GSM RF Performance Evaluation (Antenna Testing)

Pocket Guide

GSM RF Performance Evaluation

(Antenna Testing) Pocket Guide

Introduction
Beginning June 1st, 2004, all devices submitted for PTCRB approval will require compliance with RF
performance standards (CTIA Test Plan for Mobile Stations Over the Air Performance). This guide briefly
outlines the devices which fall under this new requirement, the measurements that will be made, and the
services CETECOM Inc. can offer, as a CTIA Authorized Testing Laboratory (CATL).

Applicability
The following devices, when seeking for PTCRB certification, must show compliance with the RF
performance criteria:

• mobile phone / handsets

• integrated devices that are hand-held portable

The following devices are currently not required to meet this requirement:

• modules
• re-branded / variant devices (with no hardware, software, or physical changes affecting the RF
performance of the device)
• PCMCIA devices
• fixed wireless devices (with external antenna connectors)

Note: The CATL will make the final decision as to whether the device, Equipment Under Test (EUT)
should be tested. However, the results from the original device should be provided for certification.

Scope of Measurements
For the transmitter, measuring the peak EIRP (Effective Isotropic Radiated Power) of a Mobile Station
does not give a complete view of how efficiently it will operate in a cellular environment. Many other
parameters have to be considered to tune the antenna system design for maximum spatial coverage.
The so-called RF performance measurements are conducted to investigate the situation from different
angles, achieving a true 3D pattern. The influence of the human head is significant for the antenna
performance and also included in this evaluation.

For the receiver, poor receiver radiated performance may result in low-quality voice or data signals,
possibly even as severe as a lost base station signal resulting in abrupt termination of the call. Again,
receiver sensitivity needs to be measured in detail from a variety of angles so that portable devices truly
are portable.

Pocket Guide to TRP, TIS - 040416c.doc 1 2004-04-16

GSM RF Performance Evaluation (Antenna Testing)
Pocket Guide

Total Radiated Power (TRP)

TRP is a measurement of the device's transmitter performance. This procedure records EIRP every 15
degrees for the total of 528 points. As a result, a 3D pattern is obtained showing maximum and minimum
points of transmitter performance. This gives much more information than peak EIRP (a single figure)
alone.

Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS)

TIS is a measure of the device's receiver performance. This measurement records how much the base
station's transmitted signal can be reduced before mobile station reaches a BER (Bit Error Rate) of
2.44%. The power transmitted by the base station is recorded over 253 points. This measurement is
crucial in understanding connection quality in a mobile network, but is not yet required for PTCRB
approval.

TRP / TIS Values

All of the measured TRP and TIS values are integrated in an equation (in the CTIA specification) and a
final single value is derived. Though the CTIA specification has yet to define specific limits, CETECOM's
experience led to these recommended values for a GSM Mobile Station:

TRP (dBm) ≥ 27
TIS (dBm) ≤ -100

Note: The EIRP measurements conducted provide more information than only a TRP/TIS value. Other
factors – such as the max-min ratio – are important in determining performance of a device in the field.

CETECOM’s Testing Services (RF Performance)

As a CATL, CETECOM Inc. is equipped to perform TRP/TIS measurements according to the CTIA Test
Plan for Mobile Stations Over the Air Performance (Version 2.0, March 2003) in free space and with a
SAM phantom head.

CETECOM Inc.’s test equipment supports 3D 360° antenna patterns and receiver sensitivity for any
mobile or wireless device up to 20lb (9.1kg). This covers mobile phones, laptops, PDA’s, and other
devices with carrier frequencies between 400MHz and 6GHz, and using various wireless technologies,
including GSM/GPRS, CDMA2000, Bluetooth, and WLAN. Even pure antennas (for comparison and/or
single performance evaluation) can be measured in this fashion.

CETECOM Inc. is a PTCRB-accredited lab for GSM devices, and is accredited by DATech for the
measurement of the regulatory requirements and SAR. Companies seeking to enter the North American
market will find our services complete and comprehensive. We strive to be a “one-stop service”
company, helping our clients achieve time- and cost-efficient access to this market.

For more information, please contact us at: CETECOM Inc.

email info@cetecomusa.com
phone +1 (408) 586-6200
fax +1 (408) 586-6299

Pocket Guide to TRP, TIS - 040416c.doc 2 2004-04-16