Radio Frequency (RF) Testing & Certification Services
Accelerate your path to market with Element's comprehensive RF testing and certification services. From chipsets to complete systems, our experts provide end-to-end support throughout your product lifecycle, ensuring optimal performance and global regulatory compliance. As world leaders in radio module and wirelessly connected device testing and certification, we deliver industry-leading technical guidance through our facilities worldwide across aerospace, medical, automotive, and consumer electronics sectors.
What is Radio Frequency (RF) Testing and Certification at Element?
RF testing uses specialized equipment and methodologies to verify your radio and telecommunications devices perform correctly within allocated frequency bands. We assess signal strength, frequency accuracy, and modulation quality while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements from bodies like the FCC (USA), ISED (Canada), RED (EU), KC (South Korea) and MIC (Japan), and helping you obtain approval marks such as CE (Europe). Our testing prevents interference with other equipment, optimizes performance, and verifies that your devices meet all regulatory requirements across their lifecycle.
What can Element offer you for RF testing and certification?
Key Tests Offered
Key Tests Offered
At Element, we adapt to your unique requirements with customized testing programs that address specific challenges. Our engineering team supports you throughout the entire RF testing process, from generating bespoke test plans and performing pre-compliance investigations to full formal conformance testing.
Our comprehensive testing services include:
- Radio parametric testing (transmitter output performance, signal characteristics)
- Receiver performance assessment (sensitivity, blocking, selectivity)
- Protocol conformance evaluation
- Interference analysis and mitigation
- DFS testing (channel availability check time, interference detection threshold, channel move time)
- Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)/Power Density (PD) Testing
- Load uniformity verification (ensuring signals distribute evenly across available spectrum)
- Pre-compliance testing (identifying issues before formal submission)
- Real-life environment testing (simulating actual usage conditions)
- Custom test setup development for unique requirements
Products We Test
Products We Test
We test a comprehensive range of radio frequency devices across multiple industries, from chipsets and modules to complete systems. This process starts at the earliest product development stages and continues through pre-compliance testing, full conformance evaluation, and ongoing certification support.
Our testing capabilities include:
- Radio modules and modular approvals (a specialty where we're recognized as world leaders)
- Pre-approved modules and host device integration
- RFID technology (tags, readers, antennas, complete systems)
- Wireless chipsets, integrated circuits, and semiconductor components
- Products using wireless technologies (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, UWB)
- DFS-enabled devices and systems
- Cellular technology (3G, 4G, 5G equipment)
- Medical devices with RF components
- Aerospace and defense communication systems
- Automotive wireless systems
- Industrial and IoT wireless solutions
- Consumer electronics with wireless capabilities
Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use
Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use
Our laboratories feature state-of-the-art spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers that measure critical parameters with precision. We maintain specialized equipment for testing across a wide frequency range, from 9 kHz to 40 GHz and beyond. Our anechoic chambers enable accurate over-the-air (OTA) testing in controlled environments, simulating real-world conditions. This advanced equipment allows us to detect even minor issues that could impact your product's performance, ensuring reliable and compliant wireless operation.
Which Labs Offer This Service
Which Labs Offer This Service
Element's globally acclaimed RF testing laboratories operate across the US, UK and Europe, Asia, and other strategic locations worldwide. Our facilities maintain numerous accreditations and authorizations, enabling comprehensive testing services wherever you need them.
Our laboratory credentials include:
- ISO 17025 accredited testing facilities
- CTIA® Authorized Test Laboratory (CATL)
- Recognized Test Organization (RTO) for the Global Certification Forum (GCF)
- VZW 3rd party Open Development Laboratory
- VZW Certified Safe for Network (SFN) approved Test Laboratory
- SPRINT PCS Device Certification Approved Laboratory
- FCC Conformity Assessment Body (CAB)
- Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB)
- ISED Canada Certification Body (CB)
- EU RED Notified Body
- Japan Radio Certification Body (RCB)
- Korea Certification Body (KC)
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
Navigating Regulatory Complexity
The regulatory landscape for RF devices is increasingly complex, with different requirements across regions. Our team helps you navigate these challenges effectively, from concept and R&D through testing and final certification. We maintain the latest knowledge of evolving standards in all major markets and can adapt our testing protocols to meet country-specific requirements.
To simplify your global compliance journey, we provide:
- A global network of ocal representatives in key markets
- Documentation review and preparation
- Renewal services for existing certifications
- In-country testing where locally required
- Sample preparation assistance
- Labeling guidance and support
- Export compliance guidance
Our expertise in regulatory procedures streamlines your path to global market access, reducing costs and accelerating launch timelines.
