Iskraemeco Group – a leading manufacturer of integrated smart energy meters faced a complex engineering challenge: to develop a reliable, automated, and high-performance testing system for their next generation devices. Designed with built-in measurement and communication capabilities, these smart meters required advanced RF testing with high accuracy and throughput while maintaining full automation to handle large production batches.
Designed with built-in measurement and communication capabilities, these smart meters required advanced RF testing with high accuracy and throughput while maintaining full automation to handle large production batches.
The customer’s devices integrate both measurement and wireless communication functions, supporting local connectivity via wM-Bus and remote access through GSM. Available in singlephase and three-phase versions, the units demanded a robust and precise test setup capable of ensuring performance consistency across multiple configurations.
Adding to the complexity, the test concept had to cover:
- RF shielding and minimized reflection
- Reliable double-sided contacting for PCBs with high-standing components
- Integration of multiple communication protocols and dual antenna configurations
- Automated QR code scanning, contacting, and locking
- Compatibility with multiple device variants (DUTs) within limited space
This multi-layer challenge required close collaboration between RF and mechanical engineering
teams to create a comprehensive, automated, and modular testing solution.
The NOFFZ Solution
NOFFZ Technologies entwickelte eine hochmoderne RF-Testkammer, die hohe Dämpfungswerte gewährleistet und Reflexionen sowohl nach innen als auch nach außen minimiert.
NOFFZ Technologies developed a state-of-the-art RF test chamber that ensures high attenuation levels and minimizes reflections both inward and outward. The fixture system was designed with a uniform and modular architecture, allowing interchangeable cassettes to accommodate up to six different DUTs within the same setup — maximizing flexibility and longterm value. Each system comprises a UTP 9011 rack and two UTP 5080 RF-shielded fixtures, forming a complete, automated test environment.
Within the RF zone, various serial communication interfaces were implemented without interference to wireless RF testing, ensuring seamless data integrity and signal isolation. Automation features enable easy transition between small and large production batches, supporting efficient and repeatable test cycles with minimal operator intervention.
Die Implementierung von sechs kompletten Systemen (einschließlich 14 austauschbarer Kassetten für drei Installationen in Slowenien und 10 für drei Systeme in Ägypten) führte zu herausragenden Ergebnissen:
- High reliability and robustness of the test setup
- Significantly improved test speed and throughput in RF measurements
- Seamless scalability from prototype to volume production
- Cross-device compatibility and reusability, reducing future investment costs
By implementing this advanced automated RF board-level test solution, the manufacturer achieved a major step forward in production efficiency, test accuracy, and operational flexibility.
The success of this project underscores the growing importance of integrated, automated test systems in the smart energy and industrial electronics sectors. With demand for connected and intelligent devices rising, the availability of such cutting-edge solutions — combining modular design, automation, and high RF performance — is set to further drive competitiveness and innovation across the industry.