ICTRFN401
Conduct radio frequency measurements


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to plan and undertake testing, including measuring, recording and interpreting results within all legislative and regulatory frameworks.

It applies to individuals who work in the field to install, maintain, upgrade and commission radio frequency (RF) telecommunications systems. These systems may include satellite and microwave, radio or television broadcasting, pay television, free to air television, radio frequency identification (RFID), mobile radio, cellular and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) networks.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan to conduct RF measurements

1.1 Arrange access to site according to required procedure

1.2 Determine type of measurements required based on industry environment

1.3 Assess impact of conducting measurements on network and advise clients and appropriate person accordingly

1.4 Assess previous measurement data if available

2. Conduct RF measurements

2.1 Check that prescribed safety arrangements associated with RF radiation are in place; otherwise, take corrective action

2.2 Monitor work activity to ensure it meets site specifications, and relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards

2.3 Configure test equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications

2.4 Conduct measurements according to planned requirements

2.5 Assess RF levels at occupational and non-occupational distances

2.6 Record all measurements and test configurations

3. Analyse measurement outcomes

3.1 Verify measurements against relevant standards and vendor specifications

3.2 Assess problems and variance for corrective action, and notify appropriate person according to enterprise procedures

3.3 Record processes and recommendations

4. Document measurement results

4.1 Complete client documentations

4.2 Notify client to obtain sign off

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

plan and conduct radio frequency (RF) testing using appropriate equipment and instruments

measure, record and interpret test results

monitor work to meet related work health and safety (WHS) requirements and work practices.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

discuss the principles and operation of the following

analog and digital modulation methods

logarithmic units

standard test procedures and test setups

transmitter and receiver architectures

discuss the principles of radio frequency (RF) operation including:

instrument and features and types

radiation hazards

safety practices.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications – radio frequency networks field of work and include access to:

sites for RF measurements

a range of test equipment and items to test

relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impacts on work activities.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

2.3, 3.1

Recognises and interprets information from relevant sources to determine technical specifications and regulatory and legislative requirements

Writing

1.3, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2

Uses clear, specific and industry related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation and in written communications with clients

Oral Communication

1.3, 3.2, 4.2

Uses specific and relevant language and appropriate tone to provide and ask for technical, operational and legal advice

Uses listening techniques to determine understanding

Numeracy

1.4, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1

Evaluates and reviews numerical information when undertaking test measurements, interpreting results, calibrating equipment and evaluating performance

Navigate the world of work

2.1, 2.2, 3.2

Takes personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, with specific reference to safety

Understands the nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities

Get the work done

1.1-1.3, 2.3, 3.2, 3.3

Determines job priorities and works logically and systematically to undertake clearly defined and familiar tasks

Identifies and assembles the instruments, equipment and access required to competently undertake the job

Takes responsibility for routine decision making by selecting from a range of predetermined options in routine situations, identifying and taking situational factors into account

Diagnoses and implements standard solutions to minimise measurement errors


Sectors

Telecommunications – radio frequency networks