What is Over The Air (OTA) Testing?

What is Over-the-Air (OTA) Testing?

Over-The-Air (OTA) testing is a method used to assess the wireless performance and reliability of devices with embedded antennas. This test evaluates both the antenna performance and the overall wireless functionality to ensure strong and reliable connectivity.

How is Over-the-Air (OTA) testing performed?

To perform an OTA test, place the device under test (DUT) in a test environment inside a test chamber, such as our RF Shield Box. Many factors, like reflections causing multipath conditions and interference from the surrounding environment, can affect testing performance and reliability. An RF Shield Box, integrated with an antenna coupler and fixture for precise DUT placement, ensures repeatability and test integrity.

Why is OTA testing important?

OTA testing verifies the wireless performance of a product’s transmitter and receiver. Strong wireless connectivity is crucial for consumers, so manufacturers must ensure their products meet these standards. A reliable wireless device builds brand trust and delivers the value customers expect.

Conducting OTA tests early helps prevent costly design errors. Discovering poor wireless performance after launch can harm the brand’s reputation and lead to expensive recalls. Strong OTA results also support benchmarking. Additionally, major network operators have specific OTA requirements that products must meet. Overall, OTA testing boosts confidence in wireless devices.

Can a near-field OTA measurement be equivalent to a far-field measurement accuracy?

Near-field measurements can be converted to far-field equivalent measurements using NF-to-FF conversion. This process uses software and transformation algorithms to calculate far-field characteristics. As a result, it reduces the distance needed for far-field measurements, allowing engineers to reduce the size of test chambers like Faraday cages and RF Shielded Enclosures without losing accuracy. The results closely match those taken directly in the far-field.

For more information, click the link for our RF Shield Box with an Antenna Coupler and Fixture product line.

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