Standards we meet and the products we test
ETSI Standards:
- EN 300 328 (Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi)
- EN 300 220 (Short-range devices, 25 MHz-1000 MHz)
- EN 302 208-2 v2.1.1
- EN 302 291-2 v1.1.1
- EN 300 330 (Short-range devices, 9 kHz-25 MHz)
- EN 300 330-2 v1.6.1
- EN 300 440 (Short-range devices, 1 GHz-40 GHz)
- EN 301 893 (5 GHz Wi-Fi)
- EN 303 687 (Wi-Fi 6E)
- EN 302 208 (RFID)FCC Standards:
- 47 CFR Part 15 and 15C (Radio Frequency Devices)
- 47 CFR Part 18 (Industrial Scientific and Medical Equipment)
- 47 CFR Part 22 (Public Mobile Services)
- 47 CFR Part 24 (Personal Communication Services)
- 47 CFR Part 25 (Satellite Communications)
RSS Standards (Canada – ISED):
- RSS-GEN
- RSS-119
- RSS-123
- RSS-131
- RSS-170
- RSS-210
- RSS-216
- RSS-247
- RSS-248
Japan Radio Law Standards (MIC):
- Article 8
- Article 19
- Article 19-2
- Article 19-3
- Article 19-3-2
Medical Device Standards:
- AIM 7351731 (FDA)
- RFID tags, readers, antennas, and complete systems
- Radio modules and modular transmitters
- Host devices with integrated pre-approved modules
- Wireless chipsets, integrated circuits, and semiconductors
- Custom and off-the-shelf radio solutions
- Short-range devices (Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi)
- Cellular equipment (3G, 4G, 5G)
- Satellite communication systems
- Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology
- Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) enabled systems
- Medical devices with RF components
- Consumer electronics with wireless capabilities
- IoT devices and connected systems
- Smart cards and e-Passports
- Automotive wireless systems
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Complex Regulatory Landscape
Time-to-Market Pressures
Interference Management
Technical Complexity
Element Experts at your service
Why Choose Element
Global Market Access
Comprehensive Capabilities
Industry Leadership
Single Provider Solution
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RF compliance testing and SAR testing?
RF compliance testing focuses on your device's emissions to ensure it operates within specified limits without interfering with other equipment. SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) testing specifically assesses the rate at which RF energy from your device is absorbed by the human body, ensuring it adheres to safe exposure limits for users.
Do pre-approved modules need additional testing once installed in a host product?
Yes, they typically do. While using pre-approved modules can save time and money, once installed in a host product, additional testing is usually required. Factors like PCB resonance, component proximity, and signal coupling can affect performance and compliance. Some re-testing of RF parameters is expected to ensure the integrated system works properly. As world leaders in radio module testing, we can guide you on exactly which tests are needed for your specific integration scenario.
How does Element help with global market access for radio connected and cellular devices?
As a Telecommunication Certification Body (TCB) for the FCC, Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for ISED, EU RED Notified Body for CE marking, Radio Certification Body (RCB) for Japan, and Korean Certification Body (KC), we provide comprehensive testing and certification services. Our global market access team ensures your radio connected and cellular devices meet global RF requirements across all target markets simultaneously.
What is Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and why is testing important?
DFS technology ensures your Wi-Fi devices operating in 5 GHz bands detect and avoid interference with military or weather radar systems by automatically switching frequencies. Testing verifies your device meets regulatory requirements for channel availability check time, interference detection threshold, and channel move time in markets including the USA, UK, Europe, Japan, South Korea and others.
What is the difference between certification and type approval?
Certification is a comprehensive evaluation of safety, performance, and environmental standards across a wide range of product characteristics. Type approval is a specialized subset specifically for radio frequency devices, concentrating on emission limits, spectrum usage, and interference prevention. While certification covers broad product aspects, type approval focuses on the unique features of radio frequency communication devices.
What is Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology and what is it used for?
Ultra-Wide Band is a radio technology that uses very low energy levels for short-range, high-bandwidth communications across a large portion of the radio spectrum. It offers low power requirements with high accuracy positioning and enhanced security. You'll find UWB in smart consumer devices, home ecosystems (opening doors, switching lights, unlocking vehicles), and manufacturing applications (positioning automatic guided vehicles, robots, and machinery).
How does Element test and certify RFID interoperability and security?
Our interoperability verification process establishes harmonious connections across your RFID ecosystem by validating interactions between tags and readers from different manufacturers. We empower system-wide compatibility in multi-vendor environments. For security, our experts proactively identify vulnerabilities within your RFID systems, pinpoint weak points that could compromise data integrity, and advise on tailored security measures to keep your valuable information protected and confidential.
40+ yearsRF testing experience
30+ Countries with Element facilities
200+Testing sites worldwide
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