Radio frequency (RF) compliance testing is a critical process for electronics manufacturers. If you’re planning to bring a new device to market, or update an existing device, completing RF and other lab tests for your device is essential for legal compliance and market access.

As an accredited electronics testing lab, we can complete RF testing and other tests for your device. Contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287 to request a quote or ask our engineers any questions about testing and compliance for your device.

What is RF Compliance Testing?

Imagine you’re at an event and everyone’s phones begin to make strange noises at the same time. This is the result of radio frequency interference — an effect caused by unwanted signals that affect radio communications.

Radio frequency testing, or RF testing, is a form of laboratory testing for electrical devices that aims to prevent this kind of issue from occurring. It involves testing your device to determine its output of radio frequency signals, as well as how it’s affected by signals from other devices.

Like other forms of compliance testing for electronics, RF compliance testing is conducted prior to your device entering the market. Most countries, including the United States, require that you complete RF testing and demonstrate compliance for your product to sell it legally.

In the United States and other countries, failing to comply with RF testing standards can result in penalties against your business, including fines and/or withdrawal of your electronic product from the market. 

How RF Compliance Testing Works

Like other types of compliance testing, RF testing involves several steps, from pre-compliance testing to formal lab testing for specific standards:

• Pre-compliance. Before conducting testing, it’s helpful to design your product with the specific RF standards it needs to comply with in mind. You may also conduct pre-tests, which assess your device’s performance before formal lab testing.
• Choosing the right standard. Radio frequency standards differ between countries. In advance of lab testing, you’ll need to verify the standards that apply to your product and talk to your lab partner about compliance.
• Lab testing. During the testing phase, your device is put through various scenarios in a testing laboratory to assess its performance. Lab testing for RF involves measuring your device’s emissions, as well as its immunity to other sources of electromagnetic energy.
• Documentation. After your device passes testing, you’ll receive documentation showing how it performs. The certification process can vary based on the specific regulations that your device complies with, from certification to a Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
• Ongoing compliance. Compliance with RF regulations isn’t a one-time event. You may need to complete ongoing testing and compliance as you make changes to your device, or when you enter new markets.

Common RF Standards

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)

In the United States, the FCC regulates radio frequency and electromagnetic emissions from devices. FCC regulations related to RF include FCC Part 15, FCC Part 18, FCC Part 90, and others. Complying with FCC regulations involves completing FCC testing for your device with an accredited testing lab.

CE (European Conformity)

The European Union requires manufacturers of electronic devices that emit radio frequency emissions to comply with certain standards, including the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). Compliance with the relevant EU standards and regulations is required to get a CE mark for your device and access the European Economic Area (EEA) market.

ISED (Innovation, Science & Economic Development Canada)

In Canada, ISED is the governing body for RF standards. Complying with regulations set by ISED is a key step in gaining access to the Canadian market for an electronic device.

Other Standards

Other international standards, including standards published by the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference) govern radio frequency emissions. 

Talk to Our Team About RF Compliance Testing

Completing RF compliance testing is an important step in bringing your new electronic device to market. As specialists in compliance testing for electronic devices, we can help you understand the regulations that apply to your device, complete testing and achieve compliance.

To request a quote for testing your device, or to ask our engineers a question about the testing and compliance process, contact us online or call us at 866-540-5287.