LTE handset certification

Aeroflex and w2bi (Wireless to Business Integration) have agreed to pool their test expertise and technology to jointly develop a network certification platform for LTE mobile devices.

“LTE is fast becoming the mobile broadband technology of choice worldwide for next-generation networks and our agreement with Aeroflex gives us access to essential technology from the recognised leader in LTE test,” said Ron Parmar, CEO of w2bi.

“The deployment of mobile devices requires thorough testing, both during development and for certification. Since LTE is a new and complex technology, certification testing assumes even greater significance. The new certification platform for LTE mobile devices is being developed to meet this challenge.”

The combination of Aeroflex’s 7100 LTE test system integrated with w2bi’s Q-Generic automated tester will create an LTE handset certification platform for network operators, device manufacturers and test labs worldwide.

Complementing w2bi’s existing certification platforms for 2G and 3G networks, it will bundle all the elements needed for an effective LTE network certification test to enable network operators to deliver the expected quality of user experience.

Providing a turnkey solution, it will automate testing based on industry standards (3GPP and 3GPP2) as well as operator-specific LTE network implementations.

The incorporation of the 7100 provides a fully integrated RF interface, baseband and protocol stack to simulate the network from the physical layer to the core network IP infrastructure.

It offers both parametric analysis and protocol logging and diagnostics. End-to-end IP connectivity allows the data throughput performance and latency to be assessed.

With a base frequency range up to 6 GHz, the unit is designed to cope with both current and potential future spectrum allocations. It also features 2x2 MIMO and built-in ‘fading’ simulation, allowing device throughput to be assessed in real-world conditions.

A second RF carrier is also available for handover test scenarios, a major challenge for mobile device designers and a critical feature for new network rollout.