3GPP test mobile

Aeroflex has introduced the TM500 LTE test mobile designed for 3GPP LTE (3G long-term evolution) network infrastructure development test and rollout.

The device’s Layer 1, Layer 2 and higher layer test features make it useful with complete visibility into even the lowest layers of the radio modem by generating the detailed diagnostic data needed to verify the required functionally and optimise network operation and performance.

LTE is the 3GPP’s vision for ensuring that the evolution of UMTS network infrastructure remains the dominant mobile architecture going forward into the next decade.

It targets data rates of more than 100 Mbps over the downlink and 50 Mbps over the uplink when operating at 20 MHz and climbing to peak rates of 300 Mbps in the downlink for the highest category UEs.

Although LTE is designed as an upgrade to existing networks, instead of using W-CDMA, it adopts the OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) transmission scheme on the downlink and SC-FDMA (single carrier frequency division multiple access) on the uplink to provide flexible resource assignment.

Furthermore, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and higher order modulation (64 QAM) are used to improve the received signal strength and capacity needed to achieve the high rates and improved coverage.

The test incorporates mobile logging and measurement features at all layers of the protocol. This includes advanced MIMO tests to verify that the network appropriately handles the MIMO-related signalling and correctly applies the MIMO modes, which can be realised with or without the need for an external fading simulator.

Graphical displays and charts show signal quality and the system status, enabling engineers to quickly characterise and isolate problems.

It is possible to override signalling or even force data corruption, to enable simulation of abnormal conditions to test the system response and robustness or expose difficult problems.