Test & Measurement

Reducing test time and costs, the IQ Fiber Master MT2780A is a multi-port CPRI-based RF and PIM analyser, claimed by Anritsu to be the first instrument to perform true passive intermodulation (PIM) analysis over fibre and present RF spectrum results derived from IQ data.

The MT2780A reduces test costs and time by providing field engineers, field technicians and third-party contractors with a single instrument to conduct RF interference measurements and PIM troubleshooting on LTE-based systems using CPRI front haul infrastructure.

The IQ Fiber Master uses patented PIM over CPRI and RF over CPRI measurement capabilities that allow tests to be conducted on the ground. This reduces tower climbs, reports the company. Field engineers and technicians can use the MT2780A to scan the uplink RF signals of a remote radio head (RRH) for in-band interference while simultaneously conducting PIM over CPRI measurements. It supports all Tier 1 LTE basestation radio manufacturers, reports Anritus and can determine if key performance indicators are being affected by interference or PIM.

Analysing CPRI IQ data allows users to view a radio’s uplink spectrum for interference troubleshooting. The IQ Fiber Master measures PIM over CPRI with four small form factor pluggable (SFP) inputs, enabling users to compare multiple bands and sectors. Measurements are performed on live cell tower traffic signals, enabling real-world testing to be conducted with no system downtime. As measurements are derived from baseband IQ data, the IQ Fiber Master can make measurements on any frequency RRH, or combination of frequencies.

The IQ Fiber Master analysis results provide a full PIM diagnosis. It will report the presence of PIM, whether it is internal or external, and the distance to PIM. In addition, the proprietary PIM heat map displays which transmitter contributes the most PIM. This collective diagnosis data shortens the entire PIM hunting exercise by directing field engineers and technicians to the most probable location and cause of the issues.

For on-going monitoring, the IQ Fiber Master can be installed at cell sites to conduct long-term PIM over CPRI measurements and provide analytical information. PIM-related problems, such as intermittent PIM occurring on specific days and times or changes in PIM due to basestation load during the day, can be measured in this configuration. Reports of the measurements can be generated and used for comparative analysis.

The IQ Fiber Master MT2780A also serves as a band-less PIM testing solution that can be a carrier’s first test tool when identifying an interference problem and its location.

All LTE bands are supported. The IQ Fiber Master MT2780A is compact and lightweight; it can fit in to the palm of the hand, says Anritsu. It weighs 1kg (2.2lbs) and measures 185 x 133 x 55mm (2.1 x 7.3 x 5.2-inches).

http://www.anritsu.com

Two differential WiFi oscilloscopes have been added to the WiFiScope series by TiePie. The high resolution WiFiScope WS6 Diff and WiFiScope WS4 Diff are everyday oscilloscopes, says the company, which can be used via an Ethernet connection (LAN, WiFi or WAN) and with a USB 2.0 / 3.0 connection.

They have a built-in battery which allows the WiFiScope the possibility to perform fully wireless differential measurements. Measurements can then be performed galvanically isolated and over long distances. The wireless, PC-based data acquisition instruments can be used for serial communication buses, switch mode power supplies, frequency converters and automotive measurements.

With a WAN connection, worldwide differential measurements can be performed. Specific knowledge on networks is not required, says TiePie. The Multi Channel software gives an overview of the available USB instruments and network instruments.

The differential WiFi oscilloscope provide fully wireless differential measurements via WiFi and mobile differential measurements (e.g. on transport systems and moving installations) are also possible. LAN and WAN data acquisition is available for long distance differential measurements.

The e.g. on transport systems and moving installations also provide continuous real time high speed data acquisition over both WiFi and LAN/WAN and USB differential measurements for standalone applications. High speed data acquisition is up to 200Msamples per second.

According to TiePie, the WiFiScope is so transparent that it appears that the Ethernet connected instrument is connected directly to the computer. All hardware and software functions of the oscilloscope, spectrum analyser, data logger and voltmeter remain available via the network.

The differential WiFi oscilloscope can now be used where previously it was difficult to place a complete measurement setup, says TiePie. The WiFi connections enable electrical, physical, mechanical and acoustic signals to now be measured remotely. With the WiFi oscilloscope, high speed real time continuous data acquisition rates of 5Msamples per second can be achieved with a resolution of 8- to 16-bits and, via LAN / WAN connections, high speed real time continuous data acquisition rates of 20Msamples per second can be achieved with a resolution of 8 to 16-bits. Via USB connections, high speed real time continuous data acquisition rates of 200Msamples per second can be achieved with a resolution of 8 to 16bits.

