Article: Software Shapes Next-Generation RF Instrumentation

By Mike Millhaem, Keithley Instruments, Inc.

The growth of RF technology in the wireless communication industry over the past few years has been astonishing. This year alone, more than 850 million cellular phones will be manufactured and sold around the globe. As production volumes rise, test engineers are being challenged to increase their test throughput and decrease their cost of test. The rapid development of new standards also requires new sourcing and measurement capabilities.