Where reliability meets flexibility (continued)
A continuation of our interview with Christopher A. Beronio, global business leader, microwave products, W.L. Gore & Associates, which appeared in the February 2010 Viewpoint column.
Larry Maloney -- Test & Measurement World, 2/1/2010 7:00:00 AM
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A: We believe in the concept of Fitness for Use, so it is very important that our products do what we say they will do. A lot of customers contact us following experiences with competitive products that don't measure up to the data sheets. So, we do have environmental, mechanical, and electrical test labs across our production facilities in the US, the UK, Germany, and China.
We can do a variety of functional tests, ranging from RF testing through 110 GHz to EMI/EMC (electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility) tests in stirred-mode chambers. Our signal-integrity labs perform many different signal analysis tests on our products, and our mechanical tests include x-ray, pull, and flex life, just to name a few. We even perform some of these tests for our customers, particularly in demanding applications where we need to demonstrate our ability to meet specific parameters. In such instances, we often try to simulate the conditions under which the customer is going to use our products.
Q: In developing new technology, how much synergy is there between the cable product line and other Gore lines in electronics and materials?
A: There is a lot of synergy, not only within Gore but with our customers as well, during the R&D process so that we can develop products that bring them value. We also have synergies across our Gore sales teams and our distribution channel partners to make sure that they are bringing complementary products to customers. Examples would include pairing our test cables with our EMI shielding products, PCB (printed-circuit board) materials, or connectors. In addition, we have products where synergies occur between the cable and the materials used within the product, such as a low-loss PCB within a connector, special conductor technology, and expanded PTFE dielectrics. Finally, our cables really have synergy with many of the products that they are testing.
Q: To what extent does Gore partner with test instrument suppliers in marketing its cable products to test engineers?
A: We sell both to end users and to OEMs, such as manufacturers of automated test equipment. In the case of OEMs, our products complement high-performance test equipment, which is why it is so important to understand customer needs. For end users, we frequently develop customized solutions.
Q: Which applications dictate use of your PHASEFLEX test assemblies?
A: PHASEFLEX microwave test assemblies tend to be specified by customers who are very concerned about getting highly precise measurements and demand a high level of phase and amplitude stability. Typically, engineers are using these assemblies with spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, and probing stations. We also have non-outgassing versions for use in thermal vacuum chambers. In other applications, such as field test or flight-line testing, engineers need long-length assemblies. Other customers use these cables in harsh environments and on the factory floor where they might be manufacturing products like wireless components.
Read past Viewpoint columns at www.tmworld.com/viewpoint. |
A: Our application engineering teams provide valuable assistance all around the world, but we also offer online assistance as well. For example, the online Microwave/RF Assembly Builder is an interactive configurator for our microwave test assemblies. There's also a companion tool, the Ultra High Density Interconnect Builder, which greatly simplifies testing and hook-up time for engineers involved in high-volume circuit-board production. In addition, the online TLineSim Network Simulation Tool serves as a virtual test bench to help engineers choose from multiple signal sources-from pattern generators to vector network analyzers. They then view the output of the transmission line that they are simulating with an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer.
Q: With the growing interest in machine vision, what applications call for Gore's Camera Link high-flex cables?
A: This type of cable is specified particularly in applications where you have a very tight bend radius, typically less that 75 mm, as well as flex life requirements in the realm of 10 million cycles or greater. Engineers also specify the cable in applications that call for strict cleanliness requirements.
Q: What are some of your ancillary products that help make test setup easier?
A: A good example is the Gore Ultra High Density Interconnects, which marry our cabling, our termination, and our connector design to meet customer needs in the circuit board market. With test components getting smaller, we offer push-on connectors, such as the Gore 100 Series Connectors that target industry's need for increased packaging density, low mass, and increased performance at higher frequencies. We also offer Gore-Shield EMI Gaskets and Gore-Shield SMT grounding pads, often used by test houses and design engineers. In addition, we work with customers to create unique solutions, such as test adapters that help engineers hook up cables to multiple test ports on a product. All these solutions ease test setup.
Read the first part of this interview.
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