Ground Rules for Korean Radio Conformity Assessment Ownership
Korean Radio Conformity ownership dictates import clearance rights: foreign manufacturers holding direct grants prevent distributor lock-in and manage market access.
Conducted RF Power Test
Meaning
Laboratory procedures quantify the precise amount of radio frequency energy delivered from a transmitter to a 50 ohm load via a physical connection. The conducted rf power test removes the variables associated with antenna gain and multipath interference by using a coaxial cable instead of an over the air link. This method provides the most accurate assessment of the internal power amplifier performance.
It is only valid for systems with a discrete antenna connector and cannot be used for integrated antenna in package designs.
Test Configuration
Direct connection of the antenna port of the module to a power meter or spectrum analyzer occurs through calibrated attenuators. During the conducted rf power test, the equipment under test is forced into a continuous transmission mode at the highest possible gain setting. This setup allows for the verification of the maximum output power across all supported frequency channels.
Modulation Impact
Different wireless protocols produce varying peak to average power ratios that affect the final measurement result. For complex waveforms like those used in LTE or Wi-Fi, the conducted rf power test must account for the duty cycle and the specific burst characteristics of the signal. Use of this data helps verify that the device operates within the limits specified by the chipset manufacturer and the local regulator.
Thermal Consideration
Prolonged transmission at maximum levels generates heat that can cause power drooping or permanent component damage if not managed. The conducted rf power test includes monitoring the internal temperature sensors of the device to verify that the power control loop remains stable during high stress operations. Heat sinks or active cooling may be required during the test if the enclosure is not yet finalized.
These measurements help in determining the thermal budget for the final product housing and the necessary power de-rating factors.