Anritsu Company enhanced its SmartStudio NR (SSNR) MX800070A control software to support 5G-device Evolved Packet System (EPS) Fallback tests using the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A. With the new EPS Fallback functionality, the MT8000A/SSNR environment dramatically simplifies evaluation and reduces cost-of-test when verifying 5G new radio (NR) UE being developed for emerging applications. 

With a built-in IMS server function, engineers can test the IMS functions of their 5G device designs using SSNR without configuring a complex test environment. SSNR serves as control software for the MT8000A. It emulates 5G NR standalone (SA) network conditions and communication between a 5G network and mobile terminal operating in VoLTE in EPS Fallback mode to drop out of the 5G SA connection to LTE for an incoming VoLTE voice call. Engineers can also conduct quality assurance and support tests, such as thermal evaluation at high speed throughput, battery consumption tests and IP-based application tests on 5G devices with the solution. 

The SSNR built-in state machine GUI makes it easy to simulate a 5G NR/4G LTE base station and core network by operating the MT8000A as a Call Box. Engineers can execute GUI-based throughput tests without creating test scenarios, as well as simulate quasi-normal and fault conditions using IMS, SMS, PWS and a network trigger function to simulate when the network sends reject messages to the UE. Various evaluations and tests, such as Internet connections, are also performed with this solution.

The Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A is an all-in-one test platform for RF, protocol and beam tests, as well as for beam-forming evaluations. Moreover, it covers the key frequency bands used by initial 5G services, such as sub-6 GHz band frequencies, including among others the 600 MHz, 2.5 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 4.5 GHz, as well as mmWave band frequencies of 28 GHz, 39 GHz and higher. With an easy-to-use GUI and software for setting various test parameters, it helps create an easy and flexible configuration that serves as an efficient and cost-effective test environment.