Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/14265-agilent-announces-signaling-conformance-test-solution-for-lte-user-equipment

Agilent Announces Signaling Conformance Test Solution for LTE User Equipment

September 24, 2010

Test Solution Helps Equipment Developers, Accredited Test Labs, Network Operators Verify LTE Conformance

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 24, 2010 -- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced the Agilent N6070A series signaling conformance test for 3GPP LTE user equipment (UE), which extends the capability of the new Agilent PXT Mobile Communications Test Set to a complete signaling conformance test solution (also known as protocol conformance test or PCT). This innovative test solution is an essential tool for LTE developers needing to verify their protocol implementation and ensure reliable performance on LTE networks. The new solution allows operators to quickly deploy robust user equipment, such as smart phones and data cards.

Equipment developers, accredited test laboratories and network operators require validated test cases and test equipment to verify that protocol implementations conform to core LTE specifications. To address this need, the LTE signaling conformance test solution, using the Agilent PXT, includes a significant number of GCF/ PTCRB-validated test cases will expand as the standards evolve.

Users can implement more comprehensive test coverage by creating their own custom test cases that go beyond the necessary core requirements to execute supplementary and wide-ranging test scenarios. A Windows®-based user interface with TTCN-3 scripting environment, a programming language used for testing of communication protocols, makes it easy to configure a range of network parameters.

“Signaling conformance test, with validated test cases and support for test case customization, is the next evolutionary step for the PXT” said Guy Séné, vice president and general manager of Agilent's Microwave and Communications Division. “Agilent’s new test solution goes beyond the traditional LTE development cycle. The new test solution is invaluable for development test, regression test, pre-conformance test, conformance test and network acceptance test.”

The Agilent PXT represents a significant breakthrough in LTE testing, providing both base-station emulation and TTCN-3 script-based protocol test capabilities for all planned LTE deployments. This portfolio affords greater insight to complex RF, protocol and performance issues in a controlled laboratory environment. Regular feature updates will be made available as the LTE standards evolve. The PXT is backed by dedicated technical support representatives in all major geographies.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The E6621A PXT Wireless Communications Test Set and the new N6070A series signaling conformance test are available to order today. Pricing is dependent on specific configuration.

For additional information about the E6621A PXT wireless communications test set, go to www.agilent.com/find/PXT.

For additional information about the N6070A series signaling conformance test, go to www.agilent.com/find/N6070A.

More information about Agilent’s LTE design and test portfolio is available at www.agilent.com/find/LTE.

The backgrounder "Understanding LTE" is available at www.agilent.com/about/newsroom/tmnews/background/lte. PXT images are available at www.agilent.com/find/PXT_images. The book “LTE and the Evolution to 4G Wireless -- Design and Measurement Challenges” can be ordered at www.agilent.com/find/ltebook.