Taking on the RF challenge

An exclusive interview with a technical leader.

By Larry Maloney, Contributing Editor -- Test & Measurement World, 3/1/2011 12:00:00 AM

PAUL GENOVA CEO Wireless Telecom Group Parsippany, NJ Paul Genova joined Wireless Telecom Group in 2003 as CFO and was appointed CEO in November 2009. From 1994 to 2002, he served as CFO with Wilson Logistics, a supply-chain-management and industrial-services firm. Prior to that, Genova worked for the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm as a senior audit manager with global manufacturing companies. He earned his New York State CPA certificate in 1983 and holds a BS degree in accounting from Manhattan College. Contributing editor Larry Maloney conducted a phone interview with Paul Genova on new test solutions for fast-growing RF applications. Paul Genova answers more questions about RF test and measurement technology in the continuation of this interview. Read past "Viewpoint" columns.

Q: What are some key test issues arising from high data-transmission rates?
A: Demand for faster transmission rates affects devices ranging from USB memory sticks and hard drives to computers, smartphones, and satellite systems. Data rates in such devices are magnitudes faster than they were just a couple years ago. All high-speed serial-data components must work together, regardless of manufacturer or how these components are combined in a device. With these higher transmission speeds, the physical signal streams look more like a transmitted RF signal, rather than a digital system with clean, rectangular 1's and 0's. Our Noisecom business unit offers products like our CNG-EbNo signal-to-noise generators that optimize RF modulation schemes for maximum data-transfer capabilities and also ensure the quality of RF receivers and amplifiers.

Q: What other tools does Noisecom provide to address RF test challenges?
A: Our jitter test systems, such as the J7000, help test engineers develop new technologies and ensure that products leave the factory performing at their intended level of reliability. These testers add precise amounts of white noise to the signal stream to measure compatibility with the specific eye-diagram parameters. These signals drive devices under test to their full capabilities, as specified by compliance standards.

Q: What is driving the growth of 60-GHz wireless applications?
A: The 60-GHz frequency band provides channel bandwidths that are magnitudes larger than those of even emerging 4G technologies and is suitable for applications that require very high data rates over a short distance. These 60-GHz channels offer up to 5 GHz of bandwidth, allowing ultra-high data-transmission rates without the need for complex modulation schemes. For example, these bandwidths are required for home media centers that offer a crystal-clear HDTV experience. The 60-GHz technology is wireless, so the Wi-Fi Alliance and WiGig Alliance are looking to use this band for applications requiring data rates in the gigabytes-per-second range. Noisecom has developed a precision noise figure test set for what we believe will be an expanding market for 60-GHz devices.

Q: Your company began in 1985 with noise source devices for military applications. Is defense still a focus?
A: Defense will always be an important part of our business. Soldiers rely on our equipment for communications, maintenance of RF equipment, and signal impairment like jamming. Our new $1.5 million contract with the US Navy is a good example. The Navy was looking for a high-performance peak-power measurement system to calibrate radar test sets, tactical navigation test sets, and RF and microwave signal generators. Reliability was essential, because there is no service center at sea. Our solution met all the requirements.

Q: What areas present the greatest growth opportunities?
A: We see significant opportunities in wireless network infrastructure, especially the in-building and outdoor distributed-antenna-system segment, but also in new technologies embracing both test and manufacturing of broadband telecommunications devices. Although our products primarily measure physical parameters, we benefit from the introduction of new technologies, such as 4G wireless, HDTV, and the 802.11 standard for wireless LAN. These technologies require new components to be developed and manufactured, and they also require new communications infrastructure. Ultimately, that means that engineers will need to invest in new test-and-measurement equipment.

Read the continuation of this interview.