There can be many different industries and requirements for RFI testing. Radio frequency interference (RFI) is a type of EMI (electromagnetic interference) which falls in the radio frequency range or transmission.
Conducted and Radiated
There is the possibility of testing for conducted RFI the range of kHz to 30 MHz. This is called conductive RFI and at these low frequency ranges it can be problematic for many types of devices. There is also the need to test for radiated RFI which will be in the range of up to 10GHZ and down to 30 MHz.
The most common type of conducted RFI is from motors, typically AC motors, as well as in microprocessors and switching power supplies. This is a very common type of RFI because virtually all electronics and many electrical devices will contain these components.
Radiated RFI can occur in free space, but it is most commonly associated with power cords or electrical cords. These are also common on all electronic and electric devices, which can result in substantial issues with conducted and radiated RFI within the same device. This is why RFI testing is so critical for new products and in the development and prototype stage.
Testing Equipment Options
Small businesses typically don’t need to have their own in-house RFI testing equipment. A more cost effective option is to rent the testing equipment as needed, eliminating the need for constant upgrades on the equipment. It also ensures you can have the most advanced and up-to-date testing equipment needed for each project.
This equipment can be complicated, so working with a rental company offering the RFI equipment for testing in a single unit with the latest in software is always beneficial. This will allow you to complete the RFI test required without taking a lot of time to simply learn how to use the equipment.
