Aeroflex has introduced support for MIMO (multiple-input/multiple-output) testing capabilities for its PXI 3000 Series manufacturing test system with the introduction of its new PXI 3061 module, a multiport RF combiner. The initial target application for the new module is WLAN IEEE 802.11n device testing.
Consequently, the WLAN Measurement Suite software (3030 RF digitizer software option 103) has been updated to take advantage of the MIMO capabilities offered by the 3061 RF combiner. This latest release supports testing of WLAN devices implementing up to 2x2 MIMO communications. Support for 4x4 MIMO device testing is expected later this year.
“The flexibility of the PXI 3000 Series of RF modular instruments and application software enables WLAN and cellular testing with a single test system,” said Tim Carey, product manager, PXI 3000 Series. “Because the PXI 3000 Series is a flexible, software-based platform, Aeroflex can support WLAN and other complementary non-cellular technologies such as WiMAX and Bluetooth. Test engineers can use the same tried and tested platform that serves the cellular industry. PXI 3000 is a true one-box solution for all established and emerging technologies,” said Carey.
Aeroflex continues its long-term support for low-cost, high-speed WLAN manufacturing test. The addition of MIMO capability for testing of power, modulation, and spectrum parameters will aid RF engineers responsible for production test, quality assurance, and R&D. The use of MIMO techniques to help maximize data throughput is set to become standard practice for a wide variety of fixed and mobile data communications. The growing importance of MIMO translates directly to an increased need for test solutions.
The 3030 RF digitizer Option 103 WLAN Measurement Suite now supports IEEE 802.11n MCS 8 to 15 and MIMO test. Power modulation and spectrum measurement results for each transmit stream can be viewed independently using PXI Studio application software, as well as supporting composite measurement of EVM (error vector magnitude) for multiple antenna configurations.
The WLAN Measurement Suite is designed for use in conjunction with the new 3061 RF combiner/RF switch module, which provides three RF in/out interfaces to a single VSA/VGA (vector signal analyzer/vector generator analyzer) resource. During MIMO measurements the WLAN Measurement Suite sequences switch selection between each antenna automatically and at high speed. With instantaneous measurement bandwidths up to 90MHz available, the PXI 3000 Series is equipped to perform WLAN spectral emission mask measurements in a single step. Not only does this single-step approach lead to faster measurement times, it eliminates the need for an external trigger to ensure synchronous measurement.
Aeroflex
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