Automotive RF Immunity Testing using Peak Power Meters

A relatively well known case of RF interference that involves automobiles especially for those drivers who live near Naval bases as well as near airports, is the garage doors opening and closing on their own. Operating in the same (military) frequency band as the garage openers, the Naval communication systems typically overpower the garage opener signal therefore opening and closing the garage doors seemingly on their own. This is one of the rare instances where RF interference significantly impacts the owner of a vehicle and the auto industry would like to make sure there are not any others. This application paper focuses on discussing the usage of peak power meters in RF immunity testing for EMC purposes.