Over-the-Air testing services for wireless device certification

Over-the-air (OTA or RF OTA) testing evaluates the real-world radio frequency (RF) performance of wireless devices in radiated conditions. Unlike conducted RF measurements, OTA testing assesses the complete product, including the integrated antenna and enclosure, as it will be used in the field.

TÜV SÜD provides OTA testing services to support product development, performance verification, regulatory, and Mobile Network Operator (MNO/Carrier) approval for the United States, Canada, and the EU, including FCC/ISED, CE for RED, and CTIA requirements, as well as Global Market Access for connected devices.

Modern wireless products increasingly rely on compact form factors, embedded antennas, and multiple radio technologies. As a result, RF performance can be significantly influenced by enclosure materials, internal layout, and the interaction between radios.

OTA testing is used to:

• Assess radiated RF performance of the final product design
• Verify antenna performance under realistic operating conditions
• Support compliance with Regulatory Body (like FCC/ISED or CE RED) certification requirements
• Support compliance with industry specific bodies (like the CTIA for PTCRB or GCF)
• Identify performance limitations prior to formal certification testing
• Reduce the risk of delays or failures during regulatory approval and radio conformance testing

OTA testing is commonly required for cellular and IoT devices and is increasingly used as part of both pre-certification and certification test strategies in North America.

TÜV SÜD conducts OTA testing using specialized test setups designed to provide accurate and repeatable radiated measurements.

Key parameters include:

• Total Radiated Power (TRP)
• Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS)
• Radiated spurious and unwanted emissions
• Antenna radiation patterns
• Data throughput and efficiency under defined test conditions

Testing can be performed across multiple frequency bands and wireless standards based on product and regulatory requirements.

When do you need OTA testing

OTA testing is typically required when:

• Preparing for FCC, CE or industry (CTIA, PTCRB, GCF) certification
• Applying for carrier (MNO) approval
• Validating antenna performance during development
• Identifying issues before formal compliance testing

Who this service is for

• Wireless device manufacturers
• RF / wireless engineers
• Compliance and certification managers

TÜV SÜD’s OTA testing services support a wide range of wireless technologies used across modern connected devices.

As products increasingly combine multiple radios and operate across different frequency bands, testing must reflect real-world usage conditions.

5G OTA testing and cellular technologies

• 5G SA and NSA
• LTE, including NB‑IoT and Cat‑M 
• Emerging cellular and advanced communication technologies
• NTN

OTA testing for IoT and connected devices

• Wi‑Fi
• Bluetooth
• Other licensed and unlicensed RF technologies

Both single-radio and multi-radio devices can be evaluated, including configurations such as multi-SIM or multi-band devices, where interactions between radios may impact performance.

OTA testing may be applied at multiple stages of the product lifecycle, including:

• Early design validation and antenna evaluation
• Pre-certification testing prior to FCC/ISED, CE RED, or industry level submissions
•  Evaluation of design modifications, hardware revisions, or alternate antennas
• Support for combined North American, EU and international approvals

Pre-compliance OTA testing helps manufacturers identify potential issues early and reduces the likelihood of retesting during formal certification.

OTA testing is commonly applied to products where radiated RF performance is critical, including:

• IoT and connected devices
• Consumer electronics and smart home products
• Industrial and commercial equipment
• Automotive and transportation systems
• Medical devices with integrated wireless functionality
• Utilities, Smart Cities and infrastructure

Test programs are defined based on product design, intended use, and regulatory scope.

OTA testing follows a structured process designed to support certification and approval requirements while maintaining efficiency.

1. Define scope based on device specifications and target markets
2. Provide quotation and confirm project requirements
3. Conduct OTA testing using accredited methodologies
4. Deliver detailed report and results
5. Support certification or submission where required

Advanced OTA testing equipment and facilities

OTA testing is conducted using specialized chambers and measurement systems designed to accurately capture device performance across multiple frequency bands.

• Advanced OTA test chambers (400MHz-7.125GHz, 28GHz, 38GHz)
• Goniometers providing 3D resolution down to 1°
• Multi-antenna arrays with 23 dual-polarized measurement antennas
• Integrated laser alignment systems for precise DUT positioning
• High-speed switch controllers for accelerated testing
• Fully anechoic room (FAR) with minimized reflections

PTCRB and CTIA Certification

We use our OTA chambers and measurement platforms to carry out SISO and MIMO cellular testing in line with CTIA Mobile Station OTA test plans. The same setups also support Wi-Fi RF performance evaluation for mobile converged devices, helping manufacturers to comply with industry standards.

OTA testing requirements vary depending on your product design and target markets.

TÜV SÜD works with manufacturers to define the right testing strategy for certification and approval.