1. Purpose and scope
RF validation is measurement-led. A digital chip is brought up by running software on it; an RF chip is characterised by measuring it against its specification with calibrated instruments, at every band, power level, supply and temperature that matters. The results become the datasheet, the reference for production test limits, and the evidence that the models used in design were right.
Measurements at radio frequencies are only meaningful at a defined reference plane. Cables, connectors, probes, pads and board traces all add loss, delay and mismatch, and a vector network analyser measures them together with the part unless they are calibrated out. This stage therefore starts with calibration and fixture characterisation, applies the de-embedding method chosen at tape-out, and only then compares results with post-layout simulation. Correlation between measurement and model is a formal result of the stage, recorded in a report, because every later design that reuses the models depends on it.
The stage opens at first silicon, when parts and a ready bench are available, and ends when measurement and model correlation is complete and engineering samples can go to lead customers.
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