Receiver Testing: Noise, Interferers And Channel Simulation

By Rick Daniel, Rohde & Schwarz

At home, at work, or on the move, our daily activities rely on a wide range of radio-frequency (RF) receivers. For example, our smartphones contain at least three: cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth; some also include FM radio receivers. These are designed to achieve certain performance requirements and meet an array of published specifications relative to pristine, standard-based signals.

In reality, though, the only time an RF receiver will see an ideal signal is in the test lab or on the production line. To ensure reliable operation, testing with nonideal or impaired signals is essential to the characterization and verification of receiver performance and behavior. For more information, download the application note.