Overview
IEC 61338-4:2005 - "Waveguide type dielectric resonators – Part 4: Sectional specification" is a sectional standard that defines the preferred ratings, characteristics, tests and general performance requirements for waveguide-type dielectric resonators. It applies to both custom-built products and standard catalogue items whose quality is assessed by capability approval. The standard references the measurement and test methods in IEC 61338-1 and sets the information to be included in detailed product specifications.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and applicability: Covers waveguide dielectric resonators as custom or catalogue items; emphasizes capability-based quality assessment.
- Preferred ratings & characteristics: Recommends selecting values from the preferred lists in IEC 61338-1 for detail specifications.
- Detail specification content: Requires outline drawings, dimensions (metric), marking, ordering information and any additional non-inspection data (e.g., circuit diagrams).
- Capability approval: Describes the process for manufacturer eligibility, preparation of a capability manual, and the responsibilities of the National Standards Institute (NSI).
- Capability Qualifying Components (CQCs): Defines selection and use of CQCs to demonstrate manufacturing and process capability across the declared boundaries.
- Quality and process control: Requires flow charts, material lists, process declarations, permitted rework loops, inspection points and maintenance procedures for capability approval.
- Testing and inspection: Refers to test plans and measuring methods (e.g., sintering, electrode deposition, resonator and climatic performance, humidity, ageing, mechanical endurance, soldering heat resistance) and mandates the tests to be stated in each detail specification.
- Maintenance & surveillance: Includes requirements for initial approval testing, periodic maintenance of capability approval, rework/repair rules, screening and quality conformance inspection.
Practical applications
- Ensures consistent performance and traceability for microwave frequency dielectric resonators used in oscillators, filters and other RF subsystems.
- Provides a framework for suppliers to demonstrate manufacturing capability and for buyers to specify product acceptance criteria.
- Helps test laboratories, quality managers and procurement teams define and verify manufacturing process limits, inspection plans and product test suites.
Who should use this standard
- Manufacturers of waveguide-type dielectric resonators seeking IECQ/NSI capability approval.
- Design engineers and product managers writing detail specifications for dielectric resonators.
- Quality assurance engineers, test labs and procurement professionals verifying supplier capability and product conformity.
Related standards
- IEC 61338-1: Generic specification (test & measurement methods)
- IEC 61338-2: Guidelines for oscillator and filter applications
- IEC 61338-1-3: Measurement of complex relative permittivity at microwave frequency
- QC 001002-3 and QC 001005 (IECQ rules and registry)