RF testing is a critical part of the product development lifecycle for products that engage with radio waves, such as those in the telecommunications and military industries. RF testing is used to ensure that a product meets the specified performance requirements for the intended application. This testing includes RF signal measurements, signal to noise ratio (SNR), maximum transmit power output (TPO), antenna gain, and other essential parameters.
RF testing is typically done by a third-party service provider, as the technology and expertise to properly execute these tests is often too costly or specialized for an internal team to possess. The service provider will have the necessary tools, such as spectrum analyzers, signal generators, signal receivers, and data analysis software, to accurately measure and analyze the signal criteria. The provider will then work with the product development team to develop a comprehensive report based on the test results, outlining any potential issues and offering recommendations for improvement.