All-in-One Support for RF Measurements and Protocol Tests in FR1 (to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (Millimeter-Wave) Bands

With a 5G base station emulation function, a single MT8000A test platform supports both the FR1 (to 7.125 GHz), including band n41, and the FR2 (millimeter-wave) bands used by 5G. Combining it with the OTA Chamber enables both millimeter-wave band RF measurements and beamforming tests using call connections specified by 3GPP. With the SmartStudio NR MX800070A, various functional tests by GUI operation only without requiring difficult scenario development are supported, also combining it with the Shield Box MA8161A supports functional tests in FR2 bands.

Flexible Platform using Modular Architecture

The leading-edge design with flexibility and scalability uses a modular architecture. As well as supporting 4x4 MIMO and 8CA implemented by eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband), it provides a flexible environment for future 5G test requirements, including URLLC (Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications) and mMTC (massive Machine Type Communications)

Supports Existing LTE Test Environment

A comprehensive test environment is provided by making use of Anritsu's LTE test platform offering leading-edge functions based on the company's long experience in this market. Easy configuration of a linked environment for simulating 5G and LTE NSA (non-standalone) makes best use of measurement assets, such as the customer's test environment, test scenarios, etc.

Supports Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) Condition

In DSS, the spectrum is allocated to both 4G and 5G by the scheduler intelligently, depending on the requirements. This is a much more efficient use of spectrum.

Key Features

• All-in-One Support for RF Measurements and Protocol Tests in FR1 (to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (Millimeter Wave) Bands
• Supports mm-wave band RF measurements and beam forming tests combined use with the RF chamber.
• Flexible Platform using Modular Architecture
• Supports Existing LTE Test Environment
• Supports various functional tests by GUI operation only without requiring difficult scenario development (SmartStudio NR MX800070A)

RTD - simplifying your testing

RTD software runs on a standard PC. Tests are created using a simple flowchart based editor within a fully integrated test design and execution environment. During test execution, RTD controls one or more Anritsu signaling testers to accurately simulate a number of cellular base stations and provide runtime monitoring information. After the test is complete, protocol analysis features allow rapid troubleshooting of any issues found with the implementation under test.

Test Editor

The flowchart based test design environment allows engineers at all levels of expertise to create tests quickly by dragging and connecting signaling blocks to define the test flow. Test parameters default to typical sensible values and can easily be adjusted using intuitive parameter dialog boxes.

Example tests are supplied as standard to provide a solid reference base from which you can freely adapt to create bespoke tests.

RTD gives you the ultimate trade-off between ease-of-use and control. Testing of a complete stack should not require the user to understand the parameterization of the lower layers but testing a partial stack implementation (e.g. physical layer only) will need full control over the low layer protocols. RTD achieves this by offering 2 levels of protocol procedures. "Layer 3 procedures" enable fast and error-free test creation through automatic configuration of layers 1 and 2. "Low level" procedures deliver finegrained control of layers 1 and 2. Time and money is saved - not only through rapid test creation, but also because RTD is the correct tool for each job.

Automated Test Execution

RTD provides all the features you would expect for efficiently running a single test, and for running your extensive, automated regression campaigns. You can rely on RTD to keep going without the need for manual intervention and to provide rock-solid, repeatable results.

It´s remote control interface makes it easy to integrate with your existing automated testing environment and it supports standard "AT commands" as well as tailor-made interfaces for controlling the device under test.

Protocol Analysis

The latest technologies support high data rates, and also a large amount of control signaling. All this information is stored during test execution, and somewhere, buried within this information will be the clue that points you to the cause of any issues.

RTD´s protocol analyzer has been designed by protocol engineers, for protocol engineers to deliver the best possible tool for pinpointing issues.

Its message sequence format provides clear distinction between data, and control messages. This makes it easy to establish the test flow.

User Support

RTD is much more than just a software application. User help and documentation are delivered with the product, and the support service provides you with direct access to expert engineers. Regular software updates allow you to access the latest features and ensure that your testing complies with the latest protocol standards. Anritsu can also provide you with onsite support and bespoke user training courses.

Everything is in place to maximize your testing productivity!

Description

The Signalling Tester MD8475B is an all-in-one base station simulator supporting LTE, LTE-Advanced, W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution/DC-HSDPA, GSM/GPRS/EGPRS and TD-SCDMA/TD-HSPA. It supports service, VoLTE and call-processing tests for multimode LTE smartphones and mobiles with excellent cost-performance.

In addition, 1-Gbps IP performance evaluation tests are made easy by the built-in traffic generator with all-in-one support for LTE-Advanced 3CA/4CA technologies.

