Aeroflex launched the 7100 Digital Radio Test Set to enable chip-set designers, software developers and handset manufacturers accelerate the pace of development projects to meet the requirements of the new 3GPP Rel-8 E-UTRAN standard better known as 3G LTE. The 7100 delivers the most comprehensive testing capability for 3G LTE mobile devices available in a single bench-top instrument.
Using touch screen technology to provide access to comprehensive test functionality, the 7100 incorporates a fully integrated RF interface, baseband and protocol stack. The 7100 simulates the network from the physical layer to the core network IP infrastructure uniquely 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 6GHz, the 7100 is designed to cope with both current and potential future spectrum allocations.
Optional features of the 7100 include 2x2 MIMO and built in ‘fading’ simulation, allowing device throughput to be assessed in real-world conditions. An optional second RF carrier is available for handover test scenarios, a major challenge for mobile device designers. Future options will include GSM/GPRS/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA.
The 7100 is based on tried and tested RF and baseband technology and is primarily targeted at the 3G LTE R&D market, providing a test solution for developers designing new chip-sets, protocol stacks and devices supporting the 3G LTE standard. The core application will be functional tests and parametric measurements that need to be performed to confirm correct operation of new designs on the bench.