Rohde & Schwarz has accomplished a seminal milestone by delivering the first CTIA-certified 5G FR1 A-GNSS (Assisted Global Navigation Satellite System) OTA (Over-the-Air) test solution. The R&S TS8991 OTA test system from Rohde & Schwarz has received approval from CTIA Certification, establishing itself as the inaugural 5G FR1 A-GNSS OTA test solution to earn this recognition.
Rohde & Schwarz, through its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems, and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions, is committed to creating a safer and interconnected world. With a rich history spanning 90 years, this global technology group has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in cutting-edge technologies. Renowned for its leading-edge products and solutions, Rohde & Schwarz empowers industrial, regulatory, and government clients, enabling them to achieve technological and digital sovereignty. As a privately-owned company based in Munich, it operates independently, focusing on long-term sustainability. In the fiscal year 2022/2023 (July to June), Rohde & Schwarz achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion. As of June 30, 2023, the company boasted a workforce of approximately 13,800 employees worldwide.
This CTIA Certification holds significant importance as it specifically addresses the testing of 5G A-GNSS antenna performance. The A-GNSS functionality plays a crucial role in enabling E911 emergency calls over 5G networks. The R&S TS8991 is designed to measure the performance of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver within wireless devices, ensuring optimal functionality.
The latest version of the Test Plan for Wireless Device Over-the-Air (OTA) Performance, namely Version 4.0.x, introduced 5G FR1 EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity) to the existing A-GPS L1 OTA specification. The previously published Version 6.0.x expanded the scope further by incorporating 5G FR1 SA (Standalone), A-GPS L5, and A-Galileo E1. These additions are poised to commence the CTIA Certification validation process shortly.
The R&S TS8991 test system is an integrated and turnkey solution developed to meet CTIA Certification OTA test requirements for various generations of mobile technologies, including 2G/3G A-GPS, 4G LTE A-GNSS, and now 5G A-GNSS. This comprehensive system comprises the R&S CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester, the R&S SMBV100B satellite simulator, and an anechoic wireless performance test chamber (WPTC). The system is designed for high levels of integration and is easily upgradable to adapt to evolving testing needs. The R&S CONTEST software controls every component, facilitating fully automated OTA measurements in compliance with CTIA Certification Test Plans.
The R&S CMX500 serves as a versatile solution for various mobile device testing applications, covering RF (Radio Frequency) parametric measurements for both transmitter and receiver, along with assessments for data throughput, audio quality, and battery life. Integrated into the R&S TS8991 antenna performance test system, the R&S CMX500 provides signaling capabilities to a device under test (DUT) while simultaneously measuring the receive sensitivity and transmit power. The R&S CMX500 aligns with the most advanced requirements in wireless communications testing, supporting the latest technologies specified by 3GPP and IEEE.
The R&S SMBV100B, a satellite simulator, offers compatibility with all major satellite navigation technologies and constellations. With its support for 3GPP-based Assisted GNSS technologies in conjunction with CMX500 location-based services, it caters to the diverse needs of testing scenarios. The R&S WPTC OTA Test Chamber represents a high-performance anechoic test chamber available in various sizes to accommodate different testing requirements.
Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President of Radio Mobile Testers and Test Systems at Rohde & Schwarz, expressed enthusiasm about the achievement, stating, “We are committed to providing customers with reliable, high-performance OTA test systems that meet a wide range of different testing needs. This is why we are thrilled that the R&S TS8991 is the first 5G FR1 A GNSS OTA test solution approved by CTIA Certification. The TS8991 OTA test systems are equipped with market-leading Rohde & Schwarz instrumentation and software – ensuring optimal performance and seamless system integration.”
Rohde & Schwarz’s successful certification underlines its dedication to advancing OTA testing capabilities in alignment with the evolving landscape of 5G technologies. The approval by CTIA Certification positions the R&S TS8991 as a pioneering solution for evaluating the A-GNSS antenna performance crucial for the deployment of reliable and efficient 5G networks.
