Rohde & Schwarz, a leading provider of test and measurement solutions, has announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to conduct comprehensive testing of NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) over non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The tests aim to verify two-way IoT data transmission using geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) constellations in line with the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) Release 17. This partnership will enable engineers to accurately assess the performance of IoT devices powered by Qualcomm’s NTN chipsets under realistic satellite conditions.
At the upcoming Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2023, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase a live demonstration of the test solution at their booth, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies. The demonstration will highlight the capabilities of the Qualcomm® 212S and Qualcomm® 9205S NTN chipsets, while the Rohde & Schwarz R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester and R&S SMBV100B GNSS simulator will emulate a satellite base station for testing 3GPP NTN scenarios.
The comprehensive range of tests conducted by Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies will address the unique challenges of satellite-based non-terrestrial networks, including time and frequency synchronization, low signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), power-saving mechanisms, satellite ephemerides, and GNSS acquisition. These tests will serve as a validation tool for Qualcomm Technologies’ latest NTN chips, ensuring their compliance with 3GPP Release 17 standards.
The integration of satellite connectivity options into low power wide area (LPWA) chipsets, such as those developed by Qualcomm Technologies, enables IoT applications via satellite and revolutionizes global coverage across various industries. The use of GSO and GEO constellations ensures uninterrupted connectivity and enhances performance even under challenging conditions, benefiting sectors like agriculture, maritime, logistics, and asset tracking.
The selection of the appropriate orbit, whether GSO or GEO, plays a crucial role in optimizing IoT device performance, connectivity reach, and overall techno-economics. GSO satellites provide extended coverage to higher latitudes, including Earth’s poles, while GEO satellites offer continuous regional coverage, simplifying antenna design and reducing costs.
Rohde & Schwarz, known for its expertise in the satellite and aerospace industries, has been instrumental in enabling 5G NTN through multiple satellite launches. Their comprehensive range of solutions caters to the testing and validation of satellite payloads, ground stations, user terminals, as well as link monitoring and maintenance.
Alexander Pabst, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Our extensive experience with the 3GPP wireless, satellite, and aerospace ecosystems make us a trusted provider of optimized solutions for an industry leader like Qualcomm Technologies in the emerging NTN market.” Pabst added that the tailored test solutions developed through this partnership will meet the specific needs of the 5G NTN satellite and aerospace industry.
Vieri Vanghi, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the benefits of working with Rohde & Schwarz, stating, “Having been close collaboration partners with Rohde & Schwarz for years, we are happy to utilize their simulation tools to validate that Qualcomm Technologies’ IoT-NTN solutions are 3GPP Release 17 compliant.” Vanghi emphasized the importance of providing OEMs with low-power, standards-compliant solutions to achieve superior performance in the evolving IoT landscape.
