Facilities

Softronics Ltd. is based in a 3200 square foot concrete block building in Marion, Iowa, USA.  The building contains an office area, lab and manufacturing bench spaces, a machine shop, a conference room, and two high bay areas ideal for vehicle integration.  The larger area accommodates is equipped with a 14 foot overhead door capable of holding a semi-tractor and trailer.

Our office area has a WINDOWS 2000 based network, connected to a high speed cable internet connection and a variety of  printers.  Our system hosts the latest application software for graphics, IC design, printed circuit design, circuit simulation, and general office support.

The ESD-protected electronics laboratory features modern Hewlett Packard, Tektronix, and other brand name test equipment to support our engineering work. All equipment is maintained in current calibration.  Our test equipment complement includes:

·        Oscilloscopes:  Tektronix TDS684B, TDS540s, 2246s

·        Spectrum Analyzers:  HP 8594E (2.9 GHz),  spectrum analyzer with tracking signal generator with plotter; HP 8560A (22 GHz); HP 8566A (22 GHz); HP 8563E (26 GHz) low noise measurement system

·       Signal Generators:  HP 8640s (1 GHz), 8672s (18 GHz), Gigatronics 600s, 610s (8 GHz)

    Network analyzer:  HP 8753C/85046A (2.9 GHz) network analyzer with plotter

·       HP 4342A Q-meter

    HP 4193A vector impedance meter

    HP 8081A, 8012B, 8130 pulse generators

·       HP 436A/8481D RF power meter (26 GHz)

    HP 5343A universal frequency counter (26 GHz)

    HP power supplies of various voltage/current ratings

    Fluke digital voltmeters

·       HP 334A distortion analyzers

·       HP 652A, 200CDs audio oscillators

    Thermotron S-4H-LN2 temperature chamber, 4 cubic feet, -77 to +177 degrees C

    8-channel thermocouple logging system (PC-based)

    Large assortment of RF loads, terminations, attenuators, etc.

    State-of-the-art computer aided design resources including:

-    MicrowaveOffice high frequency simulation and layout CAD software and trained personnel

-    Eagleware printed circuit board design/layout software and trained personnel

-    ANSYS mechanical and thermal analysis software and trained personnel

-    Alibre mechanical CAD software with direct digital NC fabrication output, and trained personnel

-    Matlab system and circuit simulation software and trained personnel

Our bench equipment includes multiple Metcal soldering stations including surface mount accessories, a Bausch and Lomb stereo microscope, and all necessary hand tools.

The machine shop is equipped for complete build of small mechanical assemblies, and includes:

• Lathe (10” bed, 7” swing)
• Vertical mill, Tormach, 18 x 9 x 6 inch swing
• Metal cutting bandsaw
• Drill presses
• Bench grinders
• Cutoff saw
• Wire, stick welders
• Jeweler's welder
• Microtorch (brazing)

Larger parts and assemblies are subcontracted to local machine shops as required.

The outdoor antenna range features an Electro Metrics 6917B-1 biconicalog antenna, with remotely rotatable polarization, and an elevation/azimuth rotary platform.  Microwave measurements utilize a 2-18 GHz double ridged horn antenna. 

© Softronics Ltd. 2006.  Contact Webmaster with questions/comments at bobs@softronicsltd.com

Page last updated:  10 November 2007