Out-of-the-Box Performance of popular SDRs for EMC pre-compliance Measurements

This paper investigates the useability of popular software-defined radios for radiated electromagnetic pre-compliance measurements. Because of their versatility and low costs, the focus is put on transverse electromagnetic cells as test site in combination with CISPR 16-1-1 requirements. Based on these assumptions, the most relevant performance aspects are derived and verified by measurements. Furthermore, certain disadvantages caused by the respective frequency conversion principles are examined. With the presented results, further improvements, implemented by simple modifications, are discussed. Finally, pros and cons of each device are contrasted.