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LTE (Long Term Evolution) has been chosen by operators globally for the next generation of
cellular technology. A number of operators and vendors have also already committed to the
next major step, LTE-Advanced. Manufacturers of LTE and LTE-Advanced infrastructure and
devices need reliable test instruments capable of addressing the challenges introduced by
this fast growing standard. Aeroflex has the solutions.
The LTE E-UTRAN places considerable demands on the architecture of UEs and eNodeBs
such as higher data rates, multi-band support, wider bandwidths, reduced latency, more
complex modulation and antenna configurations. These all need to be thoroughly tested to
deliver the quality of service customers expect. LTE-Advanced further adds to this
complexity by introducing carrier aggregation, integration of advanced antenna techniques
and downlink data rates reaching 1 Gbps in low mobility conditions. Additionally,
interoperability with legacy radio access technologies must be factored into the design to
enable a seamless user experience.
For the next generation of mobile devices to achieve the ambition of providing a mobile
broadband experience to match fixed broadband – including services such as high
definition video streaming – it is necessary to test new devices using a layer-by-layer
approach. A complete end-to-end test scenario must emulate real-world signal conditions.
Ensuring good cell-edge performance is another challenge, especially as the number of
users in the cell grows and, with it, the signal-to-noise level. To thoroughly and efficiently test
LTE devices requires comprehensive test coverage: RF, baseband and protocol. Aeroflex
addresses these challenges with a growing test portfolio that spans R&D, production and
manufacturing.
Synergies in
title
Aeroflex’s
name Portfolio
Aeroflex delivered the world’s first LTE test mobile in 2007 and has since
established itself as a leader in LTE test with an in-depth understanding of
the LTE standards, the essential elements that define system performance,
and the key test requirements that guarantee flawless deployment. Aeroflex has also worked with major vendors to publicly
demonstrate carrier aggregation – a key feature of LTE-Advanced. Aeroflex’s complete portfolio of LTE solutions addresses
all aspects of LTE test. With test solutions ranging from R&D through to manufacturing, Aeroflex tests everything from
chipsets and handsets to base stations and end user services.
The Aeroflex TM500 is the industry’s defacto test mobile fully supporting LTE network development, verification and
optimization. It is also widely used for operator pre-commercial launch trials and benchmarking. The Aeroflex 7100 UE test
system is tested against and interoperable with the TM500 and supports the same 3GPP releases. This enables mobile
device and chipset vendors to have a high level of confidence in the successful operation of their devices on a live network.
The PXI 3000 Series Test System, already widely used for 2G and 3G handset production, extends coverage to the pro-
duction floor. The S-Series Digital Signal Generators and Vector Analyzers further complement the R&D and manufacturing
tools by providing class-leading modulation and phase noise performance with intuitive touch-screen control to enable the
most demanding LTE measurements to be made simply, quickly and accurately.
R&D X X X X
IOT X X
Conformance X X
Production X X X
7100 Digital Radio Test Set
The 7100 simulates the E-UTRAN and EPC (Enhanced Packet Core) to provide a realistic test environ-
ment for LTE terminals. Test procedures control the characteristics of the simulated network to allow a
wide range of repeatable test scenarios to be created. An optional integrated Fading Simulator and
AWGN source is available, allowing real-world signal conditions to be created in the lab.
Service Test
The 7100 Service Mode provides support for LTE Go/No-Go call mode service testing
covering all of the required transmitter and receiver tests. This solution is integrates the
well-established Lector/Scriptor application which offers the perfect test environment for
service and reverse logistics testing of mobile devices. The 7100 provides LTE test
capabilities that, in conjunction with the Aeroflex service products 2201/4400, to provide
complete testing for all RATs supported by the modern smartphone, e.g. WCDMA, GERAN,
CDMA and TD-SCDMA
PXI 3000 Series LTE Manufacturing Test Equipment
Built upon the success and experience gained from pioneering R&D test systems from Aeroflex, the
PXI 3000 LTE measurement suite achieves similar measurement performance with the benefits of
increased speed and flexibility derived from the modular PXI platform. This enables a smooth transition
from product development to volume production for LTE manufacturers seeking to rapidly respond to
the ramp to volume in LTE devices while maintaining quality and reducing costs.
The PXI 3000 Series uses several techniques to maximize manufacturing throughput and yield in
device testing, enhancing the ability to rapidly respond to market demand.
Multi-standard support Complete the entire range of tests required for LTE and
legacy standards co-existing in the device to increase
production throughput
The modularity of the the PXI 3000 platform facilitates gradual capacity expansions as the need aris-
es. Initial systems can be deployed for single antenna devices and when production of UEs with multi-
ple transmit antennas is initiated, the system can be expanded for MIMO support with a simple
upgrade.
