Microwave oven interference measurements at 2.4 GHz

The 2.4 GHz ISM band is shared by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Wireless HART, ISA100.11a, and several other industrial wireless systems. This band also includes microwave ovens which produce interference that disrupt communications within their vicinity, therefore, understanding and monitoring for interference from these types of radio emissions sources is crucial to ensure an optimal wireless user experience. Microwave ovens are common radio interference sources that disrupt the operation of the wireless networks in industrial environments. While avoiding these types of emissions would be an ideal solution, human practicalities often make the elimination of microwave ovens impossible. Therefore, understanding the properties of this common radio emission is necessary. A real-time spectrum analyzer (RTSA) was used to capture complex baseband recordings of radio frequency emissions of three different microwave ovens at 2.45 GHz. The measurement data herein may be used to replicate the interference in a laboratory setting and thereby allowing industrial wireless network integrators to evaluate the performance of their wireless networks operating concurrently with this type of interference.Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this publication in order to describe the experimental procedures and data adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, nor is it intended to imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose.