Product Certification Schemes
CAI Certification Schemes, previously known as Benchmarking Schemes, lay down the minimum standards of product performance based on specified parameters for satisfactory signal reception and network distribution. The testing and certification does not cover the standard of construction and durability. These factors are left to individual manufacturer warranty descriptions.
There are two CAI certification schemes - LTE aerials and coaxial cables – and one joint CAI & DTG Scheme - the European IRS Certification Scheme.
The specifications for all three have been compiled by industry wide consultation and are monitored and market tested via both the CAI Technical Committee and the CAI Assessment Executive. Applicants and holders of all CAI product certifications are bound by legal binding contracts that secure adherence to all aspects of the certification. Sample testing of products sold to the trade or in the open market ensures ongoing conformity.
All three schemes are voluntary for manufacturers wishing to take part, but many tenders and specifications insist that CAI Certified products are used, as do many other bodies including government departments, broadcasters and platform operators. Certified products should always be used in conjunction with the installation practice laid down in CAI's Codes of Practice and the recommendations in DTG R Books.
Each certified product will display a CAI Certification Scheme logo representing the test standard. To view the CAI Certification logo's view our Help & Advice section.
Aerial Certification Scheme
This scheme lays down the minimum standards for the technical performance of UHF TV aerials based on the specific requirements for satisfactory digital terrestrial TV (DTT) reception. Aerials are categorised into 2 standards which both relate to aerials designed to minimise interference from Long Term Evolution products (LTE).
Standard F
This is the new LTE standard for 'Fringe' aerial reception and should provide acceptable reception for homes on the edge of the primary service area.
Standard S
This is the new LTE standard for 'Standard' aerial reception and is an intermediate level suitable for use across the whole of a DTT coverage area.
Cable Certification Scheme
The Cable Certification Scheme lays down minimum standards for the technical performance of coaxial cable based on the specific requirements for satisfactory reception and network distribution of signals from terrestrial or satellite transmissions. There are currently 7 cable certifications:
Type 100
Type 125
Type 165
Type RG6 (SDU)
Type 100 5 Core
Twin Type 0.65
Twin Type 100
European IRS Certification Scheme
The European IRS Certification Scheme (EICS) outlines a set of tests to verify the efficient use of spectrum by dSCRs and multiswitches as well as interoperability with satellite and DTT receivers, providing an industry agreed test regime for these types of equipment. Currently there are no harmonised standards for satellite launch amplifiers, dSCRs and multiswitches to demonstrate compliance to Radio Equipment Directive meaning there is no industry-wide specification to test how spectrally efficient their performance is. Spectral efficiency is a key aspect of a performance and criteria such as isolation, dynamic range, interference rejection, and gain control, all indicate whether a product can perform well in today’s environment where multiple technologies are expected to work in adjacent spectrum bands without causing interference to one another.
Similarly, interoperability between receivers and switching equipment is essential to support platform delivery as well has having industry agreed requirements and independent verification of properties such as signalling and power levels being sent between receivers and switches.
Therefore the EICS gives installers, specifiers, distributors & retailers, manufacturers, broadcasters and platform operators confidence that products will perform as intended and are compatible with platform requirements, providing system integrity.