Antenna testing and wireless certification

What's next?

If you have implemented a cellular antenna within your device, your device may require certification.

You will find below some helpful guidance and advice on how you can go about the certification process and where Antenova can help.

What certifications will your device need?

PTCRB

In the US.

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PTCRB approval is required for LTE devices in North America.

CE Mark

In the EU.

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European and some non-European nations accept the CE Mark as a technical conformity with health and safety regulation.

FCC

In the US.

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FCC authorisation is required for devices marketed or imported into the United States.

Regional certification

For any device.

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Every market will have unique requirements for devices launching.

What is over-the-air testing?

Over-the-air testing is an essential element of any successful project and can help projects avoid costly delays. Over-the-air tests seek to provide manufacturers with a representative view of how a device will perform in the ‘wild’. The tests identify the impact of noise and detuning, the quality of the RF impedance matching and efficiency. RSE, TIS and efficiency are just three of the measures that carriers will assess.

Anechoic testing facilities are ideal to run these tests. In addition, the use of phantom body equipment can be used to truly assess the impact upon performance that users will have on handheld and wearable devices. For more information about OTA testing, download our guide ‘What is over-the-air testing?’

What is over-the-air testing?

Whitepaper

Pre-compliance testing

Pre-compliance testing is the best way to ensure a device passes all relevant certifications first time. Even for devices using Bluetooth or WLAN, testing can be worthwhile to diagnose potential performance issues before they manifest themselves. It is vital this is conducted as early into a project as possible. By identifying issues early on, it avoids the need to delay and/or redesign elements of the product to enable effective performance.

Total Radiated Power (TRP)

TRP measures the overall power efficiency of the antenna.

Radiated Spurious Emissions (RSE)

RF energy radiated at erroneous frequencies is a waste of energy.

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

SAR tests the absorption of material nearby an antenna, including casing materials, and human skin if a handheld device.

The roadmap to certification

1

Identify certification requirements

Mobile network operator approvals are essential for all devices using the cellular radio spectrum. The exact requirements differ per carrier and per market. For example, in the US, passing standards are more stringent than other regions.

2

Pre-certification testing

Cellular network approval can cost tens of thousands of dollars per submission. A device that fails must be resubmitted, so pre-certification testing is essential.

3

Certification

Depending on the certification requirements, devices will need to undergo comprehensive testing. This can involve checking over-the-air performance, battery performance, cybersecurity, interoperability, hardware reliability and compatibility.

4

Launch

Testing a device early on can help save time and money further down the line. Submitting a device for certification shouldn’t represent a risk – pre-certification testing can give you an accurate indication as to whether the device will pass or not.

RF DESIGN REVIEW

Anechoic testing by Antenova

Antenova can provide help and guidance on testing, including initial Gerber file reviews and passive testing. We also have a number of partners who can provide full network certification.

Get in Touch
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