To use the RF test setup, as shown in the figure below, it is required that the device
under test has the option to use a wired connection with an impedance of 50 Ohm to
connect to a variable attenuator. The effects of the antenna, such as near/far field,
gain, radiation diagram in the system are not evaluated.Figure 7-1. RF Test Setup
Tip: These RF tests provide
an idea of the design performance compared to Microchip AT86RF215-EK reference
design.
The RF Tests are as follows:
Verify the reception and
transmission levels of any PLC Hybrid prototype. This prototype is also named as
“Device Under Test” (DUT).
Consist of transmitting and
receiving predefined or random RF messages between the DUT and a Reference
Device or Tester. Both devices are connected to a side-by-side
setup. The shipping message process between devices is repeated in both ways,
increasing the attenuation level step-by-step.
Refer to the RSSI (in dBm)
measurement (the only information received from the RF transceiver) and the
corresponding frame error rate obtained iterating along different attenuation in
the channel.
The measurement requires a configuration point-to-point that simulates a transmission
path between a tester and the DUT. To reduce the radio propagation effects out of the
cable connection, the transmitted power is configured to be minimum. The setup is ready
to connect a digital attenuator (controlled through Virtual Instrument Software
Architecture VISA or handled by hand) in the middle to simulate a transmission path with
different attenuation to measure transmission power and sensibility.
The online versions of the documents are provided as a courtesy. Verify all content and data in the device’s PDF documentation found on the device product page.
