RF Troubleshooting

RF Noise Troubleshooting

Troubleshoot RF noise, interference, unstable receiver performance and poor sensitivity.

Most common causes

  • Switching regulator noise couples into RF path.
  • Poor grounding creates return current problems.
  • Long unshielded wires act as antennas.
  • Digital clocks or displays create interference.
  • Receiver front-end is overloaded by nearby transmitters.

How to test

Start with antenna placement, cable loss, power supply noise and final enclosure testing. Then compare RSSI, SNR, packet loss or return loss before and after each change.

What to verify

Check antenna frequency, matching network, connector type, ground plane, cable routing, supply ripple and nearby sources of interference.

People also ask

Can antenna placement reduce range?

Yes. Placement near metal, batteries, displays or cables can reduce range significantly.

Should I test RF in the final product?

Yes. RF behavior often changes after the PCB is installed in the enclosure.