Test & Measurement

Keysight introduces automated assessment for 5G smartphones

Wed, Oct 19, 2022

Enhancements to Keysight Technologies’ Nemo Device application test suite include automation and AI. The result enables wireless service providers and application developers to accelerate the assessment of smartphone users’ real-world interactions with native applications.

The use of mobile applications is fuelling growth in native mobile apps on smart phones to access digital content, engage on social media platforms and to participate in online games. They are gaining in popularity because they offer an optimal and customised experience compared to mobile web browsers, said Keysight Technologies.

“Service providers and mobile app developers need a reliable way to verify the real end-user experience of accessing over-the-top (OTT) applications from a smartphone connected to the cellular network,” explained Matti Passoja, head of Nemo Wireless Solutions at Keysight. The company has combined in-house software technology to create an automated app test method that uses real applications to provide accurate insights into the network performance, even under the most complex and dynamic circumstances, he added.

Keysight leveraged AI, machine learning (ML) and automation, using data captured by a native mobile app (i.e., not simulated data traffic), to create the device test app method. According to the company, this delivers a more accurate assessment of an end-user’s interaction with the same mobile app. The application test automation method enables wireless service providers to rapidly optimise 5G network performance to improve quality of experience (QoE) for smartphone users accessing OTT services and social media applications, including Facebook Messenger, Microsoft Teams, Snapchat, TikTok and Zoom.

The automated test app method is one of three complementary test methods available within Keysight’s Nemo Device Application Testing Suite. Depending on the type of the mobile application and the key performance indicators, a specific test method is used in combination with a companion Nemo field test. Nemo testing suite users receive a comprehensive, realistic and flexible 5G network performance validation and end-user QoE assessment.

Keysight’s Nemo test tools capture real measurement data in the field for real-time or post-process analysis. These test tools include Nemo Outdoor 5G NR Drive test, Nemo Backpack Pro 5G In-Building Benchmarking and Nemo Network Benchmarking.

http://www.keysight.com

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Anritsu’s software option enhances C-V2X measurement

Fri, Oct 14, 2022

Anritsu has introduced an LTE-V2X PSCCH TX measurement MX887068A-001 software option to enhance the cellular vehicle to everything (C-V2X) measurement function of universal wireless test set MT8870A / MT8872A.

The software supports the physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH) for LTE-V2X (PC5) and supports RF measurement of the physical sidelink control channel (PSCCH). It also supports mass-production of LTE-V2X (PC5) devices for the evaluation of R&D RF test items.

LTE-V2X (PC5) will co-operate with the other radio access technologies such as 5G V2N (vehicle to network) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and is expected to be adopted for Connected Autonomous Vehicle applications.

Japan, Europe and China are investigating introduction of V2X to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). RF evaluation of V2X is becoming increasingly important from the safety aspect. V2X communications technology is used for dedicated short qrange communications (DSRC), such as intelligent transport systems (ITS). C-V2X using mobile communication technology with a wider communication range is also being investigated.

The Universal Wireless Test Set MT8870A/MT8872A series is designed for developing and mass-production various wireless communication equipment, modules, etc. Installing up to four high-performance test units in the main unit supports a seamless frequency band up to 7.3 GHz with a 200 MHz bandwidth.

Each unit measures independently in parallel, enabling the MT8870A to simultaneously evaluate multiple wireless communications devices.

Anritsu provides communications test and measurement equipment and supports customers to help develop wireless, optical, microwave / RF and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation and maintenance applications, as well as providing services 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 solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. 

http://www.anritsu.com

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Adapter simulates EVs for AC charging Mode 3 for safety testing

Wed, Oct 05, 2022

For the installation and maintenance of EV charging stations, the FEV300 electric vehicle charging station adapter from Fluke is designed to simulate an EV for AC charging Mode 3 with connector types 1 and 2.

The adapter is designed to simulate an EV attached to the EV charging station and allows for the output voltage of an AC charging station Mode 3 to be safely and accurately tested in accordance with IEC/HD 60364-7-722 and IEC/EN 61851-1. 

EV charging stations are critical to reducing the charging time for vehicles, said Fluke. A typical, compact vehicle can take between 24 and 36 hours to charge from a domestic mains supply. An EV charging station provides one or three phase supply with a mains voltage at 230 or 400V, charging EVs much faster. 

For safety, communication between the charging station and the connected EV must occur before an output voltage is delivered. The FEV300 adapter can be used in the installation and mandatory routine testing of Mode 3 EV charging stations which provide accelerated charging of 3.7 to 22kW. 

Testing of EV charging stations must be performed at regular intervals. There are local safety regulations, international and European standards, including the IEC / HD 60364-6, IEC / HD 60364-7-722 and IEC / EN 61851-1, to which installation and testing must adhere. Both the safety and communication functions of an EV charging station must be accurately tested to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electric system for safe use. The tests required include continuity of conductors, insulation resistance, automatic disconnection of supply (loop impedance, RCD or RDC / DD test) and functional tests. These can all be performed using a multi-function installation tester such as the Fluke 1663 or Fluke 1664FC. 

The FEV300 adapter can also be paired with Fluke’s range of multimeters or scope meters for investigative troubleshooting.

The FEV300 adapter includes safety features such as a touch electrode function which quickly displays if there is a high-risk earth fault and improved safety sockets which are covered by plastic lids to protect the connectors in wet weather conditions. 

Fluke provides training programmes for the testing and installation of EV charging stations in Germany. 

http://www.fluke.com

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R&S FE170 D band frontend extensions enable sub-THz research  

Fri, Sep 23, 2022

At EuMW (European Microwave Week) Rohde & Schwarz will present a signal generation and analyser for measurements in the D band that, the company said will “significantly simplify early next generation mobile communications research”.

The The R&S FE170ST (single transmit) and R&S FE170SR (single receive) front end extensions are easy to mount to, and configure with, the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser. The extensions will allow these two instruments to cover frequency ranges between 110 and 170GHz which are key spectrum for beyond 5G, for 6G technology and for future automotive radar applications, pointed out the company.

A test set up for sub-THz research using the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW can be configured using just three connections (IF, reference frequency and LAN) to integrate the front ends into the base units. All users have to do is enter the IP address in the user interface of the base units. After connection, the front ends are directly controlled by the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW, because the front ends’ control unit is integrated in their firmware. 

The front ends are compact with a form factor of 152 x 190 x 50mm. In addition, the internal synthesiser provides a local oscillator (LO) so the test set up does not need an additional analogue signal source for “excellent phase noise performance”. 

Rohde & Schwarz also offers smart accessories such as bandpass filters and TX power amplifiers.

The R&S FE170ST and R&S FE170SR frontend solution for D band research will be available by the end of 2022. 

Rohde  & Schwarz is exhibiting at EuMW 2022 (27 to 29 September) at the Milano Convention Centre, Italy, stand number D18.

https://www.rohde-schwarz.com

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