These are exciting times to be working in any field of engineering, but especially in the radio frequency (RF) industry. The modern economy simply cannot function without RF technology, and as we transition into a world of ever-faster mobile service, civilian and military space-based systems, and the Internet of Things (IoT), we’ll rely increasingly on microwave, low-frequency engineering.
With all the rapid change in the industry and advancements in RF tech, it’s going to be more important than ever to find a crystal oscillator manufacturer that follows the best practices that have guided RF engineers in the past and will continue to in the future.
In this article, we'll provide a basic overview of the RF technology best practices your crystal oscillator manufacturer should be following.
The term “best practices” is used in almost every professional field and has the same basic meaning regardless of the industry. Best practices can be defined as a method of performing a job or given task that is generally regarded as the most effective. The term also applies to methods that comply with ethical or legal requirements set in place by any relevant regulatory bodies.
Success in engineering requires respect for best practices, perhaps more so than most professions, as the consequences of failing to do so can be exceedingly expensive, and possibly dangerous, depending on the application. Best practices pertaining to engineering disciplines are referred to as Good Engineering Practice, or GEP, and are set by the IEEE Standards Association.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) sets standards pertaining to many fields of electrical engineering, but the ones we’re concerned with are those which deal with RF engineering and safety best practices. These include the IEEE 802 family of standards, IEEE C95.1–2005 (which sets standards for safe levels of human exposure to RF fields), and IEEE C95.3-1999 (which sets the measurement practices for radio frequency engineering).
Keeping best practices and quality management systems in mind will help you make the right choice when deciding which crystal oscillator manufacturer to work with.
Let’s say you’re in the market for low-frequency crystal oscillators. First, you'll need to research the company you’re considering. It isn’t enough for a company to serve the niche you are in, or to carry products that catch your eye.
Ask yourself: Are they in compliance with all IEEE standards and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations? Compliance with these industry requirements are minimum-level expectations that any provider of RF solutions you work with should be able to meet.
Take a look at their credentials and the quality management systems they use. This will help you make sure they employ best practices that meet industry standards.
Related: 3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Crystal Oscillator Manufacturer
At Bliley, we take pride in setting the highest standards for crystal oscillators and all other RF solutions we provide. We embrace the Six Sigma methodology and our ISO 9001-certfied quality management system ensures that our best practices are the best in the industry. Our business philosophy is rooted in the continuous improvement mindset outlined in Lean Manufacturing practices.
Related: Learn About Our Certifications & How Continuous Improvement and Quality is in Our DNA
Quality shouldn't be limited to engineering. To us, quality means building relationships with customers throughout the design process and continuing to offer exceptional customer support after the sale is made.
Since 1930, we’ve been leading the way in crystal oscillator design and frequency control innovation. Reach out to us today to learn more about the markets we serve and how we can provide the highest quality RF solutions for your business.
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