Measurable manufacturing quality criteria of an 8 – 12 GHz coupling loop

Abstract

This bachelor`s thesis provides a clear and systematic understanding of the quality criteria governing the manufacturing of an 8 – 12 GHz coupling loop – a MW component that finds application in devices such as cavity resonators. This research is part of an ongoing one at LUT University, investigating RF and MW components from various viewpoints, with the current thesis`s viewpoint being quality assurance. This study emphasizes the importance of Quality Assurance (QA) in RF/MW component production, particularly for high-frequency applications where small deviations can lead to significant performance degradation, and goes through the factors that significantly impact the component's performance, providing clear guidelines for controlling those factors. This includes identifying critical quality characteristics such as dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and material properties. A triangulation research method was applied, incorporating literature review, an expert interview, and technical documentation, combined with a visual representation of the geometric and dimensional tolerances of the device.