Suitability of the RSP2pro software-defined radio for precompliance radiated emissions testing

This thesis demonstrates the ability to use an existing software-defined radio for accurate RF measurements related to the precompliance testing of radiated emissions. The software-defined radio chosen for this work is the SDRplay Radio Spectrum Processor 2 Pro (RSP2pro). The RSP2pro was chosen because of its ability to provide absolute received power measurement capabilities at a price much lower than a traditional spectrum analyzer.The absolute power level and frequency performance of the RSP2pro has been characterized by direct comparison with an electromagnetic compatibility analyzer and the results are shown. A method for automating measurements taken with the RSP2pro companion software is described. The RSP2pro is also used to perform precompliance radiated emissions tests with an electromagnetic compatibility antenna and the results are discussed. Throughout this work a sample of three RSP2pro units is compared and variations in measurements across the three units is examined. A common very-high frequency "rabbit ear" television antenna and an ultra-high frequency "bowtie" television antenna are used with the RSP2pro to create a complete radiated emissions precompliance test setup. A procedure for characterizing these antennas and determining their suitability for radiated emissions precompliance testing is also described. The RSP2pro test setup for measuring radiated emissions is compared to a traditional precompliance test setup consisting of an electromagnetic compatibility spectrum analyzer and an electromagnetic compatibility antenna. This comparison includes a discussion of the relative cost, measurement accuracy, and overall convenience of using each test setup.