New Standards are Challenging T&M Manufacturers
By Josef Wolf, Rhode & Schwarz
An ever-increasing demand for communications and mobility has led to the need
for higher data rates and volumes. As a manufacturer of T&M solutions, Rohde &
Schwarz sees this as a challenge to smooth the path to new technologies for its
customers. That goal is possible only with solutions that are typically a step
ahead of development in the area of mobile communications.
As an example, network operators in Europe, Asia, and the USA are currently upgrading
their networks with high speed downlink packet access (HSDPA). Starting in 2007,
high speed uplink packet access (HSUPA) should improve the performance of data
transmissions from the mobile phone to the base station. In order to make HSPA
– which is the joint operation of HSDPA and HSUPA – a commercial success, the
technology in networks and user equipment must be technically mature and function
without flaws. That is why in 2006 Rohde & Schwarz has added HSUPA solutions to
its HSDPA T&M product portfolio presented in early 2005.
With UMTS long term evolution (LTE), the next step is already in sight: Even while
Rohde & Schwarz is supporting the definition of the standard, it is already offering
solutions for initial developments and research projects. LTE – anticipated to
launch in 2009 — is intended to ensure the long-term competitiveness of UMTS.
The goal is to achieve data rates of up to 100 Mbit/s in the downlink and up to
50 Mbit/s in the uplink. Moreover, LTE is expected to bring significant improvements
in access times, data throughput, and spectral efficiency. The uplink is based
on the single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) transmission
method. Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is used during the
data transmission from the base station to the mobile phone — similar to WiMAX.
WiMAX is another standard that is gaining in popularity. Originally designed to
replace broadband cable networks such as DSL, the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard is
paving the way for mobile applications. Accordingly, development of the standard’s
physical layer has noticeably advanced, which in turn places new requirements
on the T&M equipment used to measure RF characteristics. Where the OFDM multicarrier
method was primarily used for stationary applications, mobile applications are
now converting completely to OFDMA. While OFDM handles each subscriber sequentially,
OFMDA serves multiple subscribers concurrently. Every user is assigned a defined
number of subchannels depending on the bandwidth required. Which channel is assigned
to which user for how long is defined in the downlink/uplink map. Physical carriers
are assigned to the subchannels using permutation algorithms that can change over
time and that also define various zones.
With all of these advancements being made, signal generators and analyzers must
be capable of generating and demodulating signals appropriately. Rohde & Schwarz
is active in the various WiMAX committees so that it can integrate the very latest
functionality into its equipment as early as possible. Firmware upgrades make
enhancements uncomplicated and offer a high degree of investment safety. Our broad
product portfolio is designed to meet the needs of the market. With our combination
of signal generators and spectrum analyzers, we offer complete T&M solutions for
the physical characteristics of stationary and mobile WiMAX applications, both
in development and production. These, in turn, form the basis for system solutions
developed specifically for WiMAX, such as our radio conformance test systems.
Because wireless communications are advancing so rapidly, mobile radio manufacturers
and network operators cannot purchase new measurement devices or systems for every
new technology that is developed. Companies want their investments in T&M solution
to be viable now and for some time to come. Manufacturers of these T&M solutions
are thus faced with a double challenge: Not only must they make applications available
so that their customers can develop and manufacture their own products in accordance
with the very latest standards, but they must also offer their customers the assurance
that their existing and future investments will be protected. With its platform
concept, Rohde & Schwarz meets these demands, offering its customers short innovation
cycles with a high degree of future-proofness.
About the Author
Josef Wolf, Director of Subdivision Spectrum and Network Analyzers and EMC
Test, Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
8661 A Robert Fulton Drive
Columbia, MD, 21046
© 2008 Advantage Business Media
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