In response to heterogeneous integrated RF front-end modules for emerging wireless communication technologies like 5G and autonomous driving, Antenna in Package (AiP) has become one of the focuses of the advanced sealing and testing industry. However, it is not easy to integrate all the high-frequency components together with the base-band circuitry into a module while the test validation for this complex 'package' is also an issue, e.g. it always takes time to change adaptors, measurement settings, remove fixture factors, etc. Also, correlating the measurement data with end customers worldwide is also important.

ASE, a worldwide provider of semiconductor manufacturing services in assembly and test, successfully used Keysight’s PNA-based solutions, including S93007B Automatic Fixture Removal and S93460B True-Mode Stimulus, to develop a leading edge AiP measurement system and improve testing efficiency. This enabled ASE to accelerate commercial readiness of AiP development and validation services.

“We’re excited to collaborate with ASE to help engineering teams characterize, understand, integrate, and deploy this new technology as 5G and autonomous driving continue to evolve,” said Joe Rickert, vice president of high frequency measurement R&D, at Keysight Technologies.

The frequency of Keysight PNA and PNA-X network analyzer starts from 900Hz and can be extended up to 1.5 THz. Offering best-in-class measurement integrity and high repeatability helps customers transform advanced designs into competitive products. The S93460B integrated true-mode stimulus application (iTMSA) provides mismatch-corrected true differential and true common stimulus and enables accurate balanced measurements under real operating conditions. The S93007B adds a powerful application wizard to guide you through characterizing a fixture and removing it from the measurement.

“The cutting-edge hardware and intuitive application software of Keysight’s PNA-based solution can efficiently characterize active and passive components and simplify setups from hours to minutes,” said CP Hung, vice president of ASE Corporate R&D. “Keysight PNA-based solution delivers the stability, repeatability, and reproducibility to dramatically reduce workloads and ensure the accuracy of measurement data for our customers worldwide.”