Rohde & Schwarz has introduced a fading simulation module for its R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. Now it is possible for smartphone or chipset manufacturers to carry out standard-compliant MIMO performance tests during LTE testing, for example.

Only a single instrument is required for these tests, which minimizes space requirements and setup effort. In addition, the module supports the GSM and WCDMA standards. When using conventional solutions to perform tests with realistically simulated propagation conditions, an additional instrument is needed for fading simulation. This additional instrument requires extra cabling and separate configuration in addition to level and delay correction.

In contrast, the new R&S CMW-B510F module is integrated into the R&S CMW500 and configured directly from the menu of the tester. This space-saving solution simulates the dynamic propagation conditions as defined in the test cases of the 3GPP standard for LTE, WCDMA, HSPA, HSPA+, GSM and EGPRS.  

The R&S CMW500 with integrated R&S CMW-B510F fading module is now available from Rohde & Schwarz and the company will demonstrate the new feature at Mobile World Congress 2013 in Barcelona in Hall 6, Booth E30