EMC and regulatory testing

EMC and regulatory testing

Meeting regulatory standards for wireless devices

Regulatory testing in today’s wireless landscape

Regulatory testing confirms that wireless devices - both cellular and non cellular - comply with national and international regulations.

Regulatory testing for wireless devices has been required for a long time; with the advent of radio communication in the early 1900s, governments began to recognize the need to regulate the airwaves to prevent interference and ensure efficient use of the radio spectrum. However, it is more important than ever now with rapid advancements in wireless technology and the sharp increase in the number of wireless devices.

Wireless technologies, such as 5G, Wi Fi and Bluetooth®, all operate on the radio frequency spectrum - a natural, finite resource. This is why the potential for interference and risk of congestion increases with the number of wireless devices. Regulatory testing is necessary to ensure safe, efficient and reliable operation within the increasingly crowded and complex wireless landscape.

Global market access and regulatory standards

A key aspect of regulatory testing is obtaining global market access. This involves ensuring that a product meets the regulatory requirements of different countries and regions, which can have their own standards. A product that does not meet the requirements of a given country or region cannot be legally sold there.

For example, the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) is the regulatory framework for wireless devices on the EU market. It establishes the essential requirements to ensure that a wireless device meets standards for health and safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and efficient use of the radio spectrum, among others. Through regulatory testing, manufacturers can demonstrate their compliance with these requirements, obtain the necessary CE marking and legally place their products on the EU market.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays an important role in regulating the telecommunications industry. The official FCC regulatory tests must be done at FCC accredited test labs. Pre-compliance testing during the R&D process is highly recommended to avoid failing and repeating the official test.

Master your regulatory testing challenges

The main challenge of regulatory testing for wireless devices is managing multiple aspects, such as:

  • EMC testing: ensures that a device operates without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference
  • RF testing: measures a device’s ability to transmit and receive signals within specified frequency ranges, ensuring efficient spectrum use and compliance with regulatory standards
  • Specific absorption rate (SAR) testing: measures radio frequency (RF) energy absorbed by a person’s body when they are using a wireless device such as a smartphone or laptop (essential for RED)

Each area has complex standards and guidelines that must be thoroughly understood and addressed for compliance.

High performance solutions for regulatory testing

Rohde & Schwarz is a trusted expert on all aspects of regulatory testing. We offer plug and play test and measurement systems that can be tailored to your particular needs.

Benefits of our regulatory test solutions

Rohde & Schwarz is your one-stop shop for all regulatory testing needs, offering a wide range of testing solutions to ensure your products meet international standards.

  • Our extensive product portfolio includes advanced testing equipment and software, enabling us to provide comprehensive testing services for various regulatory requirements such as RED and FCC.
  • Our team of experienced professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project, ensuring accurate, reliable and efficient testing processes.
  • With our integrated solutions and expert guidance, we help streamline the compliance process, saving you time and reducing the complexity associated with regulatory testing.
  • Our global presence ensures that we can support your regulatory testing needs no matter where you are located.

By choosing Rohde & Schwarz, you are partnering with a trusted leader in regulatory testing, dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of compliance with confidence and ease.

Want to discuss your specific EMC and regulatory testing needs with our experts?

Test solutions for regulatory testing

R&S®TS8997 wireless measurement system

Wireless measurement system for regulatory testing in line with ETSI and FCC standards

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R&S®TS8996 RSE test system

Test system designed for EMI and radiated spurious emission testing on wireless devices

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R&S®TS8991 OTA performance test system

Test system that measures spatial radiation and sensitivity as specified by CTIA and 3GPP

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R&S®TS9975 EMI test system

Easily adaptable base system for conducted and radiated EMI measurements

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R&S®TS9982 EMS test system family

Modular base system for conducted and radiated EMS measurements in many applications

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R&S®CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester

Future-proof 5G NR testing solution with intuitive and flexible web-based user interface

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EMI test receivers

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Featured regulatory testing content

Poster: EU regulatory performance requirements for wireless devices

Request this poster for a deeper insight into the standards that radio equipment has to conform to for the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and learn about related test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.

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Webinar: Wi-Fi 7 is now! What you need to know about global regulatory compliance

In this webinar, we will explore the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, compare the diverse regulatory test requirements, demystify challenging test cases, and explain how Rohde & Schwarz cutting-edge solutions can simplify your regulatory test tasks.

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