Aeroflex debuts LTE simulator as In-Stat calls LTE the 4G choice

One-box system simulates signal fading as 3G becomes LTE's main competition.

Rick Nelson, Editor in Chief -- Test & Measurement World, 2/9/2010 7:00:00 AM

To speed up real-world testing of mobile handsets for LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks ahead of network deployment, Aeroflex is introducing a one-box test system for cellphone signal-fading simulation. The new instrument will be able to serve the LTE rollout as LTE becomes what In-Stat calls "the clear choice for the next leap in wireless technology" and "the 4G standard of choice."

In-Stat notes that although WiMax appeared to be a competitor for 4G (see "Getting to 4G through design and test,") the battle is now largely over, and LTE's deployment will primarily be impeded by the success of 3G networks and HSPA and HSPA+ networks as mobile operators leverage their installed infrastructure. In-Stat analyst Allen Nogee does caution that "LTE still has several glaring issues. These include lack of spectrum, signal-to-noise ratio, and non-established patent and royalty pool. It's clear that the shift toward 4G LTE will be gradual and protracted."

Nevertheless, LTE deployments will begin this year, reports In-Stat, 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 specified by 3GPP in 36-521-1. Aeroflex says its 7100 Series test platform provides fading simulation that meets or exceeds all 3GPP requirements, as well as an unprecedented degree of flexibility in allocating cells and fading taps for LTE user equipment (UE) without the need for manual reconfiguration. The fully repeatable test scenarios presented by the 7100 Series with the fading simulator include the emulation of dynamic environments and realistic and accurate testing of MIMO (multiple-input/multiple output) scenarios.

Fading simulators, combined with noise generators, modify RF signals transmitted by the LTE system simulator and emulate degradations introduced into the radio channel by real-life obstacles such as buildings and foliage. 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.

RF engineers, system integrators, and regression test engineers need to be ready to test new frequency allocations for LTE features at any time. With the LTE future in mind, the 7100 Series fading simulator supports all LTE bandwidths to 20 MHz with a frequency range up to 6 GHz. The Aeroflex fading simulator supports all 3GPP fading profiles, allowing users to determine if their device conforms to 3GPP test specifications.

Based on Aeroflex's RF and baseband technology, the 7100 Series digital radio test set supports both RF parametric and protocol testing for LTE terminal devices. Focused on the R&D market—from components to handsets—the 7100 Series simulates a network from the physical layer to the core network IP infrastructure.

A typical system with two RF carriers and 2x2 MIMO is approximately $100,000. The Fading Simulator (Option 101) is a software option and can be licensed and installed on units already in the field. It is priced at $10,000.

Aeroflex, www.aeroflex.com.