Applus Laboratories and Rohde & Schwarz have showcased the seamless integration of eCall testing within an electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test environment, marking a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety and compatibility of vehicle emergency call (eCall) systems, in a pioneering collaboration. The demonstration, held in compliance with the UN ECE R10 standard governing automobile-related EMC, unveiled various eCall testing scenarios and capabilities designed to enhance the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users. The UN ECE R10 standard plays a pivotal role in certifying that vehicles equipped with eCall systems adhere to stringent regulations, ensuring these systems do not interfere with other electronic components within the vehicle and remain resilient to external electromagnetic interference.
Applus Laboratories, a European leader in EMC testing at both component and vehicle levels, approached Rohde & Schwarz to conduct a comprehensive demonstration of eCall testing within their state-of-the-art EMC facilities. Leveraging the R&S CMW500 cellular network emulator and the R&S CMW-KA09x eCall test software simulation, the demonstration showcased various testing scenarios, including those compatible with 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G based emergency call systems.
The R&S CMW-KA09x eCall test software, designed by Rohde & Schwarz, supports a range of emergency call systems, including Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G NR (Next Generation eCall or NG eCall). This software facilitates eCall compliance testing in alignment with EU eCall, NG eCall, UN-R144, and other national standards.
A real car was utilized in the EMC hall to test an eCall system, with the primary objective of demonstrating various integration scenarios for eCall testing capabilities in an EMC test environment. The demonstration involved making accident emergency calls with a test vehicle, showcasing the transmission of the minimum set of data (MSD) from the vehicle to the R&S CMW500 without any data loss. Voice communication between the vehicle and the test solution exhibited clear audio quality, and the transmission of the vehicle’s received GNSS position was accurately executed.
The immersive demo further included an immunity test conducted in a radio anechoic chamber at Applus+ in Spain, introducing radio interference to mimic real-world scenarios. The test validated the feasibility and ease of establishing an emergency call between the automobile and a simulated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) server using the R&S CMW500 eCall test solution.
Applus Laboratories leveraged the success of the demonstration within their EMC hall to conduct an impactful workshop. Attended by representatives from the United Nations Informal Working Group on Electromagnetic Compatibility (IWG EMC), community representatives from various countries, and vehicle manufacturers from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the workshop showcased eCall scenarios with the R&S PSAP system. Attendees were deeply impressed by the seamless handling of the eCall test solution by the R&S CMW500, emphasizing the full capabilities of eCall testing.
Leveraging its global leadership in test and measurement solutions, Rohde & Schwarz is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge solutions for the entire automotive lifecycle, covering predevelopment to production. Renowned OEMs, tier 1s, chip suppliers, and engineering service providers worldwide entrust the company’s proven test solutions for automotive radar, connectivity, infotainment, high-performance computing, and EMC compliance. Rohde & Schwarz is a steadfast partner, offering innovative radar test solutions for development, integration, and production, supporting customers in the seamless launch of next-generation Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Driving (AD) systems.
With extensive experience and expertise in wireless communications, Rohde & Schwarz ensures robust connectivity that aligns with global standards, including 5G, Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The company’s instruments play a pivotal role in developing and debugging in-vehicle networks, featuring cutting-edge bus speeds and supporting high-performance domain controllers, ultimately addressing and eliminating Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues.
Rohde & Schwarz provides a comprehensive suite of Test and Measurement (T&M) equipment and custom turnkey test systems tailored for conducting Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS) measurements on vehicles and vehicle components. These systems adhere to major CISPR, ISO, and manufacturer-specific EMC standards, supporting full vehicle antenna testing and wireless coexistence testing. Additionally, the company delivers exceptional solutions for component and board-level tests during Electronic Control Unit (ECU) production. Partners and customers globally rely on these test solutions to ensure the flawless functionality, seamless interaction, and faultless communication of automotive components and systems with the external environment.
This collaborative effort between Applus Laboratories and Rohde & Schwarz not only demonstrated the seamless integration of eCall testing in EMC test environments but also underscored the advancements in the safety and compatibility of vehicle eCall systems. The successful demonstration showcased the commitment to innovation and excellence in the pursuit of enhancing automotive safety standards.
