Aeroflex digital test set

Aeroflex has launched the 7100 digital radio test set designed to enable chip-set designers, software developers and handset manufacturers to accelerate the pace of development to meet the requirements of the 3GPP Rel-8 E-UTRAN standard better known as 3G LTE.

The 7100 delivers a testing capability in a single benchtop instrument.

Using intuitive touch-screen technology to provide easy access to test functionality, the device incorporates a fully integrated RF interface, baseband and protocol stack. It simulates the network from the physical layer to the core network IP infrastructure offering both parametric analysis and protocol logging and diagnostics.

End-to-end IP connectivity allows the data throughput performance and latency to be assessed. With a base frequency range of up to 6 GHz, the test set is designed to cope with both current and potential future spectrum allocations.

Optional features include 2x2 MIMO and built-in ‘fading’ simulation, allowing device throughput to be assessed in real-world conditions. An optional second RF carrier is also available for handover test scenarios.

Future options will include GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA which will enable inter-system handover to be tested.

The system is based on the RF and baseband technology and is primarily targeted at the 3G LTE R&D market, providing a test solution for developers designing chip-sets, protocol stacks and devices supporting the 3G LTE standard.

The core application will be functional tests (call set-up and termination) and parametric measurements (transmitter power, receiver sensitivity) that need to be performed to confirm correct operation of new designs on the bench.