Key Features

• All-in-one support for LTE-Advanced 3CA/4CA/5CA using up to eight TX and four RX RF ports (6 GHz max.)
• Efficient performance test environment using built-in traffic generator for 2 Gbps IP data transfers (Requires two MD8475B units)
• Integrated RF front end for easy connection setup
• Supports multimode terminals
• LTE (2x2 MIMO, 4x4 MIMO), LTE-Advanced (2CA, 3CA, 4CA, 5CA), W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution/DC-HSDPA, GSM/GPRS/EGPRS, TD-SCDMA/TD-HSPA
• SmartStudio GUI supports easy setup of test environments and functional tests
• Built-in CSCF server function supports GUI-based IMS service tests, such as VoLTE
  • Simple test mode using built-in CSCF server
  • Script mode supporting complex test environments by creating SIP sequences for irregular tests, etc.
• LTE data throughput evaluation environment (DL: 2 Gbps/UL: 150 Mbps)
• All-in-one DC-HSDPA 43.2 Mbps support
• All-in-one support for multi-cell test environment, including Inter-RAT Cell Reselection, Redirection, Cell Change, CS Fallback
• Supports offload tests from LTE/W-CDMA to WLAN
• Automated continuous 24/7 testing using SmartStudio Manager
  • Automatically controls both Android smartphone and MD8475B
  • More than 180 sample sequences available for immediate testing after setup
• Supports eCall (ETSI and CEN standards), Korean eCall (ITSK-WD-19003), NG-eCall (CEN/TS 17240:2018), and ERA-GLONASS (GOST33467)

The current worldwide proliferation of 3G mobile services is promoting increasingly high-speed data packet access in the mobile communications environment. W-CDMA-based systems are starting to use HSPA Evolution*1 to achieve high data transfer speeds while GSM-based systems are using EGPRS*2. Demand for high-speed data services by mobile users worldwide is driving development of mobile terminals (UE) that can secure optimum data throughput under any conditions.

The MD8480C W-CDMA Signalling Tester is a base station simulator with ideal protocol development and test functions for developing 3.5G W-CDMA UE supporting HSPA Evolution. It has an air interface conforming to 3GPP specifications as standard and supports a full range of applications and protocol tests, coding/decoding processing, protocol sequence testing (registration, origination, termination, handover), voice and data communications testing (circuit switch, packet switch), and UE end-to-end testing*3 for chipsets and UE.

Moreover, adding options for GSM/GPRS/EGPRS base stations supports Inter-RAT handover tests between 3G/3.5G and 2G systems. The MD8480C is the ideal instrument for developing increasingly popular UMTS UE and high-performance chipsets and UE for HSPA/ EGPRS*4.

*1: High Speed Packet Access Evolution
*2: Enhanced GPRS
*3: Requires two MD8480C units
*4: Handover Testing between W-CDMA/HSPA and GSM/EGPRS at Voice/ Data Communications

One Unit Supports Latest 2/3/3.5G Mobile Technology including HSPA Evolution

• Small footprint with expanded functions for testing up to four HSPA/WCDMA base stations including HSPA Evolution
• One unit supports up to two GSM/GPRS base stations including EGPRS for Inter-RAT and IntraRAT handover tests

Supports DL 42 Mbps*1 Data Throughput (with MCHSDPA) Specified by 3GPP Rel-10

• Throughout tests using external FTP server
• Layer 1, Layer 2 Trace Log and Throughput Monitor
• TCP/IP Traffic Analysis using general analysis software

*1: 63 Mbps for L1 testing
*2: 23 Mbps for L1 testing

Supports 3GPP Rel-7 and Rel-8 UE Categories

• New hardware supporting DL 64 QAM, and UL 16 QAM modulation schemes as well as 2x2 MIMO
• Supports 64QAM and MIMO (Category 20) , DC-HSDPA (Category 24), DB-DC-HSDPA (Category 24)
• Supports DC-HSDPA with MIMO (Cat. 26*1)
• Supports DC-HSUPA (UL Cat. 8)
• Supports MC-HSDPA (Cat. 29*1)

*1: Limitation Max Throughput

3GPP TS.25.306 V10.10.0 (Release 10) Table 5.1a: FDD HS-DSCH physical layer categories

Diversity Support for Four BTS (max.)

