5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Learn these five basic RF measurements

By Martin Rowe | July 22, 2021

Basic RF measurements go a long way toward characterizing today’s communication systems.
RF field engineers and technicians who work in communications systems such as commercial telecom networks, satellite communications systems, public safety, and military/aerospace systems often measure a variety of signals in cables, antennas, and direct over-the-air (OTA) systems. A basic understanding of RF measurements will help you with these tasks..

Installing and maintaining communications systems often requires in-field verification and may require adjusting components such as filters, duplexers, or antennas. As OTA systems become more complex, field engineers often need handheld a instrument that performs the tests necessary to keep a network up and running and they must know how to use it. An understanding of the measurement basics and technologies gives you the tools to keeping RF networks running.

Field engineers and technicians often perform these common measurements:

  • Real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA);
  • Noise figure measurements;
  • Cable and antenna tests (CAT);
  • Over-the-air (OTA) testing;
  • Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure evaluation.

Signal interference over wireless networks can result in poor signal quality, which leads to dropped links or choppy audio. Interference also affects wireless devices from car radios to mission-critical applications such as public safety.

A traditional swept-spectrum spectrum analyzer needs time to process and display waveforms. Intermittent interference may arise during this time, which might not appear in the trace. Furthermore, long-duration signals can mask weak signals that cause interference. Real-time spectrum analyzers, which capture and digitize signals, then apply FFT techniques, can reveal intermittent signals missed by traditional spectrum analyzers.

Detecting and troubleshooting interference often challenges RF field engineers and technicians. Interfering signals can hide under carrier signal. To see any interference, you must turn off the carrier transmitter to find any other signals in the same frequency channel, but that’s not always possible nor practical. Turning off the carrier signal tends to be intrusive and can disrupt normal communication services. Besides, under many circumstances, turning off serving transmitters is not viable, depending on the nature of the services such as base station testing. Fortunately, RTSA profiles over-the-air characteristics, detecting hidden interference under the serving carrier. The figure shows three interference signals hiding under the main carrier.

5G spectrum plots

The left trace shows three interference signals hidden under the main carrier. The right trace zooms out to let you see more of the overall frequency content.

In the complete article, “A day in the life: Five RF measurements for field engineers” at Test and Measurement Tips, Keysight’s Sarah Gross covers the remaining four topics. Click between the quotes to read the full article.


Filed Under: 5G, FAQ, Test & Measurement, Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Tagged With: keysight
 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Open RAN test service adds colocation capabilities
Ethernet tester captures packets at 400 Gbps
Spirent adds Wi-Fi 6/7 automated tests to Octobox
Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World