1.
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) a Wireless Network

2.
Critical Step
As a new control system is prepared for delivery, factory
acceptance testing (FAT) is a critical part of the process.
During the test, all control system hardware will be connected,
configured and operated as if in the factory before being installed on
the site.
This process enables the integrator to verify a complete system
operation prior to the hardware installation, demonstrating to the
owner that everything is functioning as ordered.

3.
Wireless Component
Incorporating the wireless hardware in the testing is important
because it allows all timing, recovery and throughput to be verified.
However, since most factory acceptance testing is conducted in
smaller physical areas than where the network will be installed, this
can present some challenges.
The difficulty occurs when operating a wireless network designed
for miles of operation in such a confined space.

4.
Issues of Distance
Although a radio designed for long distance communication seems like it
should work as well, if not better, in a shorter distance, that is not actually
the case.
The receiver of a radio has a “saturation” level – a point where the
receive signal strength is so high that the excess energy creates its own
interference when radios are placed close together.

5.
Saturation Level
For instance, the receive signal saturation level for the Horizon series
radios is -40dBm.
Any receive signal strength greater than this can cause the radios to
behave unreliably.
Operating a radio under these testing conditions requires specialized
hardware or software settings.

6.
Reductions Required
The receive signal strength needs to be reduced below the radio’s
saturation level for radios to operate with their antennas in close
proximity. This can be done by either lowering the power level in
the radios or by adding an RF attenuator.
This attenuator is placed in the transmission path between the
radio and antenna and can be of a fixed value (i.e. 10dB or 20dB)
or variable.
Attenuators will both lower the output power of the radio on the
transmit side and lower the receive signal strength on the receive
side.

7.
Output Considerations
The output power of the radio must be considered for each testing
application but generally a fixed 10dB or 20dB attenuator connected
to each radio will work well.
As long as the receive signal strengths can be controlled by
lowering the power level and using RF attenuators, the wireless
network can be tested as part of the FAT, giving customers the
peace of mind they need.
Once the testing is completed, the attenuators are removed to
prepare the system for delivery.

8.
The ESTeem Advantage
For over 30 years, we’ve designed, engineered and manufactured industrial
wireless radios and modems - all in the US and all specifically focused on solving
our customers’ most difficult networking challenges, no matter what the frequency.
Through all those years, we’ve stuck to the philosophy that applications will not
bend to fit the hardware. The solution must fit the application, and we work with
our customers to ensure they get the right wireless solution to fit their needs.
To that end, all of our models come with full compatibility
baked in (195E/Horizon, 192/195 Narrowband), and we
write our software/OS specifically for the components used
for optimum efficiency and performance.
To learn how ESTeem can deliver the cost-effective,
reliable wireless network your operation needs, submit this
simple contact form.

9.
ESTeem Corporate Information
Electronic Systems Technology
• Incorporated 1982
• Public Offering 1984
• Symbol: ELST
• dBA ESTeem Wireless Modems -
2007
Corp/MFG Headquarters
• Kennewick, WA
• Rockwell Automation Encompass
Partner – 25+ years
• CSIA Member/Supplier
• Control Systems Integrator
Association
45,000+ Radios in Service Worldwide
• Industry’s most complete
portfolio: 10 models
• FCC Licensed Frequencies
• License-Free Frequencies