• Built-in support for handover tests between four BTS with diversity reception to simulate handover tests in near-to-real network environment
• Field verification items can be bench-tested, reducing time in field testing

Strong Baseband Support

• The optional Baseband Interface Unit (MU848077C) supports stable W-CDMA/HSPA chipset performance and function evaluation tests irrespective of the of RF section performance
• Development of HSPA mobiles requiring performance evaluation in severe mobile environments is supported by configuration of a high-reproducibility coding/decoding test environment

All-in-One Full Digital Fading Simulator Supporting LTE 2x2 MIMO 2-cell and 4x2 MIMO

The introduction of the LTE next-generation communication standard makes MIMO evaluation in a fading environment much more complex. Connecting the MF6900A Fading Simulator to the MD8430A Signalling Tester via dedicated digital interface to simulate a BTS greatly simplifies 3GPP LTE 2x2 MIMO and 4x2 MIMO fading tests

High Reproducibility and Maintainability due to Full Digital Baseband Processing

The MF6900A simulates fading using full digital baseband processing. As a result, high-reproducibility results are obtained using the same settings and complex MIMO power control settings are extremely easy and accurate. Moreover, complete elimination of all analog circuits supports easy maintenance and calibration-free stability.

All-in-One Unit Supports LTE 4x2 MIMO or LTE 2x2 MIMO↔W-CDMA/HSPA Dual Environment

One unit supports LTE 2x2 MIMO 2-cell or 4x2 MIMO tests and combination with the MD8430A Signalling Tester offers a simple test setup for intra-system LTE 2x2 MIMO handover or 4x2 MIMO tests

The MD8480C Signalling Tester for W-CDMA supports all-in-one LTE/W-CDMA inter-system handover tests (with MF6900A-001 option installed)

Easy Fading Setting using Dedicated Interface with MD8430A/MD8480C

The MF6900A Fading Simulator uses a dedicated digital connection with the MD8430A/MD8480C. Elimination of internal RF circuits eliminates power control settings, and the simple display supports intuitive use

In addition, fading setting is made easy just by calling preset fading profiles from MD8430A and MD8480C test scenarios, allowing chipset and UE protocol developers to run tests transparently without a deep understanding of fading settings.

Moreover, auto-synchronization at MD8430A and MD8480C slow clock operation eliminates repeated fading setting.

Following the expanding market for Location-Based Services (LBS) supporting emergency use of mobile terminals as Personal Navigation Devices (PND), more mobile manufacturers are now linking GPS signals with mobile networks by incorporating high-accuracy A-GPS*1 positioning functions into their terminals. In particular, SUPL*2 A-GPS is being widely adopted to receive global positioning services using packet data, irrespective of the communications carrier and location. Anritsu's MX848600A SUPL Simulation Server is a software package for performing tests meeting the SUPL v1.0 standard of the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA). Installing it in a PC simplifies testing, including ULP*3/RRLP*4 layer normal/sub-normal sequence tests and assistance data parameter variation tests to support efficient function tests and software emulation for various typical 2G and 3G mobile SUPL terminals (SET*5).

*1 : Assisted GPS
*2 : Secure User Plane Location
*3 : User Plane Location Protocol
*4 : Radio Resource LCS Protocol
*5 : SUPL Enable Terminal

Objective SUPL Evaluation using Standalone Terminal Emulator

The MX848600A uses a high-reliability platform architecture based on Anritsu's long experience in mobile terminal protocol evaluation to deliver objective and highly reliable SUPL Location Platform tests*.

*: Only one evaluation target (SET) can be connected to the SUPL simulation server. However, tests can also be run on one PC.

Any IP address can be set in the SUPL Server software and when the MX848600A is installed in the same PC running a Web server as shown below, application tests, etc., using position results can also be performed.

Any Defined Test Sequence and Parameters

The ULP/RRLP protocol sequence, message elements and parameters passing between the terminal and SUPL server can be freely defined in C++ scenarios. In addition to the usual normal sequence tests, sub-normal and abnormal sequence tests, which are not supported by a real server, can be performed too, offering flexible fault testing.

Accessory Sample Scenarios

Since sample scenarios describing basic SUPL sequences (Proxy Mode, SET Initiated support) are bundled with the control software as accessories, testing can start immediately.

External Control Function for 24/7 Testing

Commands such as scenario selection and execution can be remotely controlled from an external PC, supporting time-saving, 24/7 testing by configuring an SLP (SUPL Location Platform) test rig on a PC with installed terminal emulator.

Encode/Decode SUPL (ULP/RRLP) Messages

Not only does the SUPL control software support scenario execution, it also encodes the GPS Almanac and Ephemeris data defined in the assistance data file in ASN.1 format and sends the assistance data to the terminal. In addition, the SUPL server software displays and saves the communications log with the terminal.

Messages can be decoded to find problems using both the accessory MessageCoder tool as shown below and other commercial IP analysis tools

Evaluation Results Reflected in Real Terminal Tests

Test efficiency is increased by using SUPL test scenarios created in the MX848600A terminal emulation environment in real terminal tests. Reflecting upstream evaluation results in real terminal tests helps clarify evaluation tasks and shortens the development cycle.

