Aeroflex has introduced the TM500 LTE test mobile designed to address the challenges of 3GPP LTE (3G Long Term Evolution) network infrastructure development test and rollout. The TM500 LTE's extensive Layer 1, Layer 2 and higher layer test features make it an indispensable testing peer that provides complete visibility into even the lowest layers of the radio modem by generating the detailed diagnostic data needed for engineers to verify the required functionality and optimize network operation and performance.
LTE is the 3GPP’s vision for ensuring that the evolution of UMTS network infrastructure remains the dominant cellular architecture going forward into the next decade. It targets data rates in excess of 100 Mbit/s over the downlink and 50 Mbit/s over the uplink when operating in 20 MHz spectrum allocation, and climbing to peak rates of 300 Mbps in the downlink for the highest category UEs.
LTE technology also ensures high performance for speeds up to 120 km/h and mobility support across the cellular network for speeds up to 350 km/h. In addition to higher data rates, wide-area coverage is also being targeted. The throughput, efficiency and mobility targets must be met for 5 km cells through to 30 km cells and up to 100 km cells. Reduced latency is also being addressed with a target for U-plane latency less than 5 ms in unload conditions with small IP packets.
The TM500 LTE incorporates test, logging and measurement features at all layers of the protocol. This includes advanced MIMO tests to verify that the network appropriately handles the MIMO related signaling and correctly applies the MIMO modes, which can be realized with or without the need for an external fading simulator. Graphical displays and charts give a visualization of the signal quality and the system status enabling engineers to quickly characterize and isolate problems. It is also possible to override signaling, or even force data corruption, to enable simulation of abnormal conditions in order to test the system response and robustness or expose difficult problems.
In the early stages of LTE development, the higher layer protocol will typically not be available and engineers must configure the physical and lower layer tests using scripts that may incorporate hundreds of LTE parameters. The TM500 LTE enables incremental testing at Layer 1, Layer 2 or higher layer levels, and together with a powerful graphical user interface (GUI), engineers can easily configure parameters and scripts to execute complex tests scenarios at different layers.
