These receivers enable network equipment manufacturers and carriers to effectively deploy, optimize, and troubleshoot all technologies in their own networks by quickly identifying coverage and interference problems. Spectrum analysis can be used on any of the RF bands supported. The receivers also have a highsensitivity GPS receiver to ensure accurate reporting of position and measurement data.
Anritsu simplifies things with three software packages for LTE that run on its MS269XA Signal Analyzer (Fig. 3). The MX269020A TE Downlink Measurement Software, the MX269021A LTE Uplink Measurement Software, and the MX269908A LTE IQ producer all help ensure the compliance of LTE devices.
The MX269020A and MX269021A measure the transmit characteristics of 3GPP LTE in the frequency-division duplex (FDD) mode. Both packages include special features, such as a sliding fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis window to provide measurement flexibility and a user-defined reference signal.
The MX269908A generates 3GPP LTE-compliant waveform pattern files. These can be output as RF signals from the MS269XA’s optional signal generator to test RF receiver characteristics and to perform transmitter and receiver evaluations. Userdefined reference signals can be created and incorporated into the waveform files for transmission.
All of these products go a long way toward boosting measurement efficiencies in LTE basestations, mobile terminals, and components. The software installs directly on the MS269XA analyzer, eliminating the need for an external PC in the test setup. The MS269XA comes in several models with frequency ranges that begin at 50 Hz and go to 6, 13.5, and 26.5 GHz. U.S. prices begin at $34,000. The MX269020A and the MX269021A cost $17,212 each. The MX269908A goes for $5164.
Anritsu’s MS271xB economy spectrum analyzers include models available for maximum frequencies of 7.1, 13, and 20 GHz. Their special demodulation hardware and pre-written test routines suit popular wireless technologies like fixed and mobile WiMAX, WCDMA and HSDPA, cdmaOne, cdma2000, EVDO, and GSM/GPRS/EDGE.
All of the models have a 10-MHz bandwidth and a 100-dB dynamic range. They support 13 wireless test options that reduce production test cost. The zero span function’s digital time markers let users measure RF power versus time with improved accuracy. The marker function is now scrollable, and measurement speeds, remote I/O data transfer, and button response times all clock in much faster.
For test automation creation, MS271xB programmable test functions are now available on National Instruments’ LabVIEW, permitting easy test writing with high-level languages. All models have 256-Mbyte and 2-Gbyte USB flash drives, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 connectivity. U.S. prices range from $12,950 for the 7.1-GHz model up to $19,959 for the 20-GHz model.
Anritsu’s MG37020A microwave signal generator targets automated test systems in defense signal simulation and manufacturing automatic test equipment (ATE) where, minimum test time and maximum throughput are critical. Applications include antenna test, satellite payload test, and terrestrial microwave link testing.
Its key spec is its fast frequency switching speed of 100 µs. This YIG-based (yttrium-iron-garnet) generator also has a frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz in 0.001-Hz steps with a typical low phase noise of –101 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from 10 GHz. Furthermore, it has a color touchscreen and is based on a Windows XP platform. Connectivity includes USB 2.0, Ethernet, IEEE-488 GPIB, and RS-232.
Azimuth Systems was one of the first companies to develop a hardwired RF channel emulator to test wireless systems. The company’s first efforts addressed Wi-Fi testing, while its later developments are now critical to 802.11n Wi-Fi products. Now, Azimuth’s ACE MX channel emulator tests LTE, WiMAX (including the forthcoming 802.16m standard), and UMB (Fig. 4).
This emulator meets complex 4G smart antenna requirements, including MIMO and beamforming methods. The ACE MX also covers the range from 400 MHz to 6 GHz. It has scalable MIMO configurations and accommodates unidirectional or bidirectional operation in either frequency-division duplex (FDD) or timedivision duplex (TDD) formats. It’s ready to test almost any of the forthcoming products that operate in the new 700-MHz band.
Keithley addresses the MIMO testing problem with its 2920 vector signal generator (VSG) to create the OFDM signal used as the test input. By employing additional VSGs, users can generate two, three, or four additional signals on the same frequency with different data to produce the final MIMO signal. Keithley’s 2895 MIMO Synchronization Unit is needed to coordinate the inputs and produce the final MIMO output (Fig. 5).
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