Manual testing of typical TX and RX parameters

A range of typical transmitter and receiver parameters need to be tested to ensure compliance with the essential requirements covered in article 3.2 of the RED. While turnkey test systems perform all test requirements automatically, each transmitter and receiver parameter can also be tested manually.

Rohde & Schwarz offers a wide range of suitable signal generators to generate, for example, the main and interfering signals as well as signal analyzers that offer realtime functionality. Some tests require additional test instruments and accessories such as filters, combiners and attenuators.

ETSI Recommendation EG 201 399 lists the typical radio transmitter and receiver parameters required for radio equipment. In general, the RED addresses receiver and transmitter parameters in a more balanced way than the R&TTE Directive.

Examples of how to perform such parameter tests with Rohde & Schwarz test instruments will be added soon. Check this site frequently or contact Rohde & Schwarz for further details.

Typical transmitter tests in line with previous (R&TTE) and new (RED) directive

In order to ensure that radio equipment uses the radio spectrum effectively, the RED requires that when the transmitter is properly installed, maintained and used for its intended purpose it generates radio waves emissions that do not create harmful interference, while unwanted radio waves emissions generated by the transmitter (e.g. in adjacent channels) with a potential negative impact on the goals of radio spectrum policy should be limited to such a level that, according to the state of the art, harmful interference is avoided. To ensure proper transmitter operation, the RED recommends the following test methods:

Frequency accuracy and stability
Transmit power
Adjacent-channel power
Spurious emissions
Intermodulation attenuation
Transient behavior
Modulation accuracy
Duty cycle

Typical receiver tests in line with new directive (RED)

Although receivers do not generally cause harmful interference, reception capabilities are an increasingly important factor in ensuring the efficient use of radio spectrum by way of an increased resilience of receivers against harmful interference and unwanted signals on the basis of the relevant essential requirements of Union harmonization legislation. To ensure proper receiver operation, the RED recommends the following test methods: