Automatic Tuners10MHz – 140GHz
Focus manufactures electro-mechanical wideband and harmonic Impedance Tuners since 1989.
An impedance tuner is an apparatus, which generates controllable reflection factor (Impedance) over a certain frequency range. Focus uses two basic technologies:
a) For frequencies from 100MHz to 110GHz (and above) we use the slide screw technique (models Multi Harmonic MPT, wideband (fundamental) CCMT, harmonic rejection PHT), in which a reflective probe (slug) is inserted into the slot of a low loss slotted transmission line (slabline or waveguide).
b) For frequencies from below 10MHz to 170MHz we use a lumped element technology (models LFT), whereby variable capacitors are connected with optimized lengths of coaxial cable.
All Focus tuners use extremely efficient calibration and tuning algorithms and control electronics based on LAN control (iTuner). This is a merger of our proven tuner technology with state of the art control electronics to create the latest tuner generation. The on-board micro-processor and tuning firmware form a self-contained and fully calibrated test instrument. The micro-processor inside the tuner accepts ASCII format communication, via an industry standard TCP/IP interface, controls up to nine stepper motors (tuner axes) and executes interpolation and tuning functions for single probe (CCMT) tuners (one probe per frequency range). For tuners with more than one independent probe (MPT) covering the same frequency range to allow for harmonic tuning, external computing power is required, because of the exponentially growing number of combinations of tuner states (slug positions).
Additionally, micro-stepping motor control allows acceleration-deceleration of tuner carriages and virtually eliminates tuner vibration, making the iTuner electronics the ideal solution for on-wafer measurements.
