NTS conducts wireless RF regulatory testing as well as RF immunity testing under its EMC/EMI capabilities. Also, we are capable of RF data record/playback in our RFR series of systems designed to support RF testing in applications where the source signal is not readily available in the lab where units must be tested.
- RF testing— These tests are designed to verify a device-under-test’s performance under various spectrum conditions. Tests can be executed as a single suite or individually.
- Custom specification— NTS also has the capabilities to develop and execute test suites to test devices for proprietary manufacturer specifications. The Physical Layer Laboratory at NTS’s facility has extensive experience in physical layer analysis for most communication technologies available today. Thus, customized RF parametric suites are available in order to facilitate successful and timely product release.
In addition, NTS can cover a wide range of ad-hoc mode and infrastructure mode tests, including throughput, media streaming, power management, roaming, and security (WEP, WPA, WPA2, etc.). NTS also performs flat channel and multipath testing.
Our RF Testing Capabilities
RF testing is performed in a shielded, isotropic reverberation chamber in which boundary conditions can be randomized using a paddle or tuner. These chambers give the tester the option of stirring the field in one of two ways:
- Mode tuned RF testing involves stepping the paddle into position and applying RF for a dwell time long enough to test the equipment.
- Mode stirred testing involves applying RF energy for a full paddle revolution, causing it to turn continually.
Many of our testing labs feature anechoic chambers of varying sizes and specifications. To determine which lab is best equipped to handle the needs of your specific project, contact NTS today.
Benefits of RF Testing in a Reverberation Chamber
There are numerous advantages to performing RF testing in a shielded reverberation chamber. Testing in these conditions allows all sides of the device under test to be exposed to RF, fulfilling the requirements for direct illumination testing necessary for compliance with many regulatory standards. In addition, constantly changing field intensities eliminates the need for window effects testing, and repeatability is improved.
Reverb testing is the preferred method for flight critical avionics devices, as stated in SAE ARP 5583 guidelines. It is also useful for any large or complex system requiring verification of RF immunity.
Check our our Quick Guide to Reverberation Testing.
Contact NTS for More Information
Whatever your specific RF testing requirements, NTS can help. For more than 50 years, we have been simplifying the QA and certification processes for businesses across a wide spectrum of industries. We are a valued partner to defense contractors, telecommunications manufacturers and more. RF testing is only one aspect of our capabilities — with a number of labs located across the country, we can determine the set of processes that’s right for your business and expedite testing to help you get your product to market faster.