Azimuth Systems, Inc. has announced the ACE MX2 wireless channel emulator together with its comprehensive strategy for real world test. The ACE MX2 MIMO channel emulator is the first product created in support of the new strategy. The ACE MX2 has been designed to address the complexities of modern test labs. In particular, testbeds created to support test cases for Inter-RAT handovers (iRAT), Co-ordinated Multipoint (CoMP) as well as Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) have quickly become very large and complex. The ACE MX2 MIMO channel emulator will simplify the implementation of complex testbeds in a very scalable and modular way, while also addressing the physical constraints (power, size, weight and noise) that modern test labs must also consider.

A successful real world test strategy must have several components. First, each platform should provide market-leading performance and efficiency for the test solutions that it supports. Secondly, a common automation environment for transparent real world test collaboration by ecosystem partners is essential. In support of this, Azimuth will continue to expand the capabilities of the Director II Test Management and Automation suite while ensuring seamless compatibility across all test platforms. Next, a scalable, modular design needs to be a key component of future platforms. The ultimate real world test strategy also requires a solutions team with the express charter of leveraging new platforms and implementing highly automated solutions for customers to help maximize value.