Abstract: A method for controlling electronics across an RF barrier is disclosed. The method comprises a serial data control method that requires a limited number of signals passing through an RF barrier and does not require a free running clock. This method uses a processor with an associated serial data control bus that is located external to the RF chamber. An address dependent form of the serial bus passes through an interface to the RF cavity. The processor uses the serial bus to control electronics inside the RF cavity. The control method uses a minimum number of signals passing through the interface to the RF cavity, thereby preserving the RF isolation of the RF cavity from the external environment.

Abstract: A system, designed to interact electronically with an RF device, is able to test many types of RF devices and is operable to apply a variety of test inputs to an RF device. The RF device, located within a nest inside an RF enclosure, interacts with the system via a nest electronics component. The nest electronics component, located within the RF enclosure and coupled to a nest interface component and a fixture interface component, supplies power and input test signals to the RF device. The nest electronics component may be configured to interact with a particular RF device, which allows the RF enclosure to used with different types of RF devices. The arrangement of these components allows control and measurement of the RF device to be located as close to it as possible and also allows functionality not required within the RF enclosure to be externally located.

Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for modifying the operation of a fixturing device without the requirement to change the fixture's firmware or control software. The method uses a macro language that describes the operation of the fixture, and control software that maps hardware resources to logical descriptors. The hardware state of the fixture is monitored and changes in state are logged as events. The fixture firmware responds to these events by autonomously triggering the execution of a pre-stored macro. This event-driven approach provides the flexibility to operate the fixture without the use of controlling software. It is also possible to trigger the execution of a macro through the use of one or more commands external to the fixturing device.

Abstract: A method for controlling electronics across an RF barrier is disclosed. The method comprises a serial data control method that requires a limited number of signals passing through an RF barrier and does not require a free running clock. This method uses a processor with an associated serial data control bus that is located external to the RF chamber. An address dependent form of the serial bus passes through an interface to the RF cavity. The processor uses the serial bus to control electronics inside the RF cavity. The control method uses a minimum number of signals passing through the interface to the RF cavity, thereby preserving the RF isolation of the RF cavity from the external environment.

Abstract: A system, designed to interact electronically with an RF device, is able to test many types of RF devices and is operable to apply a variety of test inputs to an RF device. The RF device, located within a nest inside an RF enclosure, interacts with the system via a nest electronics component. The nest electronics component, located within the RF enclosure and coupled to a nest interface component and a fixture interface component, supplies power and input test signals to the RF device. The nest electronics component may be configured to interact with a particular RF device, which allows the RF enclosure to used with different types of RF devices. The arrangement of these components allows control and measurement of the RF device to be located as close to it as possible and also allows functionality not required within the RF enclosure to be externally located.