Microwave Journal
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Anritsu Co. Upgrades LTE Software and Analysis Tools

October 28, 2008

Anritsu Co. continues its commitment to next-generation wireless technologies with the enhancement of its LTE software and tool set. The improved software packages allow Anritsu’s MS269xA Signal Analyzer series and MG3700A Vector Signal Generator to conduct highly accurate measurements on LTE Uplink and Downlink signals. With the accuracy required for R&D and the speed needed for manufacturing, Anritsu’s test equipment facilitates efficient testing of 3GPP LTE-compliant mobile terminals, base stations and components.

For the MS269xA, both the LTE Uplink and Downlink packages now include analysis at the resource block level. Analysis resolution can be set to the physical channel, resource block, subcarrier and symbol. EVM, a key figure of merit for LTE, is available at any resolution. Users can quickly test all varieties of unwanted emissions described in the specification with the MS269xA. By pressing a single button, OBW, ALCR and Out-of-Band Spurious Emissions measurements can be made.

IQproducer, Anritsu’s waveform generation software, has been enhanced to allow users to define test waveforms for the Uplink or Downlink. While standard test waveforms are not yet part of the specification, IQproducer provides users with a rich set of parameters and variations to create standard and unique waveforms for LTE signal analysis. When IQproducer is installed on the MS269xA and the MG3700A, the instruments can up convert and generate any waveform, including Uplink and Downlink data frames, and Uplink Random Access Preamble signals.

The MS269xA Signal Analyzers support all popular wireless technologies. In addition to LTE, the signal analyzers support GSM, GPRS, EDGE, W-CDMA, HSPA and mobile WiMAX. Three models covering frequency ranges of 50 Hz to 6 GHz (MS2690A), 50 Hz to 13.5 GHz (MS2691A), and 50 Hz to 26.5 GHz (MS2692A) are available, so users can select the instrument that matches their measurement requirements. With a fundamental band that goes to 6 GHz, these high-performance signal analyzers have excellent level and modulation accuracy.

The basic instrument includes a spectrum analyzer for classic swept mode measurements, signal analyzer for high-speed, wideband FFT analysis, and a digitizing function that allows the capture and replay of any signal received by the analyzer. The basic analysis bandwidth is 31.25 MHz, the widest basic analysis bandwidth on the market. The addition of the broadband hardware option increases the analysis bandwidth to 125 MHz. An optional 6 GHz vector signal generator creates a one-box tester that saves time, money and space on the bench.

With its 160 MHz high-speed arbitrary waveform baseband generator, wide vector modulation bandwidth and large capacity ARB memory, the MG3700A has the performance to provide signal generation for new and emerging wireless communication systems. Equipped with two waveform memories that simultaneously produce data streams, the MG3700A generates real-world signals with multiple-source interference, AWGN, and other signal impairments. The MG3700A eliminates the need for a second signal generator when evaluating receiver characteristics.

The LTE Uplink and Downlink analysis packages are $18,500 each. The LTE waveform generation software for the MS269xA Signal Generator option and the MG3700A Vector Signal Generator is $5,500. Base price of the MS269xA series starts at $37,000 while the MG3700A has a base price of $29,000.