Software packages support emerging LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT designs

Anritsu has introduced multiple software packages for its Radio Communications Analyzer MT8821C that support emerging LTE Category M1 (LTE Cat-M1) and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) designs to create a highly efficient testing environment for LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT chipset and device verification. The LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT support expands the test capability of the MT8821C, and provides IoT-terminal and chipset manufacturers as well as communications operators with an all-in-one solution that can speed development of IoT devices.

For LTE Cat-M1 testing, Anritsu has developed Category M1 Measurement Software MX882116C and LTE Cat-M1 IP Data Transfer MX882116C-006 Measurement Software. The NB-IoT Measurement Software MX882117C and NB-IoT IP Data Transfer MX882117C-006 software packages support NB-IoT verification. With the software installed, the MT8821C can conduct LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT 3GPP-defined RF measurement tests as well as IP data transferring functions to verify designs during the development and early deployment of IoT devices and services.

RF measurements defined in articles 6 and 7 of the 3GPP TS36.521-1 recommendations for LTE Cat-M1 and NB-IoT terminals can be made with the MT8821C with the software installed. Additionally, the eDRX and PSM low-power-consumption technologies are supported, along with IP data transferring functions necessary for comprehensive throughput measurement and function tests.

The new software options expand the measurement capability of the Radio Communications Analyzer MT8821C all-in-one tester. With built-in RF TRx test functions and base station simulation functions for LTE-Advanced terminals, it supports tests of TRx characteristics while the terminal is communicating. With frequency coverage up to 6GHz and 160MHz wide frequency bandwidth for both Tx and Rx tests, the analyzer supports all cellular technologies compliant with 3GPP/3GPP2 UE RF TRX tests, including LTE/LTE-Advanced, Cat-M1/NB-IoT, W-CDMA/HSPA, GSM/EGPRS, TD-SCDMA/HSPA, and CDMA2000 1X/1xEV-DO.

Test costs are reduced and throughput improved with the Radio Communications Analyzer MT8821C. The solution can control the mobile device by signalling and it supports measurements directly without changes due to the chipset for lower measurement environment setup costs. Through its unique Parallelphone Measurement (PPM) feature, a single MT8821C analyzer can perform simultaneous and independent testing of two UEs, reducing cost-of-test and improving throughput by 50%.