In today’s automotive industry, the use of modules and devices equipped with various RF interfaces is on the rise. These components must meet strict reliability standards, making reproducible measurements essential for both adjustment and final testing. Rohde & Schwarz has introduced advanced RF test chamber equipment that ensures immunity to interference during testing of automotive modules with RF interfaces. With effective shielding and a robust design, these chambers support a wide range of wireless standards such as ISM, GSM, CDMA, WLAN, and Bluetooth.
Modern automotive consumers demand sophisticated, reliable, and secure communication and infotainment systems. For automakers, the challenge lies in developing reliable testing methods to ensure the quality of these systems. As product life cycles shorten and in-vehicle electronics become more complex, designers require faster and more flexible solutions to keep up with rapid product launches. Rohde & Schwarz offers equipment and systems that deliver high measurement accuracy and speed, meeting the evolving demands of the automotive market.
Figure 1: Rohde & Schwarz RF test system for tire pressure sensors.
Wireless modules in cars have seen a significant increase in recent years. Common applications include remote keyless entry (RKE) systems, trunk openers, and auxiliary heating controls. These modules typically operate in the ISM band, which does not require authorization. GPS navigation systems are also highly demanded, and more GSM modules are entering the automotive market. One goal is to enhance mobile radio applications, while another is to improve wireless audio communications using Bluetooth for calls and audio streaming.
Newer applications include tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) for cars and trucks, DVB-T receivers for reliable TV reception, and RF-enabled diagnostic systems used in repair centers. Other examples include sensors for monitoring engine temperature, pressure, and speed parameters.
Looking ahead, RF interfaces based on WiMAX and other high-data-rate standards are expected to be used for mobile reception. Collision avoidance systems are also under development, all of which rely on RF technology. Depending on the application, these interfaces operate across different frequency bands and must be optimized for varying data rates and security protocols.
Figure 2: Block diagram of the RF test system from Figure 1.
These technologies depend heavily on the reliable performance of RF interfaces. In safety-critical systems, flawless operation can mean the difference between life and death.
At the start of production, these modules must be inspected and adjusted to meet wireless standards. After installation, they need thorough testing under extreme environmental conditions, including temperature variations and vibration resistance.
To achieve consistent RF interface testing, it's crucial to eliminate external interference. The test environment must also prevent interference with nearby devices. The only way to meet these requirements is by using an RF test chamber with proper shielding. These chambers can be lined with absorbing materials to reduce electromagnetic wave reflections, ensuring stable and repeatable measurements. This feature is also beneficial for audio applications by minimizing internal echoes and ambient noise.
Rohde & Schwarz has a strong presence in RF technology and is expanding its line of manual RF test fixtures into a new series of RF test chambers.
RF Test Chamber Product Line: R&S TS712x
The R&S TS712x series of RF test chambers is designed for automated production lines, featuring a long service life, rugged construction, and automatic opening and closing of the RF compartment. It offers high shielding effectiveness from 300 MHz to 6 GHz and is suitable for testing RF-enabled modules compliant with various standards, including ISM, GSM, CDMA, UMTS, WLAN, Bluetooth, and WiMAX.
The product family includes two basic models, differing in width. Each model has both automatic and manual versions to suit different needs. The narrow model, R&S TS7121, is just 155 mm wide and ideal for testing smaller devices like RFID modules, wireless sensors, RKE units, and small Bluetooth modules.
The R&S TS7123 model features a 330 mm-wide compartment, perfect for dual DIN slot automotive electronics testing. It is well-suited for testing automotive radios, navigation systems, and infotainment systems. The larger compartment allows for the integration of subsystems that create specific environmental conditions, such as a pressure chamber for TPMS sensor testing. By combining the two compartments, the RF interface can be tested while simulating a wide range of tire pressure conditions.
Table 1: Application of various wireless standards in the automotive industry.
Automation demands comprehensive testing, including archiving results. Only an automated system like the R&S TS7180 with an RF test chamber can fulfill these requirements.
The pressure chamber within the test chamber simulates tire pressure. A waveform generator prompts the tire pressure sensor to transmit data (ID, pressure, and temperature) via a 125 kHz LF telegram. The RF signal is captured by the ISM antenna and demodulated by the spectrum analyzer. The system software evaluates this data and provides a GO/NoGo result.
Automotive RF test chambers are primarily used for production testing. The manual version is ideal for maintenance, quality assurance, and R&D. Thanks to the same design in both automatic and manual models, consistent measurement conditions are ensured across development, production, and service tasks. When combined with a suitable antenna, these chambers can quickly implement various applications, offering an optimized solution for environments where fast reorganization of production processes is critical. Ensuring superior product quality is a key advantage in future competition.
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