RED 3.2 RF testing

Testing for RED 3.2

RED RF testing

RED article 3.2 outlines requirements that are essential for devices to support efficient spectrum usage and avoid harmful interference. This directive applies to a wide range of devices operating on both cellular and unlicensed bands. As technology continues to advance, RED 3.2 compliance is increasingly important for manufacturers, not only from a regulatory perspective but also to ensure the performance and reliability of devices in various environments. To demonstrate compliance with RED 3.2, devices undergo a series of rigorous tests designed to assess their transmitter and receiver capabilities according to ETSI standards. Typical test cases include output power, sensitivity, spurious emissions and antenna performance. This ensures that devices meet the necessary benchmarks for safe and effective operation.

RED RF test for cellular devices

ETSI EN standards provide the framework for cellular device testing, aligning closely with 3GPP RF conformance tests but also including unique radiated test cases, such as total radiated power (TRP) and total radiated sensitivity (TRS). Key standards include EN 301 511 for GSM mobile stations and the EN 301 908 series for LTE and 5G NR devices including:

EN 301 908-1: Common requirements for all technologies
EN 301 908-13: E-UTRA user equipment
EN 301 908-14: E-UTRA base stations
EN 301 908-24: New Radio (NR) base stations
EN 301 908-25: New Radio (NR) user equipment

With the further development of 3GPP cellular standards, devices with non-terrestrial network (NTN) or satellite support increase in popularity. From an ETSI standardization aspect, specific standards for mobile satellite service (MSS) and mobile earth station (MES) are developed as EU harmonized standards. Depending on the choice of satellite constellation, devices with NTN features require compliance testing according to EN standards for MSS/MES. These standards include: EN 301 441, EN 301 442, EN 301 444, EN 301 681, EN 302 574 and EN 303 981.

RED RF test for devices using unlicensed bands

Unlicensed bands, also known as license-exempt bands, are portions of the radio spectrum accessible without a regulatory license. However, compliance with RED 3.2 requirements ensures that devices operating in these bands do so without causing interference to other devices and services.

In the EU, three harmonized unlicensed bands are allocated within the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz frequency ranges. These bands predominantly host WLAN technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 standards, including:

IEEE 802.11n (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)
IEEE 802.11ac (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)
IEEE 802.11ax (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)
IEEE 802.11be (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz)

The choice of wireless technology is unrestricted, but practical implementations often favor WLAN standards. Other technologies, particularly in the 2.4 GHz band, also share the spectrum.

To ensure compliance, ETSI has developed harmonized standards for unlicensed bands, including:

EN 300 328: Data transmission systems operating in the 2.4 GHz band
EN 301 893: Devices in the 5 GHz band
EN 303 687: WLAN devices in the 6 GHz band

These standards define test scopes that include RF tests (transmitter and receiver performance) and protocol-related coexistence tests like:

Dynamic frequency selection (DFS): Ensures that devices in the 5 GHz band avoid radar interference by switching frequencies or halting transmission
Listen before talk (LBT): A mechanism used in WLAN to check for channel availability before transmission, minimizing interference in unlicensed bands

Your RED 3.2 testing challenges

Test engineers must adhere to ETSI EN standards for RF testing, which encompass a range of conducted and radiated test items. While the conducted tests are akin to the 3GPP RF conformance tests, additional radiated test items necessitate an over-the-air (OTA) testing environment. This is particularly important for devices with satellite connections, where MES/MSS-related standards must also be considered.

Cellular radio spectrum testing

The transition from 2G to 5G introduces many test challenges due to the diverse technology support required. Specifically, 5G FR2 demands an OTA test solution that includes a test chamber capable of providing far-field conditions. To maximize investment, it is crucial to leverage existing test solution setups for 3GPP RF conformance testing.

Radiated spurious emission (RSE) testing

RSE testing is necessary for various radio technologies, both cellular and non-cellular. As technology evolves, continuous adaptations and upgrades to RSE test systems are necessary. Accurate measurement of RSE requires the carrier to be present, and modern technologies often involve multiple carrier bands and bandwidths - particularly for 5G non-standalone (NSA) configurations. Additionally, 5G FR2 with mmWave technology necessitates testing across a frequency range of up to 100 GHz (and even 200 GHz for FCC compliance), all while maintaining a high dynamic range.

TRP/TRS testing for cellular radio spectrum

TRP/TRS testing involves a complex and costly OTA test setup. This requires in-depth system integration expertise, including knowledge of the testing chamber, positioners, device fixtures, antennas and control software. The measurement process is time-consuming, often necessitating a full spherical scan, and includes multiple post-analysis options in accordance with 3GPP, ETSI and CTIA standards.

Unlicensed bands radio spectrum testing

Devices operating in unlicensed bands come with complex test cases such as adaptivity, LBT, receiver blocking and DFS coexistence tests. These scenarios often require multiple instruments and specialized automated test procedures. The parameters and test sequences for these devices are technology independent, but MIMO-enabled devices introduce additional complexities due to their multiple antennas and synchronization requirements. Furthermore, ETSI standards impose strict requirements for power measurement, necessitating precise results to ensure compliance.

High-performance solutions for RED 3.2 testing

At Rohde & Schwarz, we are committed to providing solutions that empower manufacturers to navigate the complexities of RED 3.2 testing. Our portfolio includes complete test platforms for regulatory and conformance testing, as well as radio communication testers, signal generators and signal analyzers.

Our expertise extends to RSE and unlicensed band testing, and we offer tailored systems that streamline complex test cases and enhance measurement accuracy. With our automated test procedures and MIMO testing capabilities, we enable seamless integration into your testing workflows.

Want to discuss your RED testing applications with our experts?

Products for RED 3.2 RF testing

R&S®TS8980 conformance test system

Most compact full-range conformance test solution on the market for both ETSI and 3GPP.

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R&S®TS8996 RSE test system

Single solution that covers EMI and RSE testing for all carrier bands and bandwidths.

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R&S®TS8991 OTA performance test system

Turnkey solution that supports all cellular standards and most non-cellular technologies.

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R&S®TS8997 wireless measurement system

Most automated system on the market for regulatory testing in line with ETSI and FCC.

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RED 3.2 RF and regulatory testing content on Knowledge+

Poster: EU regulatory performance requirements for wireless devices

Request this poster for a deeper insight into the standards that radio equipment has to conform to for the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) and learn about related test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.

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In this webinar, we will explore the evolution of Wi-Fi technology, compare the diverse regulatory test requirements, demystify challenging test cases, and explain how Rohde & Schwarz cutting-edge solutions can simplify your regulatory test tasks.

Video: How to qualify devices without accessible antenna ports according to RED and FCC

Many IoT and connected devices often exclude an accessible antenna port. This presentation discusses how to extend conducted test methods to radiated test methods to demonstrate compliance with RED or FCC regulations and explains different test methods.

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