Non-Contact RF Loopback Testing for Antenna-On-Package Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional testing methods fail to effectively test RF integrated circuit packages with antennas on package (AOP) configurations, as they do not allow for direct contact with pins or balls, complicating the evaluation of RF circuitry and antenna functionality.
Innovation Solution
An RF loopback substrate with complementary receive and transmit antennas is used, coupled through a combining and dividing network, allowing signals to be routed between the AOP device and a conventional tester, enabling the testing of RF circuitry and antennas using a conventional testing setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing methods are used on AOP devices, then the testing setup remains simple and automated, but the RF circuitry and antennas cannot be effectively tested due to lack of contact with pins or balls
Solution Approach 1:
A test fixture with RF loopback paths is introduced as an intermediary between the conventional tester and the AOP device. The loopback paths include RF cables and connectors that create signal loops between transmit and receive antennas, enabling RF signal transmission and reception testing without direct contact with device pins or balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing approach transitions from direct electrical contact through pins/balls to wireless RF signal transmission through antennas. This dimensional shift allows testing of RF circuitry and antenna functionality by transmitting signals through the air rather than through physical contacts.
2Ease of manufacture
If antennas are provided only on the package surface in AOP configuration, then integration is improved, but conventional testing methods fail to access RF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The test fixture with loopback paths serves as a mediator that captures RF signals from the package antennas and routes them through controlled paths back to the antennas, enabling measurement of RF signal transmission and reception without requiring direct access to internal circuitry through pins or balls.
Solution Approach 2:
The test fixture with RF loopback paths can test multiple functions including transmit antenna performance, receive antenna performance, and RF circuitry functionality, providing a universal testing solution for various AOP device configurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the automated and normal testing of RF circuitry and antennas on AOP packages by allowing RF signals to be monitored through integrated circuit contacts, facilitating the evaluation of both transmit and receive paths without requiring special handling or additional steps.
Implementation Method 1
The transmit antenna is connected to RF circuitry which drives the transmit antenna with RF signals
Implementation Method 2
The receive antenna is connected to RF circuitry which receives RF signals from the transmit antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) loopback substrate or printed circuit board (PCB) which contains receive and transmit antennas located on the bottom of the loopback substrate which are aligned with the complementary transmit and receive antennas on an antenna on package (AOP) device under test. The loopback substrate receive and transmit antennas are coupled to each other. The device under test contacts are driven by a conventional tester, which causes RF circuitry in the integrated circuit to drive an AOP transmit antenna. The corresponding loopback substrate receive antenna receives the RF signal from the AOP transmit antenna and provides it to the loopback substrate transmit antennas. The integrated circuit package AOP receive antennas then receive the RF signals from the loopback substrate transmit antennas. The signals at the integrated circuit package AOP receive antennas are monitored through the integrated circuit contacts to monitor the received RF signals.