In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, ensuring the safety and compliance of wireless devices is more critical than ever. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and Radio Frequency (RF) testing are essential processes that help manufacturers meet regulatory standards, ensuring that devices are safe for consumer use. As new wireless connection standards emerge, such as Wi-Fi 7 and Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS), the importance of thorough SAR and RF testing grows. These advancements bring with them new challenges and opportunities that manufacturers must navigate to stay compliant and competitive in the market.

Overview of New Wireless Connection Standards

Wi-Fi 7

Wi-Fi 7, also known as 802.11be, represents a significant leap forward in wireless technology. This new standard brings cutting-edge capabilities, enhancing Wi-Fi performance across the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 7 is designed to support high-throughput, low-latency applications, making it ideal for emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and ultra-high-definition video streaming.

Key benefits of Wi-Fi 7 include:

• Higher Throughput: Increased data transfer rates to support bandwidth-intensive applications.
• Improved Latency: More deterministic latency, ensuring smoother experiences in real-time applications.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Better performance in dense environments, such as stadiums and large campuses.
• Increased Reliability: Greater robustness in maintaining connections.
• Reduced Power Consumption: More energy-efficient operations, especially important for battery-powered devices.

These advancements make Wi-Fi 7 a game-changer for both consumer and industrial applications, but they also introduce new complexities for SAR and RF testing.

Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS)

CBRS operates in the 3.5 GHz band, offering a flexible spectrum-sharing framework that accommodates both federal and commercial use. The FCC established a three-tiered access system for CBRS:

• Incumbent Access: Reserved for existing federal users, such as radar systems.
• Priority Access License (PAL): Licensed commercial users who have purchased access to specific portions of the band.
• General Authorized Access (GAA): Unlicensed users who can use the remaining spectrum on a shared basis.

CBRS is particularly significant for its role in enabling private LTE networks, 5G deployments, and expanded broadband access. The unique nature of spectrum sharing in CBRS requires careful consideration in SAR and RF testing to ensure compliance and avoid interference with incumbent users.

Testing Requirements for Devices Using New Wireless Connection Standards

Wi-Fi 7 Testing Requirements

Wi-Fi 7 operates across multiple frequency bands and supports wider channels up to 320 MHz. These factors can lead to increased RF exposure, making accurate SAR testing crucial. Additionally, the Multi-Link Operation (MLO) feature, which allows devices to use multiple frequency bands simultaneously, introduces new challenges for testing.

Particular challenges for Wi-Fi 7 testing include:

• Wider Channels and Higher Frequencies: Testing must account for potential higher power output and the aggregation of multiple channels.
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO): SAR testing must consider the combined effects of multiple simultaneous transmissions.
• Complex Modulation Techniques: Wi-Fi 7 uses 4096-QAM, which requires more sophisticated testing methods to ensure safe RF exposure levels.

CBRS Testing Requirements

CBRS devices must undergo rigorous SAR and RF testing to ensure they do not interfere with higher-tier users and comply with dynamic spectrum access rules enforced by the Spectrum Access System (SAS).

Key challenges for CBRS testing include:

• Dynamic Spectrum Access: Testing must ensure that devices can comply with SAS commands, such as adjusting operations based on Dynamic Protection Areas (DPAs).
• Power Limits and Emission Standards: Devices must be evaluated to ensure they do not exceed SAR limits and meet emission requirements.
• Environmental Sensing Capability (ESC): Testing for ESC systems must confirm their ability to detect incumbent operations and communicate effectively with the SAS.

RF Exposure Lab is Here to Help

As new wireless connection standards like Wi-Fi 7 and CBRS become more prevalent, the importance of SAR and RF testing will only continue to grow. Manufacturers must adopt proactive strategies to ensure compliance, integrating testing early in the development process and partnering with experienced labs. By staying ahead of the curve, manufacturers can not only meet regulatory requirements but also deliver safe, high-performing products that capitalize on the latest technological advancements.

Our expert team knows that the SAR and RF testing landscape is constantly changing, which is why we do the work of staying on top of it so our clients don’t have to. Through our unique expertise and commitment to our clients, we guarantee accurate testing and results.

We offer SAR testing services for a variety of wireless devices including wireless modems, laptops, tablets, cell phones, medical products, and much more. If you’re looking for SAR testing help provided with speed, accuracy, expertise, and integrity, contact us to get a quote for our services.