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Radiofrequency (RF) Testing
DEKRA evaluates the applicable Radio Frequency (RF) requirements that electronic devices or components must meet to comply with national and international standards and regulations. With a wide range of supported technologies and state-of-the-art laboratories, DEKRA provides comprehensive RF testing solutions, from early R&D and Design Validation to final certification.
The Benefits of Radiofrequency (RF) Testing
- Verifies compliance with national and international RF regulations
- Ensures efficient and interference-free use of the radio spectrum
- Supports wireless coexistence and multi-technology device validation
- Facilitates fast market access through global accreditations
About RF Testing
RF testing evaluates the radio performance and spectrum behaviour of wireless devices and components. It includes measurements of transmission power, spurious emissions, receiver sensitivity, and protocol-specific behaviours.
RF compliance is mandatory for market access of wireless products, ranging from short-range radios to complex applications like 5G and automotive technologies
DEKRA’s RF services encompass regulatory, telecom operator, and industry-specific test requirements, providing support for pre-compliance testing, debugging, benchmarking, and final certification.
Our EMC Testing Capabilities
We support a wide range of wireless technologies and use cases, including:
Core RF Test Services
- Maximum output power
- Radiated and conducted spurious emissions
- Band edge and spectral mask
- Receiver sensitivity and blocking
- DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection)
- Adaptivity
- Power Spectral Density (PSD)
- Occupied bandwidth
- Adjacent/co-channel rejection
- Intermodulation and interference response
- Error Vector Magnitude (EVM)
- CBRS & Wi-Fi 6 GHz AFC Protocol Testing
RF (Radio Frequency) testing evaluates a product's effectiveness in transmitting and receiving radio signals. This testing is crucial to ensure compliance with global regulations and to prevent harmful interference. Even if your device functions well internally, accredited RF testing is essential for gaining legal access to the market and ensuring reliable wireless operation in real-world environments.
Any product with wireless functionality must undergo RF testing. This includes smartphones, smart home devices, wearables, IoT modules, and medical devices. If your product uses Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, cellular technology, or any other form of radio-based communication, RF testing is mandatory.
- RF testing uses direct cable connections to evaluate the performance of the radio circuitry and to ensure compliance with frequency regulations.
- OTA testing assesses wireless performance over the air, factoring in antenna placement and device casing.
- SAR testing measures the RF energy absorbed by the human body to ensure user safety.
Each type of testing serves a specific purpose, and many products require all three to meet global standards.
We test a wide range of technical parameters, including:
- Maximum output power and Power Spectral Density (PSD)
- Occupied bandwidth and spectral masks
- Spurious and harmonic emissions
- Receiver sensitivity and blocking
- Adjacent/co-channel rejection and intermodulation
These measurements help assess transmission quality, resistance to interference, and compliance with local spectrum regulations.
RF immunity testing evaluates how well your device withstands nearby radio signals without malfunctioning. It is part of EMC testing, which ensures electromagnetic compatibility in environments full of wireless systems. Immunity testing is essential for ensuring your device performs reliably even when surrounded by other transmitters.
RF testing generally spans frequencies from 9 kHz to 300 GHz, depending on the device and technology. For instance, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi operate around 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, while cellular bands vary by region and generation (2G through 5G FR2). Our labs are equipped to handle all major frequency bands, including mmWave.
RF testing is generally divided into Conducted and Radiated measurements, which evaluate different aspects of a device’s RF performance. Both are essential to ensure that wireless and electronic products comply with regulatory limits and operate reliably without interfering with other devices.
RF Conducted Testing
RF Conducted tests measure RF signals directly through cables or connectors rather than through the air. This method is highly controlled and avoids the influence of environmental factors. Typical conducted tests include:
- Transmitter output power – Measures the RF power delivered to an antenna or output port.
- Frequency accuracy and stability – Ensures the device transmits at the correct frequency and within allowed drift limits.
- Occupied bandwidth/spectrum mask – Verifies that the signal stays within its allocated frequency band.
- Harmonics and spurious emissions – Measures unwanted emissions outside the intended frequency range.
- Modulation characteristics – Confirms proper signal modulation and quality.
- Receiver performance – Tests sensitivity and immunity to external RF signals.
- Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) – Detect radar system and to avoid co-channel operation with this system.
- Adaptivity – A automatic channel access mechanism to dynamically adjust it’s transmission behavior based on the radio environment to reduce interference and optimize spectrum use.
RF Radiated Testing
RF Radiated tests measure RF signals emitted through the air, simulating real-world operation. These tests assess the potential for interference with other devices and ensure compliance with emission limits. Typical radiated tests include:
- Radiated emissions – Measures unwanted signals emitted by the device in open air.
- Transmitter field strength – Checks the power radiated from antennas or wireless modules.
- Spurious emissions – Measures unintended radiated signals outside the allocated band.
Many global RF standards require both conducted and radiated testing to ensure complete compliance.
| Aspect | RF Conducted | RF Radiated |
| Measurement | Through cables/connectors | Over the air (antenna or enclosure) |
| Purpose | Direct device performance, precise measurement | Real-world emission and interference assessment |
| Typical Tests | Output power, harmonics, modulation, bandwidth, receiver performance | Radiated emissions, field strength |
Yes, RF (Radio Frequency) testing is generally required for most wireless and radio-enabled products before they can be sold internationally. Regulatory authorities in each region set limits on transmitter emissions, receiver performance, and spectrum use to prevent interference with other devices and communications systems.
However, the scope, test methods, and certification requirements vary significantly by region:
- Europe (CE / RED) – Testing covers both transmitter and receiver performance, using conducted and radiated measurements, in compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED 2014/53/EU).
- North America (FCC / ISED) – Focuses mainly on transmitter testing; receiver testing is generally not required. Both conducted and radiated measurements are performed to meet emission and spectrum limits.
- Australia / New Zealand (RCM / RSM) – Requirements are similar to Europe, including transmitter and receiver testing, with conducted and radiated measurements.
- Japan (MIC) – Testing is performed mostly in conducted mode only, and primarily evaluates transmitter performance. Radiated testing is rarely required.
- South Korea (KC) – Similar to Europe, South Korea requires both transmitter and receiver testing, with conducted and radiated measurements.
- Taiwan (NCC) – Requirements are similar to North America, focusing on transmitter testing only, with both conducted and radiated measurements for emissions.
While RF testing is required globally for wireless and radio-enabled products, manufacturers must understand region-specific requirements to ensure compliance and market access. Planning for global RF compliance often requires multiple tests and certifications tailored to each market.
Failure isn't the conclusion of the journey; it’s a part of the development process. Our experts will identify the underlying issue and help you modify design aspects such as filtering, antenna configuration, shielding, or power levels. We can also conduct rapid retests to ensure your project remains on track.
To begin, simply contact us with details about your product type, target markets, and wireless technologies. Whether you are in the early stages of R&D or ready for certification, we will define your test plan, identify the necessary standards, and guide you through a streamlined process tailored to your launch timeline.