EuMW2013:Obsolescence service targets RF/microwave components

The company is able to recreate parts with the same form, fit and function as an existing product, working either from  specifications, drawings and photographs or directly from a damaged part if the original design information has been lost. If the latter is the case, accurate measurements of the external and internal features of a product are entered into the CST Microwave Studio modelling program which enables Link to derive specifications such as operating frequency and return loss as well as working out the best way to fabricate the part.

Some RF and microwave components now in the field were originally produced by casting. Recreating them in this way would be uneconomical for just one or two units so the general approach is to machine them from solid aluminium followed by dip brazing.

Once the parts have been made they are fully tested up to 400GHz in Link's test and environmental laboratories, using if necessary specially designed and manufactured test fixtures. For high power products an in-house facility allows testing up to 200W CW over the frequency range of 7GHz to 16GHz. Each product is supplied with a full mechanical drawings, electrical layouts, test specifications and test results.

The new obsolescence service is available for individual components and complete systems comprising RF and microwave elements such as couplers, power dividers, waveguide, filters, terminations, rotary joints and semi-rigid cables, as well as electrical switching, fans and thermal control.