When combined with the free Multi Channel oscilloscope software, the WiFiScope WS4 Diff and WiFiScope WS6 Diff turn a PC into a high resolution differential oscilloscope, precision spectrum analyser, EMI pre compliance analyser, high performance multimeter, very fast differential data logger and comprehensive protocol analyser. The Multi Channel software allows the user to share data and analyse it without the need of an instrument. The software’s data analysis capabilities, via user configurable data processing I/O blocks, show the analysis results in graphs, tables and/or meter displays. Complicated instrument setups are no longer required as the Quick Setup accomplishes the measurement task in up to four mouse clicks from a selection dialogue that gives access to over 700 set ups, containing settings, example signals and background information on how to connect the instrument.

A software development kit (SDK) for writing PC-based data acquisition software is available, as well as examples in C, C++, C#, Python, Matlab, Node.js and Visual Basic.NET.

http://www.tiepie.com

Anritsu will release the portable MT1040A tester for 400G Networks at the Optical Fiber Communications (OFC) virtual exhibition instead of travelling to San Diego, California, USA.

The Network Master Pro MT1040A is a compact, battery-driven 400G measuring instrument with directly inserted QSFP-DD or OSFP measurement modules.

To date, 400G Ethernet has been used mainly in data centres, but the recent rapid growth in data traffic driven by rollout of 5G commercial services and expected future appearance of self-driving vehicles is seeing deployment of 400G Ethernet at non-data centre locations. The MT1040A supports 400G tests but also 10M~100G Ethernet, OTN, eCPRI/CPRI, SDH/SONET, and Fibre Channel onsite measurements. It can also be combined with an optional OTDR module for fibre line maintenance as well as with a GPS module for remote measurements using GPS. The integrated auto-test functions help operators perform identical tests to obtain quantitative test results, for onsite efficiency.

The Network Master Pro MT1040A is a portable measuring instrument for evaluating the transmission quality of various networks operating at communications speeds from 10Mbits per second to 400Gbits per second. With an evaluation interface supporting SFP/SFP+/SFP28, QSFP+/QSFP28/QSFP-DD, and OSFP optical modules, the MT1040A can be customised easily for any application, says Anritsu.

When combined with the MU100020A, MU100021A, MU100022A, or MU100023A OTDR modules for fibre tests and the high performance GPS Disciplined MU100090A, it measures latency between remote fibre segments.

A full suite of tools is available for easy editing of each test scenario as well as automation tools for one-button operation of complex tests.

Anritsu has provided communications test and measurement equipment solutions for 120 years. The company engages customers as partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multi-dimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimisation. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. Anritsu has offices in over 90 countries worldwide

http://www.anritsu.com 

Signalling tests for FR1 and FR2 in non-standalone mode can now be performed with the R&S CMX500. To test 5G NR products which use a much higher bandwidth, and active antennae, over-the-air (OTA) measurements are necessary. Rohde & Schwarz has created a portfolio for 5G NR device testing, based on the CMX500 radio communication tester enabling non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) signalling tests in both FR1 and FR2 frequency ranges.

To allow developers to test their mobile devices in 5G NR NSA and SA mode in line with 3GPP specifications, the test must accurately simulate both LTE and 5G NR networks. The CMX500 radio communication tester adds 5G capability to the company’s LTE test systems (CMW500 or CMWflexx), to allow testing from 2G to 5G on one platform. The extension box R&S CMX500 handles various FR1 and FR2, signalling and non-signalling as well as SA and NSA test scenarios, from R&D to certification testing, confirms Rohde & Schwarz.

A key functionality of the R&S CMX500 is signalling tests in FR2 with support for signalling tests in FR1. The tests performed in NSA mode feature both LTE and 5G connections. They verify LTE/5G signalling protocol behaviour, OTA RF/TX measurements, end-to-end data testing with LTE and 5G bearers as well as mmWave OTA signalling and RF measurements.

Signalling test in the new mmWave-based 5G frequency of FR2 requires an OTA test set up or environment. The test set up features the R&S ATS800R CATR rack- based antenna test system with OTA functionalities. Designed for FR2 R&D measurements, it optimises the available lab space by combining a, compact shielding chamber with T&M equipment in the same set up, to minimise footprint. The integrated reflector surface precision provides a sufficiently large quiet zone with high accuracy, says Rohde & Schwarz.

To control the 5G radio communication testers, the test set up includes the newly developed R&S CMsquares unified test software. This integrates the mobile network simulation with test configuration, parameterisation, real time measurements and test result management in a single environment for all relevant use cases from RF parametric testing over protocol analysis to data end-to-end throughput tests.

It provides easiest user guidance via dashboards and customisable workspaces which allow quick access to the various types of 5G measurements. It also has a built-in sequencer to run pre-configured 5G NR test scripts or to create 5G NR test scripts from scratch using a simple drag-and-drop workflow.

http://www.rohde-schwarz.com