RF test systems; what are they?
As radiofrequency technology has improved over time and it is now more important than ever. RF test systems are designed to check whether the RF spectrum the device has been designed for is being used effectively and not interfere with others.
Bit error rate testers (Bert) or sampling oscilloscopes are used to assess inline components for signal strength, gain and throughput. In addition to these, in-line testing equipment can assess and isolate bad components and connections.
Mobile and wireless communications measuring equipment are used to assess the product in the greater context of the network they are supposed to operate in. These help with the design and development of new technologies and aid the production and installation of such solutions. These technologies include, base station analyzers, Bluetooth and WLAN analyzers, antenna and cable analyzers, conformance test systems, passive intermodulation analyzers, shield boxes, and base station simulators.
Optical measuring instruments are more related to networks that use RF components and include OTDRs, optical loss testing equipment and optical spectrum analyzers. In a sense these devices perform a similar set of tests as wireless communications measuring equipment however with optical technology.
RF microwave measuring instruments typically include power meters and sensors. Some use thermal sensors and pulse analyzer circuits.
Signal generators are a key component for RF test equipment solutions as they help to control the input into the system, allowing you to accurately assess the response and challenges that the system may be having. Alternatively, they are useful during the certification process of the RF based product.
Signal or spectrum analyzers are used to conduct assessment of the waveform and challenges that need to be rectified in the design of the product. For instance, if the design is optimized for band A but fails to provide an adequate waveform for others, meaning that while the product may work, it may not be utilizing its full capability.
RF test equipment solutions
While there are hundreds of different pieces of equipment that you could purchase for testing and optimizing your design it makes sense to find and use specialists that already have labs and experience to test everything for you. While it can make sense to outsource if you are a smaller company with tighter margins, it can also be useful to get key pieces of equipment for inhouse testing and grow your RF test equipment solutions as the business grows. This way some of the most common smaller tests could be carried out in house to save money and relying on outsourcing for bigger studies. This balance can be useful for iterative product design and allow for 3rd parties that are accredited to test and certify against regulatory requirements and reduce the businesses liability should a product harm anyone.
Who do you need to contact?
If you are outsourcing work or need a 3rd party to assess your product for regulatory compliance then where do you go? Each country will have different requirements and as such it makes sense to get the product certificated by local RF test equipment solutions specialists. To do this you will need to talk to a RF company representative first in each region. They will have contacts for other companies and services used for manufacturing in the region that also can be leveraged and as such a real necessity during NPIs. These representatives will know where the best RF test systems and specialists are for your particular product. They will have years of experience in the RF product manufacturing market and know everyone you need. In most places where manufacturing takes place these representatives are typically family businesses and ties are very strong between everyone they know. Unlike western ‘careers’ that can vary significantly over time most representatives are taught by their parents and skills passed on from an early age to one day take up the family business.
