Link Microtek, based in England, has introduced a new design and production service aimed at customers who need to source replacements for RF or microwave components that have become obsolete but are still critical to present operations.
With many years’ experience in RF and microwave engineering, 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.
In these instances, accurate measurements of the external and internal features of a product are entered into the CST Microwave Studio modelling program, which enables Link Microtek to derive specifications such as operating frequency and return loss, as well as working out the best way to fabricate the part.
For example, some RF and microwave components now in the field were originally produced by casting, but recreating them in this way would be uneconomical for only 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 then fully tested at up to 40 GHz in Link Microtek’s own test and environmental laboratories, if necessary using specially designed and manufactured test fixtures. For high-power products, an in-house facility allows testing at up to 200 W CW over the frequency range 7 – 16 GHz. Each product is supplied with full mechanical drawings, electrical layouts, test specifications and test results.
The new obsolescence service is available not only for individual components but also for complete systems comprising RF and microwave elements such as couplers, power dividers, waveguides, filters, terminations, rotary joints and semi-rigid cables, as well as electrical switching, fans and thermal control.
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version