Digital & Communication Technology
Improving wireless device reliability
By Phil Evans, business development director - connectivity (Northern Europe) at TÜV SÜD, a global product testing and certification organisation
I
n our increasingly connected world, wireless devices are becoming ever- present, and we expect seamless connectivity in diverse wireless environments. Over-the-air (OTA) testing is an invaluable process that ensures the reliability and performance of these technologies, particularly in time critical or safety dependent operations for multiple wireless communication sectors. This gives manufacturers and distributors of wireless devices the assurance that their products meet legal regulatory and industry performance requirements, but also that they are ready to enter the marketplace. OTA testing evaluates and validates transmitter and receiver antenna performance within wireless devices. It is a specialised testing method that evaluates the performance of wireless communication devices without the constraints of wired connections, enabling a real use assessment of a device’s capabilities. Unlike traditional testing approaches that involve cables with a direct connection to the device under test, OTA testing mimics real-world usage scenarios in a wireless environment, which includes reflections, interference, and varying signal strengths. OTA testing is therefore critical for evaluating the end-user experience, especially in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. As manufacturers can validate and refine the performance of their wireless devices in real-world scenarios, this ensures that the products meet stringent quality standards, regulatory requirements, and user expectations. This type of testing allows manufacturers to identify and address issues related to signal strength, interference, antenna design, and network compatibility. From initial measurements of the device under test, adjustments can be made to the antenna or antenna matching circuitry. The manufacturer can quickly see improvements
52 December/January 2025
device can transmit and receive signals wirelessly. Antenna performance: Measurement of an antenna’s gain and efficiency provides both designers and network operators with the information needed when planning for in service operation. Having a well-matched, efficient antenna can make a tangible difference in operating range and battery life which contribute to a better user experience. Radiated emissions: OTA testing checks if the device complies with regulatory limits for electromagnetic radiation ensuring it doesn't interfere with other wireless communication systems.
or degradation of performance. A vector network analyser available can be used to measure circuit impedances. This can help with confirming calculations of the antenna matching circuit and, being in close proximity to the test chamber, allows for adjustments to be made with results visible in quick time. This all contributes to the production of more reliable and efficient wireless products. Many industry standards and regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), GCF, and CTIA, require OTA testing for certification. OTA testing is also a regulatory requirement within the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU under Article 3.2. This states that: “radio equipment shall be so constructed that it both effectively uses and supports the efficient use of radio spectrum in order to avoid harmful interference”. Manufacturers must therefore ensure that the RF performance of their products meets the highest regulatory or industry standards. The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is applicable to all electrical and electronic devices that intentionally emit and receive radio waves at frequencies below 3000
Components in Electronics
GHz. When the UK was still part of the EU, the RED was transposed into UK National Law in the form of the Radio Equipment Regulations 2017. The UK Government also continues to recognise CE marking, as well as UKCA marking.
OTA testing is vital to ensure that wireless devices deliver the intended user experience with reliable connectivity and high performance. It also ensures product quality, as manufacturers can identify and rectify issues related to signal quality, antenna design, and interference. This leads to more reliable and robust wireless products being developed. Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and passive antenna measurements are performed with the products operating within designed parameters and evaluated against specified standards.
Key OTA tests include:
Wireless connectivity evaluation: OTA testing can be used to assess parameters such as signal strength, signal quality, and data transfer rates to assess how well a
OTA testing helps manufacturers comply with industry-specific standards and regulatory requirements set by organisations like the CTIA in the USA or the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) in Europe. Compliance with these global standards and regulations ensures that manufacturers’ products can be legally sold, and used safely without interfering with other devices.
As we continue to rely on wireless technologies for our everyday needs, OTA testing provides insights into a device’s ability to reliably operate and deliver the required performance in today’s highly used radio frequency environment. OTA testing is a crucial step in the development and certification of wireless devices, which enable us to stay seamlessly connected in an ever-evolving digital landscape. OTA testing is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about delivering the best possible user experience. So, the next time you use a wireless device or piece of wireless industrial equipment, it’s highly likely that its performance has been tuned and tested using an OTA chamber.
www.tuvsud.com/uk
www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
