Summary:
The Tx power test determines if transmitter path can work normally with a specific power like 18dbm at 11b 11M rate. The RX sensitivity test determines if the receiver path can receive a relatively weak signal such as -85 db at 11b 11M rate.
We usually recommend that the customer use a certified partner module since the module partner themselves have already performed all the testing before releasing into the broad market. This Help Article was created to show a basic test procedure which allows the customer to determine if the issue encountered is on the RF hardware or software side.
Test machine Instructions :
MT8860C : 802.11b/g/a, 2.4G, 5G
MT8862A : IEEE802.11a/b/g/n/ac , 2.4G and 5G
IQ2010 : 802.11 a/b/g/n , 2.4G, 5G
IQxel : 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac , 11AC HT80 and HT160
I will use MT8860C with CYW43340WCD1-EVB to show the test process.
Test Prepare:
please also read the application notes from WICED studio in detail.
- Read the doc from SDK release, WICED Manufacturing Test User Guide
- Wl tool, \43xxx_Wi-Fi\libraries\test\wl_tool\wl43340B0.exe
- Firmware, \43xxx_Wi-Fi\resources\firmware\43340\43340B0-mfgtest.bin
- NVRAM, \43xxx_Wi-Fi\platforms\BCM943340WCD1\wifi_nvram_image.h
- Script , \43xxx_Wi-Fi\libraries\test\wl_tool\scripts
Sometimes you need to update mfgtest.bin or modify NVRAM for the test, please find them in above place. Test scripts already integrate some test command lists, you can take them as a reference , sometimes we need to change some items for a test like rate, channel .
Test steps:
- test.mfg_test-BCM943340WCD1 download run
- After application is download and run, please use below command to make sure wl tool and serial port run well.
If you meet this issue, it means serial port is occupied. Please disable the log UART com and input the command again.
Make sure you will see a WLTEST string in the output.
3. connect the board to MT8860C by RF cable .
4. Connect to MT8860C ，After scan complete, click Connect
5. Configure MT8860C into direct mode and the channel , rate needed.
The picture means 802.11g , channel 1 /2.4G, rate 54M, Direct mode
6. Set MT8860C attenuation.
Change the channel , and add the Path loss you assumed. We often set to 1db or 1.5db with RF cable connected.
7. Change the script to be compliant with MT8860C setting, please see the compare.
Please see the script, we often change comport, target WL tool, band , channel info, rate info.
if you meet test command problems , please raise case to us.
8. If we set the power into 14dbm, please see the results.
9. EVM results spec table.
You can get more from spec or Module maker, thanks.
802.11b /11Mbps : 16 dBm ± 1.5 dB @ EVM -9dB
802.11g /54Mbps : 15 dBm ± 1.5 dB @ EVM -25dB
802.11n /65Mbps : 14 dBm ± 1.5 dB @ EVM -28dB
10. RX sensitivity record
11b, 11Mbps PER @ -85 dBm,
11b, 1Mbps PER @ -90 dBm,
11g, 54Mbps PER @ -72 dBm,
11g, 6Mbps PER @ -86 dBm,
11n, MCS=7 PER @ -69 dBm,
11n, MCS=0 PER @ -85 dBm,