Description
The TESCOM TC-5916APU RF Shield Box is the pneumatic version of the popular TC-5916AU. This upgraded “U” model significantly improves RF shielding performance, supporting test applications up to 12 GHz. At the same time, it maintains the ergonomics and serviceability required in high-volume test environments.
As wireless technologies continue to move toward higher frequencies, improved shielding performance becomes essential. The TC-5916APU meets these demands by combining strong isolation with ease of maintenance. As a result, it supports both engineering validation and production testing.
Designed for OTA (Over-the-Air) Testing
The TC-5916APU RF Shield Box is designed specifically for OTA testing. Its interior walls are lined with highly absorbent proprietary RF absorber material. In addition, a ferrite absorber layer further enhances performance.
Together, these materials reduce reflections and limit multipath effects. This creates a stable and repeatable test environment. As a result, engineers can perform accurate OTA measurements on handheld and compact devices.
To complete an OTA testing setup, the enclosure supports grid fixtures and antenna couplers. These accessories help position the device under test (DUT) correctly and improve measurement consistency.
Custom Test Fixture and Enclosure Options
For applications that require a tailored solution, custom test fixtures and custom Faraday cage configurations are available. These options allow the shield box to match the exact size, orientation, and interface requirements of your DUT.
Custom designs help improve test efficiency and reduce setup time. They also support unique device form factors that standard fixtures may not accommodate.
Understanding OTA Testing Performance
OTA testing requires precise DUT placement inside a controlled test chamber, such as the TC-5916APU RF Shield Box. The enclosure isolates the DUT from external interference, which is critical for accurate measurements.
Several factors can affect OTA performance. These include internal reflections, multipath conditions, and environmental noise. To address these challenges, RF absorber material lines the interior of the enclosure.
This absorber works with the shield box structure to minimize reflections and stabilize measurements. As a result, engineers gain higher confidence in test accuracy and repeatability.
Typical RF Shielding
Typical RF Shielding
The shield effectiveness below is measured when the blank panel is mounted; other I/O interface panel results a different shielding effectiveness of the shield box.
- 100 to 3000 MHz > 70 dB
- 3000 to 6000 MHz > 60 dB
- 6 to 12 GHz > 60 dB
***Isolation example above is based on I/O configuration as specified above. Isolation may be higher or lower based on specific I/O configuration installed.
Custom Configurations
TC Manual RF Shield Box Custom I/O Interface Panel
Customized I/O Interface panels are available. Please contact the CTS sales team for more information
| I/O Interface | Order Number | Typical Data Rate/Line Voltage | Typical Shielding* |
DB37, 1000pF pi Filter | 3409-0012-1 | 3 Mbps / 100 VDC,
5 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DB25, 1000pF pi Filter | 3409-0009-1 | 3 Mbps / 100 VDC,
5 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DB25, 100pF pi Filter | 3409-0014-1 | 10 Mbps / 100 VDC,
5 Amps max | >50 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>60 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>60 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DB9, 1000pF pi Filter | 3409-0008-1 | 3 Mbps / 100 VDC,
5 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DB9, 100pF pi Filter | 3409-0010-1 | 10 Mbps / 100 VDC,
5 Amps max | >50 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>60 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>60 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
USB 2.0 Filter | 3409-0018A-3 | 480 Mbps / 5 V, 500 mA /
Max Current: 5A | >60 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>70 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
USB 3.0 Filter(Active) | 3409-0042A-1 | 5000 Mbps / 5 V, 900 mA /
Max Current: 1.5 A | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>70 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>55 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
RJ-45 Filter | 3409-0022A | 1 Gbit/s Copper-Line
Ethernet (1000 BASE-T) | >60 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>70 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DC Power Adaptor | 3406-0004A | 50 VDC,
3 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>80 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
DC Power Adaptor,
Banana Jack Type | 3406-0005A
3406-0006A | 50 VDC,
10 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>80 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
AC Power Adaptor | 3103-0009A | 250 VAC,
7 Amps max | >70 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>80 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>80 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
RF, N-SMA Connector | 3408-0038 | | >60 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>70 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
RF, SMA-SMA Connector | 3408-0039 | | >60 dB from 0.5 to 2 GHz
>70 dB from 2 to 3 GHz
>70 dB from 3 to 6 GHz |
*SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE
- Each shielding effectiveness is measured when each I/O interface panel, which is shown above, is mounted.
- Above data was measured by Tescom, The Shielding Effectiveness might be different based on the measuring method and condition.
- This data has been measured under the condition that the cables are not connected to each filters. When the cables are connected it can affect the shielding performance.
