Automatic Fixture Removal (AFR) is an intuitive software plug-in that is used to accurately measure hard-to-access devices, such as SMD-sized components mounted on a fixture by de-embedding the fixture effects. The AFR VNA software plug-in enables the measurement of a wide range of components through comprehensive methods tailored to specific fixture properties. It can be used for manufacturing and production facilities as well as for component testing.
The AFR software moves the calibration plane towards hard-to-access DUTs and guides the de-embedding process using either time-gating, filtering, or bisect methods on a 2-port 2xThru or 1xReflect fixture. These methods provide the user with better measurement accuracy and reliability based on the components being tested. The AFR software plug-in is easy to use and is compatible with all CMT 2- and 4-port Cobalt series VNAs up to 20 GHz and Compact series two-port, two-path VNAs up to 44 GHz.
During this webinar, we briefly demonstrate this using the software plug-in with the different methods available for de-embedding fixture effects. For more information about method selection, please read this application note.