In 1897, Guglielmo Marconi sent the first radio transmission in history — and in the 125 years since, radio technology has been used in virtually every industry you can think of. But for as powerful as radio can be, it also demands rigorous testing and compliance checks to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the world around it.
Just read on to learn more about RF testing — and why it’s essential that your company enlists the right team for the job.
The Goal Of RF Testing
RF testing involves evaluating the performance of a structure, component or piece of equipment, as it pertains to radio frequencies. Does it transmit, reflect, or block waves in a way that impacts other devices nearby — such as medical equipment or marine technologies? Does it behave in the way that the system engineers intended, and use the spectrum in an optimal way? These are the big-picture questions for which RF testing can provide essential answers.
Real-World Radio Incidents
In the last century-plus, radio has taken technology to new heights — but it’s also played a part in significant disasters, which can today serve as lessons about the importance of carefully (and mindfully) wielding radio frequency. For example, as The Conversation points out, historians have examined the role of improper or inadequate radio use in hampering Titanic rescue efforts in 1912. Amateur radio transmissions on land reportedly prevented effective communication from the sinking ship, for starters — meanwhile the vessel’s very own system may not have been up to par.
Thanks to modern technology and ever-developing safeguards, this kind of incident probably doesn’t exactly apply to your company today — but it’s a powerful reminder of the impact of radio, and the need to harness radio frequency safely!
RF Testing With Mentis Sciences
Now that you know the importance of RF testing, you may be wondering — where do I start? Manufacturers and STEM professionals trust Mentis Sciences for this essential quality assessment. We use a vector network analyzer, or VNA, to produce frequencies between 50 MHz and 40 GHz. With this technology, we can test your material’s permittivity in a variety of conditions (including high-temperature environments), giving you peace of mind when it comes to working with radio technology.
Interested in learning more about RF testing? Contact Mentis Sciences today. We look forward to working with you on your quest to ensure safe, compliant technology that utilizes radio exactly as you need!
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