How do I compare multi-station test equipment on total cost of test rather than price?
Do not compare unit prices. Start from the UPH you need, apply a measured parallel test efficiency, and derive the number of stations and the floor space required. Then total the cost of test: depreciation, labour, floor space, maintenance and consumables, and the cost of escapes and rework. Compare an integrated multi-position station against several single stations over the full life cycle. Parallel test efficiency and availability are the two parameters that move station count most, so use measured values rather than nominal ones.
Key points
- Derive station count from required UPH, not from the price list
- Total cost of test includes labour, floor space, maintenance, and rework
- Parallel test efficiency and availability dominate the station count
- Integrated stations save floor space and handling; single stations offer granularity
- Use measured efficiency from a pilot run, not a nominal multiplier
Products this applies to
Near-Field Coupling Matrix Antenna
A near-field coupling antenna array with an integrated RF switch and eight cross-polarised antenna p…
Dual-Position Drawer RF Shield Test Station
A self-contained test station combining two drawer-type shielded cavities, an instrument bay, and an…
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Send the device details and the measurement you need to make. We will confirm which specifications are fixed and which need verification on your sample.
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