RF Emission Mask Testing for Wireless Ethernet Platform

Solution developed for

DragonWave, a leader in providing carrier grade microwave equipment for high capacity wireless systems for networking, trusted Innosiv to implement its test automation software using NI LabVIEW to qualify its products to be compliant with RF emission standards. Managing a large product mix and test criteria that depend on the end market for the units, Innosiv developed flexible and reliable automated RF Emission mask test software.

The test application runs on a MS Windows desktop connected to a Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzer capable to sweep up to 30 GHz. As the operator scans the unit under test serial number and settings that relate to the type of test, the software automatically picks predefined setup and test criteria from a disk file. The spectrum analyzer is no configured with the emission mask lines and other setup details and becomes ready for the test.

 Emission sweep is then run and results compared to the test specific mask. The spectrum analyzer screen shot and all test settings and results are stored in disk files for post test analysis and data is stored in the central results database. 

Emission sweep is then run and results compared to the test specific mask. The spectrum analyzer screen shot and all test settings and results are stored in disk files for post test analysis and data is prepared to go in the central results database.

The LabVIEW based test automation code is written with a modularity that is scalable to work with different types of spectrum analyzers. Whereas the code provides an intuitive user interface for just the emission mask testing, the virtual instruments are developed with a reusable architecture and can be used to carry out the instrument setup, test, and results storage directly in a larger test application.

Availability of driver software requiring a very few modifications and other utility software from Rohde & Schwarz made this a very effective development exercise to implement this automated test application.

“Innosiv provided us with cost effective and professional quality automated test software. Their expertise in LabVIEW, instrumentation control and test software integration are highly commendable.”
Baja Nadarevic
Manager, Test Engineering Group. DragonWave Inc.