Conducted Measurements
Conducted measurements are test methods used to evaluate signals and interference transmitted through conductive paths such as power lines, signal cables, or RF connectors.
In EMC testing, they refer to the measurement of unwanted disturbances conducted on AC mains and signal lines, such as conducted emissions or immunity tests.
In RF testing, they describe the direct measurement of a device’s transmitted or received signals at antenna connectors or RF test ports, bypassing over-the-air propagation. These measurements are essential for demonstrating regulatory compliance under global frameworks such as FCC, CE (RED), ISED, and MIC.
Conducted EMC Testing
In the context of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), conducted testing refers to the measurement of unwanted disturbances that travel through power or signal lines.
Typical application areas
Measurement of conducted emissions on AC or DC power lines
Verification of compliance with CISPR and EN standards for residential, commercial, and industrial environments
Certification of equipment under FCC Part 15.107 / 15.207, CISPR 11/22/32, EN 55032, EN 61000-6-3
Common measurement parameters
Conducted emissions (150 kHz – 30 MHz), measured in dBµV
Measurement setup
Line Impedance Stabilization Network (LISN) for coupling the DUT to the test system
Spectrum analyzer or EMI receiver for evaluation
Shielded environment to suppress ambient interference
Conducted RF Measurements
In RF testing, conducted measurements are used to directly characterize the signal at an antenna connector or RF port.
Typical application areas
Determination of RF output power for Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth, and other transmitters
Measurement of modulation bandwidth and occupied bandwidth (OBW)
Detection of harmonics and spurious emissions at the RF port
Compliance with FCC §15.247, FCC §15.407, EN 300 328, ETSI EN 301 489-1/-3, MIC Japan
Common measurement parameters
Output power: measured in dBm
Occupied bandwidth / modulation bandwidth: measured in MHz
Harmonics and spurious emissions: measured in dBm or dBc
Measurement setup
RF test cables, attenuators, and matched loads
Spectrum analyzer or power meter for signal characterization
Shielded test environment to minimize external signals
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