DUMMY LOAD

A Dummy Load is a device used to simulate an electrical load during testing. In an RF System a dummy load is used to simulate an antenna. By using a dummy load instead of an actual antenna, the transceiver can be tested and configured without radiating radio waves.

The Dummy Load is selected in a way so that it has a similar impedance to the real device that will be connected to the RF System.Not using a dummy load and leaving the port open, can result in some unwanted reflections which can damage the RF System. Also, using a real antenna in the testing phase can result in some unwanted transmission in the lab which will interfere with other devices and technologies being tested.