Over-the-Air (OTA) Performance Testing

An antenna’s RF performance plays a major role in the quality of a device.  Factors such as a human head or hand can greatly influence the transmitter’s performance while poor receiver performance can result in bad voice quality or dropped calls.  Certain requirements are in place to ensure proper transmitter and receiver performance.

TRP & TIS Measurements

As a CATL (CTIA Authorized Test Lab), CETECOM is accredited to perform TRP and TIS measurements according to the specifications set in the “CTIA Test Plan” for Mobile Stations Over-the-Air Performance; a requirement that must be satisfied for PTCRB approval.  Pure antenna measurements for comparison or evaluation are also available. Our OTA test services include:

  • Total Radiated Power (TRP) Measurements in free space, SAM phantom head, and artificial hand
  • Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) Measurements in free space, SAM phantom head, and artificial hand
  • Spherical antenna patterns within the frequencies of 400 MHz – 6 GHz
  • 2D and 3D graphic of measurements
  • Full report with plots

Wi-Fi® / Mobile Converged Devices

The CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance® have officially authorized CETECOM Inc. to perform RF Performance evaluation of Wi-Fi Mobile Converged Devices on their behalf.  CETECOM Inc. is the first lab in the US to offer CWG (Converged Wireless Group) RF Performance services and the second lab world-wide.

The program was jointly developed by the CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance® to provide detailed information on the performance of the Wi-Fi® and cellular radios in a converged handset. Tests include:  

  • Measuring the transmit power (TRP) and receiver sensitivity (TIS) of the Wi-Fi radio in a converged phone
  • Measuring the compatibility and interoperability between the Wi-Fi and cellular radios
  • Measuring the effects of the Wi-Fi and cellular radio performance when operated simultaneously.

The test results will provide carriers the necessary data to properly evaluate the best handsets for their network, thereby offering high performance converged handsets to subscribers.  To complete testing the device must be Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ for core interoperability and WPA2™ security as well as CTIA certified for cellular performance.