where a division by 4 is insufficient for the ICT tester's measurement needs, the HFIB-ECL or HFIB-TTL can drive another HFIB-TTL, enabling further division by an additional factor of 4.
The HFIB is an essential tool for engineers and technicians engaged in high-frequency electronic testing. Its ability to accurately divide and translate high-frequency signals ensures compatibility with standard ICT equipment while preserving signal integrity. With its compact design and versatile installation options, the HFIB stands out as a reliable solution for modern electronic testing challenges. Contact Acculogic today to purchase the HFIB-ECL or the HFIB-TTL.