Rohde & Schwarz, a leader in test and measurement solutions, has partnered with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to validate the implementation of Next-Generation eCall (NG eCall) on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® Auto 5G Modem-RF, in line with the updated EN 17240:2024 specification. This collaboration aims to improve the safety and efficiency of in-vehicle emergency response systems through advanced testing tools.
Launched in 2015, eCall is an automated vehicle emergency system, mandatory for all new vehicles sold in the European Union since 2018. However, with the phase-out of 2G/3G networks, emergency call systems must be adapted to 4G/5G networks. As per recent European Commission regulations, NG eCall must be implemented by January 1, 2026. This new standard focuses on testing eCall systems over IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks, supporting advanced 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies. Consequently, the automotive industry now requires NG eCall testing solutions to ensure compliance.
The Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF is a next-generation automotive platform that offers fast connectivity, advanced positioning, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) support. It’s designed to meet the needs of modern telematics, delivering reliable connectivity, precise GNSS navigation, and increased safety features.
Through this joint effort, Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm have confirmed that the NG eCall functionality in the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF meets the latest eCall standards. The verification process used the Rohde & Schwarz CMX500 mobile radio tester, a comprehensive tool for testing NG eCall features like voice and data transmission. This rigorous test, simulating a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), ensured the solution met the EN 17240:2024 standard. Furthermore, the CMX500 supports both 4G and 5G technologies, ensuring future-proof solutions.
“We are excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies to validate their chipsets’ NG eCall capabilities,” said Juergen Meyer, Vice President of Automotive Market Segment at Rohde & Schwarz. “This partnership sets a new standard for emergency call services, providing the automotive sector with a reliable solution to meet the latest regulations.”
The CMX500, combined with the CMX-KA098 software option, is an effective tool for testing NG eCall under realistic network conditions. As the industry moves towards the rapid adoption of this technology, collaboration among companies becomes increasingly crucial. This joint effort helps accelerate time-to-market while validating solutions for mutual customers.
Rohde & Schwarz provides cutting-edge test and measurement equipment, software, and systems that support the automotive industry’s shift towards autonomous driving, electrification, and connectivity. The company’s solutions are trusted by OEMs, chip manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers, and engineering service providers worldwide, covering everything from R&D to production. Their offerings include radar, connectivity, infotainment, in-vehicle networks, electric drivetrain components, and electromagnetic compatibility testing.
Rohde & Schwarz is committed to advancing a safer, more connected world through its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For over 90 years, the company has driven innovation across multiple industries, delivering advanced products and solutions that empower governments, industrial organizations, and regulators to achieve technological sovereignty. A privately held, Munich-based company, Rohde & Schwarz achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year, with around 14,400 employees worldwide as of June 30, 2024.
