Aeroflex announces LTE simulator as In-Stat calls LTE the 4G choice
By Rick Nelson, Editor-in-Chief -- EDN, March 4, 2010
To speed up real-world testing of mobile handsets for LTE (long-term-evolution) networks before network deployment, Aeroflex has introduced a one-box test system for cell-phone signal-fading simulation.
In-Stat analysts note that, although WiMax (worldwide operability for microwave access) appeared to be a competitor for 4G, the battle is now largely over, and the success of 3G, HSPA (high-speed-packet-access), and HSPA+ networks will impede LTE’s deployment as mobile operators leverage their installed infrastructure (see “Getting to 4G through design and test,” EDN, April 9, 2009, pg 38). “LTE still has several glaring issues,” cautions Allen Nogee, an In-Stat analyst. These issues include lack of spectrum, SNR (signal-to-noise ratio), and the lack of an established patent and royalty pool. “The shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted,” he says.
Nevertheless, LTE deployments will begin this year, with North America and Asia/Pacific being the first regions to roll out. As deployment progresses, the demand is growing to meet all LTE requirements, including fading profiles that 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) specifies in 36-521-1. Aeroflex’s 7100 Series test platform provides fading simulation that meets or exceeds all 3GPP requirements, as well as flexibility in allocating cells and fading taps for LTE user equipment without the need for manual reconfiguration. The series features fully repeatable test scenarios with the fading simulator. These scenarios include the emulation of dynamic environments and realistic and accurate testing of MIMO (multiple-input/multiple-output) situations.
Fading simulators combine with noise generators to modify RF signals that the LTE-system simulator transmits and emulate degradations that real-life obstacles, such as buildings and foliage, introduce into the radio channel. For LTE developers who must profile signal fading on mobile handsets to meet 3GPP requirements before a network is available, the 7100 Series fading simulator allows engineers to perform realistic signal-fading simulations in a reliable and repeatable lab environment.
With the LTE future in mind, the 7100 Series fading simulator supports all LTE bandwidths to 20 MHz with a frequency range as high as 6 GHz. The simulator supports all 3GPP fading profiles, allowing users to determine whether their devices conform to 3GPP test specifications.
Employing Aeroflex’s RF and baseband technology, the 7100 Series digital-radio test set supports both RF parametric and protocol testing for LTE-terminal devices. Targeting the R&D market—from components to handsets—the series simulates a network from the physical layer to the core-network IP infrastructure.
A typical system with two RF carriers and 2×2 MIMO sells for approximately $100,000. Customers can license and install the $10,000 fading-simulator software option and on units in the field.
This article originally appeared in EDN's sister publication, Test & Measurement World. Please click here to view that article.
