For years, interface technology has been evolving and becoming increasingly important for communication between individual electrical and electronic devices. Radio communication often involved technologies with a short range, e.g. via WIFI, Bluetooth or Zigbee. In recent years, however, cellular technology (mobile communications) has also been increasingly integrated. This was used, among other things, as a service interface of the end devices and for logging data when they are not location-based. These include applications such as smart metering, smart grid or building installation systems such as heat pumps.
With the expansion of interface technology, the requirements for reliable communication between the different interfaces are increasing. Therefore, according to the Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU, an assessment of the overall system is required if pre-certified radio modules are used.
The VDE Institute has a mobile radio simulator with which a defined radio communication to the test sample can be established. In addition, the evaluation of the transmission quality during the test is possible. The system can handle all common mobile radio standards up to the 4th generation and has Bluetooth and WiFi integrated. An expansion to 5G is being planned.
