RPF Technical Services

Problem:

Client ‘A’, an OEM predominantly supplying to the military market, had a requirement for two high power amplifier modules, covering specific frequency bands, to be designed for a Customer. They lacked the in-house resource to design the product themselves or effect all the necessary pre-production criteria and testing that was required. They only had a few solid specification parameters and were (understandably) vague about the end use.

Solution:

By working closely with the Client, listening to their ideas, asking pointed questions and taking careful note of the answers received, we were able to tailor a solution from our clear understanding of their requirements. The design process then commenced. By using our in-house expertise and capability, we established that we could design one amplifier module to cover the entire bandwidth. Following extensive investigation within our in-house testing suite, our Client was now given the option of one module to cover the entire bandwidth or two as originally specified. The Client expressed their delight at what we had achieved and were so pleased by the result that they opted for the one module to cover all the frequencies required.

All through the design process, the Client was kept informed of progress with regular reports and invited to make comments and ask questions along the way.
When the main design was completed, a prototype was built and taken to the Client by the lead engineer. This gave the Client the opportunity of testing the prototype, and, having our engineer on-site at the same time, enabled them to ask relevant questions regarding performance issues. The feedback obtained was invaluable and the design was enhanced further to ensure all the Client’s requirements were incorporated. The enhanced prototype was again taken to the Client for final approval.

With approval being granted, pre-production commenced. Again, the Client was kept fully informed. When this stage was complete, the pre-production amplifiers were delivered to the Client along with all the relevant design documentation and test results.

Result:
To date, we have manufactured 120 units of full production quality amplifier modules and none have failed in the field. 
Since completion of this original requirement, our Client has placed further design work with us.