People should be grateful for living in the 21st century. We do not want to say that everything in today’s world is perfect. However, technology is improving every day and that is something we can all agree on. Thanks to technology, we got many new inventions that make our lives easier. Despite that, technology demands that we get familiar with a different type of modern services. That is the reason why we would like to talk about RF testing services. We will talk about everything you should know about that type of service.
Before Everything – What Is RF Testing?
For those that do not know, RF stands for radiofrequency. However, understanding radio frequency is a more difficult part. In short terms, it is every type of frequency inside the electromagnetic spectrum that is somehow connected with radio wave propagation. In most cases, the radio frequency is supplied on an antenna. Each time when that happens, we get a new electromagnetic field. That type of electromagnetic field can propagate through space. Almost every type of Wi-Fi technology functions in that way.
When we talk about RF testing, we should expand the explanation to make things clear. People often want to check the radio broadcast frequency. In that way, they can confirm that they are using the space inside the electromagnetic spectrum properly.
That would mean that all the radio waves are not interfering with each other inside the air space. Fortunately, that is something you can check with RF testing.
These tests cover different types of broadcasts. As we said, one of them is Wi-Fi technology, but it is not the only one. It also covers different cellular devices, GPS technology, PMR radio, and many other things. The effectiveness of radio broadcasts is not the only reason why people are going through RF testing stages.
You must check that and ensure that you are not breaking the law. Compliance with frequency is a law standard that all people need to respect.
RF Testing Vital for Manufacturers
RF becomes an especially relevant process if you are the manufacturer of the devices. Despite that, the same rule counts for people that are using these devices in different products and services. We will use cellular providers to confirm that statement.
All of them have to comply with the RF standards by the law. There are no exceptions and the same rule counts for all the markets. Breaking the law can bring you additional issues in life. Because of that, we are sure that accomplishing RF testing is not going to be a problem for you.
It is not only important to complete the tests. You also need to be sure completed tests are applicable to the market where you operate. Indeed, all markets have a particular set of rules and standards. However, they are not always going to be the same. If something is legal in one country, that doesn’t mean it will be in some other one.
What Does RF Testing Cover?
The approach of the tests will cover different aspects of the device you are testing. For instance, in some cases, you will manage to test transmitter and receiver, sensitivity, output power, blocking, etc. Despite that, you need to understand that standards directly influence the way how the RF testing will be done.
How Does the Entire Process Look?
The entire process will probably seem simple in theory. However, in reality, you need to be an expert to complete it adequately. Anyway, the first thing people should do is isolating the device.
The purpose of the isolated area is to control and minimize all the electromagnetic interference. After that, the experts start to monitor the device closely to ensure all the emissions that couple potentially interfere with the operation of other devices in the isolated area.
There is another way how people can complete the process. The experts will often want to check the so-called RF immunity. Thanks to that process, people can check the ability of the device to handle any other interference that comes from other devices.
What Does RF Testing Actually Look For?
Let’s make the entire process more understandable for beginners. The purpose of the testing is to ensure that the products do not break the law. In other words, they have to be within certain guidelines for emission strength and wavelengths.
The problem people can potentially deal with is known as attenuation. It is a concept that refers to bad quality signal strength. In most cases, something that happens because of the signal obstruction. Different physical barriers from nature usually lead to loss of signal strength. For instance, let’s use an example that happens all the time. The signal of your Wi-Fi is not the same in your bathroom and living room. The wall or two between those two rooms is probably responsible for that situation.
Still, a physical barrier is not the only thing that you will have to deal with. The same issue occurs when two signals interfere with each other. More precisely, that means that two different signals are using the same frequency and wavelength. Thanks to these testings, people will ensure that these problems do not happen often. Of course, avoiding them completely is not something you could manage to do.
Should I Hire Experts to Complete the RF Testing?
If you have the necessary equipment, and if you know how to do it, there is no reason to do that. However, if you are not an engineer, collaborating with experts is going to be mandatory.
There are many companies like Custom Microwave where you can ask for the necessary help. We are sure that you now understand why something like that is essential for you.
Final Thought
Don’t get upset if you still do not understand what Radio Frequency testing is. Keep in mind that you are not the only one in this world that has the same problem. It is a complex process that usually requires the assistance of experts in that field. Of course, you can once again read this article and try to improve your knowledge even more. However, if you still struggle to understand everything, collaborating with professional companies will save you time. Despite that, it will also protect you from breaking the law.