Multi-Standard Support
The consequences of the success of LTE as the point of convergence
from most legacy standards means devices will need to
simultaneously support older wireless protocols.
Devices that integrate LTE and one or more of the multiple legacy standards will inevitably
extend the time required for testing, impacting throughput. The modularity of the PXI 3000
software architecture enables testing multiple standards in a single operation, preserving
production output.
UMTS/HSPA+
CDMA2000/1xEVDO
WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n
WiMAX
Bluetooth
ZigBee®
Generic demodulation
The increased complexity of testing brought forward by the LTE standard requires a flexible
and accurate solution capable of improving productivity. The PXI 3000 Series is ideally suit-
ed for LTE device manufacturing tests, achieving remarkable throughput improvements with-
out sacrificing accuracy and performance.
S-Series Digital Signal Generators and Vector Signal Analyzers
The SGD features an embedded version of IQCreator that is capable of supporting the different LTE
bandwidth settings – 1.4 MHz, 3 MHz, 5 MHz, 10 MHz and 20 MHz – in accordance with the standard.
The default full carrier allocation can be overridden by customizing the resource block to carrier level.
Parameters for the physical channels and physical signals can be configured on a frame and subframe
basis. In particular, the PDSCH channel modulation can be set to be QPSK, 16QAM or 64QAM. Further
testing flexibility is allowed by setting up different data sources to any of the uplink or downlink
channels. Choices are available for using the PRBS, all zeros, all ones, random bits, repeating patterns,
or any type of user data from a file.
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SVA – Vector Signal Analyzers
The SVA converts RF signals into digital IF or I&Q sampled data,
providing vector signal analysis of RF signals with functionality and
performance required in the laboratory or the manufacturing test system. With high linearity,
low noise and excellent level accuracy, the SVA is ideally suited for the analysis of LTE and
WLAN, WMAN, WPAN, 2G, 3G, 4G cellular radio signals, as well as general purpose analog and
digitally modulated signal analysis. A spectrum analyzer mode provides the features and con-
trols you would expect from a conventional spectrum analyzer. Key features are:
The LTE TDD and FDD measurement suites provide a library of measurement functions
designed to characterize LTE TDD and FDD signals respectively in accordance with the
requirements of ETSI TS 36.521-1.(3GPP release 8.4.0).
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TM500 LTE Test Mobile
Support for all the 3GPP specified RF bands is provided through dedicated radio cards per band
(supporting lab and over the air operations) or multi-band radio card (covering the
frequency range 400 MHz – 4 GHz and suitable for lab operations only). The TM500 is now used
by all the major infrastructure vendors worldwide and is the leading E-UTRA base station test
equipment. With its layered operation and automation interfaces, the TM500 LTE and LTE-A can
operate within an automated or wrap-around test configuration.
The TM500 LTE can also be operated via an external automated or wrap-around test system. The
TM500 additionally supports enhanced test features, including the scripted override of
Layer1/Layer2 control information, enabling early test of closed control loops or to simulate error
or fault conditions.
LTE Higher Layers
A “single box” solution is available
for 3GPP LTE testing with Higher
Layers supporting Release 10 features. This adds full PDCP, RRC,
NAS and USIM functionality to the baseline TM500 LTE Layer
1/Layer 2 product. The full 3GPP LTE compliant stack is
embedded within the TM500 LTE platform thereby removing the
need for an external or third party Layer 3 solution, and more-
over minimizing Layer 3 latencies. The TM500 LTE simulates the
behavior of a real handset with USIM and AT command
interfaces, but with the added advantage of full control and
logging of all Layer 1, 2, and 3 operations via a single common
front end GUI for configuration. There are also test features
including scripted control of measurement reports, handover,
Self Organizing Network (SON) features such as Automatic
Neighbour Relations (ANR) and negative test scenarios. The
TM500’s modular software design also enables it to be
TM500 LTE higher layers
incorporated into automated and wrap-around test systems with
control either at PDCP level or via AT commands at NAS level.
LTE Multiple UE Solutions
Aeroflex’s TM500 product family includes multiple UE test solutions capable of functionality,
system and capacity testing whereby thousands of UEs are supported to stress test scheduling
algorithms, handover performance of eNodeBs and the network in high load conditions. The E500 is a
capacity tester capable of end-to-end testing with Evolved Packet Core and EUTRAN emulation
attributes. The multiple UE solutions can emulate ‘Real World’ scenarios from mobility to real data
applications such as HTTP, P2P, FTP and VoIP. Moreover, Aeroflex’s multiple UE solutions are
scalable to support thousands of UEs and more cells with excellent diagnostics, comprehensive
measurements with high visibility of key UE to cell KPI’s beneficial for faster troubleshooting and
network optimization.
