PCBA RF Test Requirements
Every RF PCB assembly must pass a quick go/no-go RF test before shipment. For matching networks, filters, and antenna assemblies, S-parameter measurement is the most comprehensive single-measurement verification. RF View on Android enables fast field-portable RF analysis alongside a portable VNA.
Test Setup
Equipment: Portable VNA (Copper Mountain, miniVNA, or NanoVNA for budget) Connected to PCBA test points via pogo pin fixture or SMA connectors For each board: 1. VNA measures S11 (and S21 if needed) → saves .s2p to USB or app 2. File transferred to Android → opened in RF View 3. Compare against golden reference .s2p (known-good board) 4. Pass/fail based on specification delta
Go/No-Go Criteria
| Parameter | Pass Criterion | RF View Check |
|---|---|---|
| S11 at f₀ | <−10 dB | Single marker at f₀ |
| Center frequency f₀ | f₀_spec ± 20 MHz | BW Marker reads f₀ |
| −10 dB bandwidth | Covers required band | BW Marker at −10 dB |
| vs Golden reference | ΔS11 < ±2 dB at f₀ | Delta marker: board vs golden |
Batch Test Documentation
At end of production day: 1. Load all tested boards .s2p files (e.g., 50 files) 2. Summary Export → CSV: one row per board with S11 at f₀, f₀, BW 3. Add board serial numbers to CSV 4. Flag rows where any spec exceeds limit 5. Export as production test record for quality system Failure analysis: Load failing boards alongside golden reference Overlay S11 → identify if failure is frequency shift (component drift), S11 depth (missing/wrong component), or resonance artifacts (layout issue)
RF View PCBA Testing: Load each board's VNA .s2p measurement, compare against golden reference with delta marker, and export test results to CSV. Portable, battery-powered RF test on Android. Free on Google Play.