Reliable RF testing of GSM, GPRS and EDGE mobile phones

MOBILE RADIOTest systemsmethods (FIG 3). All GSM RF tests forphase 2, GPRS and EDGE in all currentand future frequency bands are implementedby only six of them. Receivertests, for example, are covered by onetest method with some 50 parameters.Parameter sets are used to definethe test cases, from the levels ofuseful signals and interference signalsthrough channels and fading settingsto the number of measured samples.These parameter sets can be modified,expanded or completely redefined at anytime on a user-friendly interface.That means you can instantly and accuratelyget to the root of problems occurringduring the development of mobilephones. In addition, completely new testcases can be created without any programmingeffort, e.g. for customer-specifictest scenarios (FIG 4).LAN / InternetTest parameters,operator, PIX/PIXITApplication layer• Test method• RF calibrationResultsLogical device layer• Interferer 1, 2, 3 (power, frequency, etc)• Channel setup (channel type, etc)Device layerControl centerSequencer, test editor,result analysis,configuration editorStart/stopFSIQ26.dll SMIQ03b.dll SMP.dllSystemconfigurationLAN / InternetAutomatic path calibration in theR&S TS8950G ensures optimum measurementaccuracy even in extreme testsituations. The complexity of the testsequence thus recedes into the backgroundand the user can fully focus onthe actual measurement.FIG 3Logical structure of R&S PASS softwarePhysical interfacesIEC/IEEE bus (GPIB), RS-232-C, Centronix, USB, TCP/IPAnalysis – online and offlineThe user interface of R&S PASS runs asa separate process, independently of thetest application. During a test run it istherefore possible to compose the nexttest sequence for example, analyze earliertest results or define new tests, withoutinterfering with the ongoing test.With R&S PASS, test results can alsobe stored outside of the test system ina corporate network. A copy of the analyzertool allows analysis of results anywhereand at any time (FIG 5).FIG 4Free access to all test parameters without programming effortNews from Rohde&Schwarz6Number 174 (2002/II)

Reliable RF testing all the way from development to conformance testing◆ Platform for RF tests according to ◆ Supports GSM Ph2/Ph2+, GPRS, and ◆ Control of custom equipment3GPP TS51.010-1EDGE◆ Full remote access◆ Freely configurable RF test methods ◆ Upgradable to WCDMA◆ Online measurement accuracy controlfor R&D◆ Open interfaces for easy integrationinto individual lab conceptR&S TS8955G – a system withmany facetsThe R&S TS8955G system for developmentand precompliance testing can beconfigured to customer specifications.Depending on the application, configurationsfor receiver tests, transmitter testsor both can be created. Together withthe customer, Rohde & Schwarz definesthe hardware and software for therequired test application and thus findsthe matching solution. This entry-levelconfiguration is not a one-way street,however, as subsequent upgrading isquite straightforward.All devices can be logged on and offthrough the user interface, so configurationscan also be modified for the shortterm. The use of LabWindows CVI asa programming environment enablessimple integration of customer-specificapparatus, e.g. climatic chambers.R&S TS8950G – oriented onfuture WCDMAThe fact that the R&S TS8950W – anRF test system for WCDMA FDD – isbased on the R&S TS8950G platformdemonstrates the emphasis thatRohde & Schwarz places on modularityand secure solutions for the future. TheTS8950G and all system variants of theTS8955G can be upgraded to WCDMAwithout exchanging hardware.SummaryThe new test system family from Rohde &Schwarz is a well-rounded solution forthe entire development cycle of mobileterminals. The R&S PASS software andthe test method concept provide anunprecedented degree of flexibility. Theydo away with time-consuming programmingso that the user can fully focus onthe actual measurement application.The platform concept reduces time tofamiliarize and offers consistent testresults, considerably shortening thedevelopment phase for mobile phones.Alexander PabstMore information and data sheets atwww.rohde-schwarz.com(search term: equipment name)RF Test System TS8950G for GSM/GPRS/EDGE MobilesData sheet TS8950GFIG 5User-friendly evaluation of test results in text and graphicsREFERENCES[1] GSM Protocol Analyzer CRTU-G – Changingof the guard: after more than 10years, a new GSM reference system.News from Rohde & Schwarz (2001)No. 171, pp 4–8[2] Baseband Fading Simulator ABFS –Reduced costs through baseband simulation.News from Rohde & Schwarz (1999)No. 163, pp 11–13[3] Universal Radio Communication TesterCMU200 – On the fast lane into themobile radio future. News from Rohde &Schwarz (1999) No. 165, pp 4–7[4] Spectrum Analyzers FSP / FSU – GSMand EDGE measurements with ApplicationFirmware FS-K5. News from Rohde &Schwarz (2001) No. 170, pp 18–20[5] Signal Generator SMIQ – Fit for 3Gwith new options. News from Rohde &Schwarz (2000) No. 166, pp 10–12News from Rohde&Schwarz7Number 174 (2002/II)