LTE-Advanced Pro is faster than LTE-Advanced and becoming effect radio communications network. The Signalling Tester MD8430A is a key LTE base station simulator for developing LTE/LTE-Advanced/LTE-Advanced Pro-compliant chipsets and mobile UEs.

Using its extensive experience in 3G markets, Anritsu has developed the MD8430A as a powerful LTE-Advanced Pro protocol R&D test solution to help developers bring LTE/LTE-Advanced/LTE-Advanced Pro terminals to market as fast as possible.

Coding/Decoding Test

Coding/Decoding tests of LTE-Advanced Pro terminals are performed by making the RF connections shown in the following diagram.

The MD8430A supports digital baseband I/O as standard functions. Using the baseband interface offers high-reproducibility coding/ decoding tests free from the RF section, supporting stable evaluation of LTE chipset baseband performance.

Moreover, LTE coding/decoding tests are supported because the baseband chip can be evaluated using a slower clock than the clock frequency. And connecting the second MD8430A fading function to the digital baseband interface supports slow clock evaluations in a fading environment, which are difficult to perform with an RF

Easy MIMO Test Configuration Settings

The MD8430A has 8 main and sub RF connectors as well as 8 digital IQ connectors as standard equipment for use with the MX843010A/ E LTE Control Software to easily configure and monitor various settings, including RF parameters, channel power, MIMO, fading, connector selections, frame timing, BTS cell selections, etc.

Fully Versatile L1/L2 Monitoring Functions

The MX843010A/E software supports LTE development by processing large volumes of low-layer data at very high speeds using a full line of versatile power monitoring, throughput monitoring and log analysis functions. The Measure (Counter) functions can monitor Layer 1/2 (L1/L2) throughputs in real time by counting parameter values such as ACK/NACK/DTX/CQI.

Intelligent Test Creation

The Rapid Test Designer (RTD) MX786201A software tools gives users power to create tests that cannot be done with traditional language based tools. RTD Supports L1/L2/L3 testing using Lower Layer Configuration library and Layer 3 procedure library of UE development.

Moreover, each procedure auto-sets the connection with the lower Layers (L1/L2) based on full compliance with the 3GPP standards. RTD can simulator LTE ↔ UMTS Inter-RAT and LTE ↔ CDMA2000™ Interworking by connecting MD8480C and/or MD8475A.

The Reference Library test cases provides a reference to build the customized test cases and libraries with ease.

Cuts Test Case Development Time

The RTD GUI offers intuitive test case creation by linking procedures with parameters, such as network conditions and message data, at easy-to-understand setting screens, quickly increasing the number of working test cases.

In addition, the Built-in Analyzer function checks for programming errors prior to testing, which can start immediately without recompiling after editing and changing settings.

*: MD8430A can be used on UMTS/GSM test in place of MD8480C

Flexibility in Testing & Analysis

When the test finishes the execution, the RTD provides a preliminary judgment against predetermined criteria. This avoids the need to study complex message sequences and can show a test outcome explained in a local language. The Integrated protocol analyzer with RTD supports very detailed Message Sequence Analysis and provides a facility to export the Protocol Test logs in to HTML format which can be viewed at any PC with a Browser without a RTD license.

All-in-One Support for LTE and Other Communications Technologies

All the world's main communications technologies, including triple-system LTE/W-CDMA/GSM mobiles and TD-LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM as well as LTE/CDMA2000™ hybrids, can be tested using the all-in-one MD8475A/MD8475B (requires installation of optional units and software for each standard).

Other communication technologies includes W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution/DC-HSDPA, GSM/(E)GPRS, CDMA2000™ 1X/1xEV-DO Rev. A. and TD-SCDMA/TD-HSPA. The MD8475A also supports VoLTE services and call-processing for multimode LTE devices.

Scenario-less Smartphone Tests using SmartStudio

Unlike earlier base station simulators requiring time-consuming creation of complex scenarios, the Anritsu SmartStudio interactive user interface eliminates the need to create scenarios, smoothing UE testing.

Verifying Existing Smartphone Functions using SmartStudio Manager

Smartphone development requires verification of existing functions. Testing of items that have already been tested many times over, such as voice tests and SMS sending/receiving, are automated using SmartStudio Manager to improve development efficiency.

Supports Versatile Smartphone Tests

A full line of test environments are supported for the general mobile verification phase, such as max. throughput performance tests, stress tests, and battery consumption tests of multisystem LTE mobiles using 2x2 MIMO, as well as CS-Fallback, call connection reliability and stability tests at handover, communication tests at low RF power, and service verification using LTE Multiple PDN and SMS in a 2-cell environment.