LitePoint targets MIMO, WiMedia, and GPS

LitePoint recently launched three systems for testing to four wireless standards. The new IQnxnplus system offers multistream signal capabilities for WiFi and WiMAX MIMO development. IQultra, an ultrawideband (UWB) error-vector magnitude test system, covers both development and manufacturing testing of UWB devices. And the IQnav test system is aimed at high-volume manufacturing testing of embedded GPS-equipped devices.

LitePoint IQnxnplus systems provide a modular approach for MIMO R&D testing. Each module contains its own vector signal analyzer (VSA) and vector signal generator (VSG). A synchronizer subsystem ensures that the modules work in lockstep. The systems can be configured from a 1x1 setup (for example, one module and a synchronizer subsystem) to a 4x4 setup (for example, four modules and a synchronizer subsystem). The modules support WiFi and WiMAX frequency ranges of 2.15 to 2.7 GHz, 3.3 to 3.8 GHz, and 4.9 to 6.0 GHz. The included graphical user interfaces—called IQsignal for WiFi and IQsignal for WiMAX—provide analysis and display capabilities for single, multistream, and beam-forming adaptive-antenna functionality testing.

The IQultra WiMedia test system features a special-purpose VSA combined with an attenuator for UWB receive testing. The system can capture and analyze all WiMedia band groups (1 to 6) and time frequency codes (1 to 10). IQultra WiMedia test systems come in two versions: IQultra-300 for triple-band capture and IQultra-100 for single-band capture. Both support from 3.1 to 10.6 GHz and support multiband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) PHY layer specification version 1.2.

The multichannel IQnav for manufacturing test of GPS-equipped devices enables both carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements and location-fix tests to be performed in a single connection to the device under test. In addition, the IQnav offers synthetic power sweep capabilities where up to six CNR measurements are made simultaneously. Finally, the price of a six-channel IQnav compares with that of competitive single-channel testers, thus adding capabilities without affecting acquisition costs. IQnav is available in one- and six-channel models, both supporting L1 GPS frequencies (1575.42 MHz) over a power range of –60 to –145 dBm. The IQnav features specialized trigger capabilities that support testing of assisted GPS (A-GPS).

Prices: IQnxnplus—$55,000 to $129,000; IQultra WiMedia—$42,300 to $55,000; and IQnav—$9500 to $12,500. LitePoint, www.litepoint.com.