1.    What is RF Power engineering?

RF power engineering refers to the design of RF device, component and/or systems requiring the optimization of performance at high power (greater than 5 watts). RF power engineering thus involves the establishment of low impedances in a power range that is prone to self-heating and other non-linear effects.

2.    Who needs RF power engineering services?

RF power engineering services are applicable to any device, component, sub-system, or RF amplifier system provider who must confront difficulties associated with high power transistor, circuit, or system design/characterization. Organizations in need of RF power engineering services include OEMs, high tech start-ups, component manufacturers, and research institutions. These organizations represent a diverse group of industries and marketplaces, including wireless, pulsed radar, avionics, and broadcast TV.

3.    What makes dBm Engineering's lab different
       from my own engineering lab?

The dBm Engineering lab is a dedicated, state-of-the-art, enterprise-class RF power laboratory. For example, dBm's two complete Load Pull systems are dedicated for use with a broad range of known working configurations (e.g., W-CDMA vs. pulsed, etc.). Additionally, the dBm lab is equipped with a large array of custom fixturing, and includes an RF transistor and RF circuit prototyping capability in-house.

4.    What is meant by dBm Engineering's "RF design
       intelligence"?

Although dBm engineering offers specific service capabilities for each phase of the RF design process, dBm nonetheless employs a more broadly-based sort of "RF design intelligence." dBm's overall approach actually encompasses two distinct dimensions -- Along one axis, dBm Engineering solves problems dynamically, through the interplay of "design/simulation/measurement/modeling" for any given RF transistor, circuit, or RF amplifier design. At the same time, dBm also moves along another axis, resolving RF design process issues by grasping the interplay among the elements "die/package/circuit/amplifier."

For example, the design of an RF circuit might be impacted by an understanding of the client's high level design goals -- since there are numerous ways to achieve the required circuit performance, knowledge of the amplifier application may very well end up playing a pivotal role in the choice of circuit architecture. It can also happen that knowledge of semiconductor device physics impacts the RF circuit design -- measurement data at the circuit level might very well reveal the need for design iteration at the transistor level.

5.    How can dBm's RF design intelligence save me
       money and time, both in the short-term, and also
       in the long term?

dBm Engineering's RF power engineering services offer the prospective client both short term and long term benefits. In the short-term, dBm can provide the advanced test, simulation, and modeling methods needed to eliminate costly delays associated with less advanced methods. For the company that finds the cost of equipping and staffing a state-of-the-art RF power lab, dBm offers the opportunity for substantial capital cost savings. For larger companies and enterprises, dBm can offer help by absorbing over-capacity, and/or by providing a design check by a qualified, independent third party. In the long term, dBm can provide the critical product lifecycle design intelligence needed to ensure that a device or component going into volume production does not end up suffering from some sort of latent failure mechanism, with catastropic effects for the manufacturer.

6.    What business model options are there for dBm
       Engineering services?

• Hourly Services
  Typically, dBm submits a Statement of Work scoping the project, and deliverables for review and adjustment as necessary. The SOW would contain an estimate of total hours, charges, and expenses.
• Fixed Fee Services
  A well-defined project, such as a specific set of Load Pull tests, can be bid on a fixed fee basis. Typically, dBm submits a SOW scoping the project and deliverables for review and adjustment as necessary. The SOW would contain a fixed total of charges and expenses.
• Longer-Term Service Relationships
  Customers interested in regular services are invited to request further information about retainer, contract, and volume discount options.