Aeroflex’s LTE TM500 platform is designed to be future-proof and currently supports the
latest 3GPP functionality for Release 9, 10 with readiness for Release 11. Current support includes
eMBMS [enabling the broadcast] of IP based services such mobile TV and localized news, dual layer
beamforming, which enhances data throughputs, and support for higher data rates up to DL 300 Mbps
and UL 75 Mbps using 4x4 DL MIMO. Release 10 capabilities include LTE-A carrier aggregation
technology, which enables the use of additional carriers to achieve greater than 1 Gbps in the DL, and
eICIC, which is an interference management technology to enhance data throughputs. Aeroflex con-
stantly monitors 3GPP developments and closely works with its customers to aligns its roadmap in order
to develop new options, tools and test features as cellular technology advances. The TM500 LTE
provides a clear migration path through the powerful and scalable Software Defined Radio platform. This
not only supports the future LTE/LTE-A technology roadmap, but also provides value to users by
allowing the maximum re-use of hardware to support new features.
E500 Capacity Test System
title
name
The E500 provides true end-to-end LTE load testing over an RF connection to an LTE
eNodeB (eNB). A scalable number of UEs are provided that can simulate from hundreds to
tens of thousands of active wireless subscribers per cell.
The E500 benefits from the Aeroflex RF TM500 LTE Test Mobile technology, the defacto
industry standard used by network equipment vendors for base station development. The
use of Aeroflex’s LTE RF solution provides access to the most widely deployed UE RF test
solution worldwide that reduces E500 integration time from months to days. Furthermore, it
enables E500 customers to benefit from a leading-edge 3GPP roadmap delivering critical
functionality as required to roll out LTE and LTE-A.
Applications
E500 can be used for:
2. Supports true LTE load testing over the RF interface in FDD and TDD environments
3. Simulates from hundreds to thousands of LTE UEs over one to multiple cells
5. Mobility and traffic simulation scripting for easy simulation of thousands UEs with
different traffic and mobility scenarios.
6. Generate different traffic profiles using real data services and applications
9. Based on a high-performance hardware platform ready for 4x4 MIMO and extendable for
LTE-A
Capacity Hardware
A dedicated cabinet hardware system has been designed to support capacity testing.
Two cabinet sizes are supported;
The cabinets include front panel connectors for both RF and control.
Each individual cell connection is capable of supporting the maximum cell throughput: up
to 150 Mbps for 2x2 MIMO and 300 Mbps for 4X4 MIMO. They have been designed to be
able to internally accommodate the additional hardware required to support 4X4 MIMO with
Category 5 UEs.
Existing TM500 Platform C bench top units may also be upgraded for use as part of an LTE
capacity test system, for example to provide additional cell capability to supplement an
existing Cabinet system.
Upgraded TM500 bench top units may be used to form capacity systems of up to 3 cells,
where it is important to be able to physically relocate bench top units if required (e.g. for
drive testing using Single-UE software).
All hardware remains capable of operating Aeroflex single-UE and multi-UE software using
the PC-based Aeroflex Test Mobile Application, subject to the necessary software licensing.
Please refer to the functionality matrix document for further details of the technical
capabilities of each hardware form factor and current supported usage configurations.
Success Stories and Technical Expertise
Aeroflex’s extensive commitment to LTE reflects the decision of both GSM/UMTS and CDMA-
based network operators worldwide to implement LTE as the mobile broadband technology of
choice for their next-generation networks.
Aeroflex has already demonstrated its ability to deliver early solutions for the design, development,
and deployment of both LTE terminals and network infrastructure with the Aeroflex 7100 and the
TM500, respectively.
At Aeroflex, we have clearly demonstrated that we have the pedigree to meet the LTE test
challenge, having already delivered a comprehensive portfolio of solutions designed to satisfy a
variety of LTE test requirements. However, our commitment does not end here. We are continuing
to futher the development of solutions covering all aspects of LTE/LTE-A test to achieve our
objective of being the most complete global supplier of LTE test equipment.
Technical Expertise
Being a key player in the development of testing systems for the LTE standard since its inception,
Aeroflex boasts a strong network of expert engineers with the ability to address the technical
challenges of LTE testing. Such broad resources and technical expertise are available to
customers worldwide to guarantee the test system performs at optimal levels and time-to-market
is not jeopardized.
Summary of Key
Features
w w w.aeroflex.com
info-test@aeroflex.com Part No. 46891/580
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As we are always seeking to improve our products, the information in this document gives only a general indication of the product capacity, performance and suitability, none of which
shall form part of any contract. We reserve the right to make design changes without notice. All trademarks are acknowledged. Parent company Aeroflex, Inc. ©Aeroflex 2013. 09/13