As the Internet of Things (IoT) becomes more of a reality, manufacturers who want to integrate wireless modules into their products now face a completely new test requirements. Wireless network operators have started to publish specific test plans for IoT integrators.
Rohde & Schwarz has announced the availability of its new R&S TS 290 IoT carrier acceptance test system, which is based on these test plans. The only test solution of its kind, to offer RF, protocol and performance test cases in a single box.
The Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) estimates that more than 75 billion devices will be networked worldwide by the year 2025. Network operators are working to prepare their networks for this virtually unending number of IoT wireless modules, with a focus on device categories Cat 1, Cat M1 and Cat NB1.
Too many IoT devices can overload networks and impair their performance. These devices must be tested to ensure that networks function properly. Wireless network operators have published a Host Device Certification Test Plan for manufacturers of IoT-enabled devices. The certification test plan goes beyond the basic requirements set down by 3GPP (the standardization body for wireless communications) and defines additional requirements for subscriber devices in the network. With the R&S TS 290, Rohde & Schwarz offers a flexible test system for Cat 1. Based on the test plan, the system provides RF, protocol and performance tests on a single platform. The system will be capable of supporting future IoT tests from other network operators, dependent on the required test scope.
The R&S TS 290 test system is made up of an R&S CMW290 functional radio communication tester and the R&S CONTEST sequencer software. The software runs provider-specific RF, protocol and performance test cases - fully automatically and with reproducible results. Users, even those without programming knowledge, can create their own test plans conveniently with the drag-and-drop function.
The R&S CMW290 functional radio communication tester meets the specific requirements of IoT integrators and their typically cost-sensitive applications. The tester handles cellular technologies such as LTE as well as WLAN and Bluetooth. For end-to-end application testing, the R&S CMW290 can simulate a cellular network and set up a connection between the application on the device or system and the server. This enables users to verify the correct functioning of platforms with integrated wireless modules in a defined network. The R&S TS 290 IoT carrier acceptance test system is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.
