R&S®CMWrun - In-device coexistence testing

T&M solution

Modern communications devices support a large number of standards in a very small space, which can lead to interference due to occupying the same or adjacent frequency bands or due to harmonics. Ensuring standard-compliant operation and minimal mutual interference is crucial.

Multiple standards in one instrument

Modern communications devices can contain multiple RF systems, e.g. cellular multiband antennas for LTE-A, 3G, CDMA2000^®, 2G and non-cellular technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth^® and various GNSS systems. Measurements of in-device coexistence determine the desensitization, i.e. reduction of the RX sensitivity with and without a strong interferer signal. For standard sensitivity tests, measuring the receiver error rate has been adopted as the evaluation criterion. The packet error rate (PER) is measured for WLAN, for example.

The coexistence testing solution is available in the following standard-specific R&S®CMWrun packages:
❙ R&S®CMW-KT055: for LTE/LTE-A (FDD/TDD)
❙ R&S®CMW-KT057: for WLAN/Bluetooth^®

The following option is mandatory:
❙ R&S®CMW-KT115: for coexistence automation and report generation

Coexistence measurements with the R&S^®CMW500

The R&S^®CMW500 is ideal for coexistence measurements. It provides signaling for both cellular and non-cellular technologies. It can operate two different wireless systems in parallel and can define the relative RX sensitivity measurements.

In combination with a shielded chamber (e.g. R&S^®TS7124 RF shielded box, R&S^®CMW-Z10 RF shield box or R&S^®DST200 RF diagnostic chamber), measurements can be performed in the lab with a high degree of reproducibility. The R&S^®CMWrun sequencer software tool can be used to automate measurements and test reports.

The test results can be used to determine specific, effective measures for optimizing development and integration. Specific examples include improving the decoupling of the antenna system, effectively reducing the signal-to-noise ratio of the interferer and optimizing the operating mode.

At a glance

The automation tool for the R&S®CMW platform

Today the R&S®CMW is the leading, most popular multistandard platform for UE testing. It is used by network operators, test houses, handset vendors and chipset manufacturers alike. The R&S®CMWrun automation software meets all requirements for executing remote control test sequences on the R&S®CMW in R&D, quality assurance, production and service for both current and future wireless equipment.

The software engine is based on the execution of test DLLs (plug-in assemblies). This architecture allows easy and straightforward configuration of test sequences without requiring specific programming knowledge of how to remotely control the instrument. It also provides full flexibility when configuring parameters and limits for the test items provided in the standard-specific R&S®CMWrun package options.

Intuitive and easy to use

The intuitive graphical user interface makes it simple for users to test wireless devices for compliance with the 3GPP protocols for various technologies.

The applications are diverse. For example, in combined user experience tests, synchronized markers show the IP throughput and current drain at a glance. During analysis, event markers help the user optimize IP throughput and battery life. At the end of the test, an easy-to-read test report containing limits, test results and verdict is generated. The report is available in csv, txt, xml and pdf format.

Key facts

• Multitechnology solution for all standards supported by the R&S^®CMW family
• Ready-to-use solution for superior user experience test scenarios
• Just GUI, no programming, no code compilation
• Test creation, parameterization, execution and analysis in a single tool
• Full test script and DUT automation (R&S^®CMWrun own ADB/Android APP for iPerf/FTP)
• Application for SCPI remote control via LAN, GPIB interface or USB
• Sample test plans included