GPS World

Tag: mobile devices

  • GIS helps telecom industry meet new demands

    Image: nadla/E+/Getty Images
    Image: nadla/E+/Getty Images

    By Akshita Pacholi
    Allied Market Research

    With advantages provided by geographic information systems (GIS), the demand for GIS in the telecom industry has increased in recent years. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the global telecom market is anticipated to garner $3.27 million by 2023.

    GIS has fortified the telecom industry by reducing costs and augmenting capital planning. GIS mapping can improve outage prediction, resource management and infrastructure determination.

    GIS also can help the emerging economies for independent energy, efficient infrastructure, and enhanced communication systems. GIS provides imagery, geocoding, modeling, routing and the required data for these applications.

    GIS is rising in popularity as it eases access to critical sources of business intelligence.

    Impacts in the telecom industry

    GIS mapping supports telecom companies with factors such as enhanced customer service with location data and imagery, efficient resource dispatch, and prompt sharing of location data. This enables telecom industries to track locations and have a better understanding of service layout.

    GIS mapping lets companies know the geospatial relationships of their facilities, resources and ground features, and provide faster and more effective customer service.

    GIS also helps identify faulty circuits. It can help model the solution online and offer best-case scenarios, resulting in improved operations and enhanced customer service.

    GIS mapping also helps the sales and service team understand their targets by tracking multiple layers of geospatial data and providing insight into the customer base.

    Information on network structure

    Almost every telecom company focuses on offering effective, functioning networks, along with network monitoring, testing of network elements, maintenance and customer services. The real-time network structure offered by GIS solutions enhances these monitoring and service activities.

    With GIS, networks get instant access to information such as customers’ history and rank, current network structure, signal quality in precise demography, and any need for maintenance or restoration of services. Moreover, GIS makes the services more reliable and fast.

    GIS solutions are also beneficial for determining market demand for future estimations. GIS offers a better understanding of the relationship between customers’ topographical presence and companies’ marketing operations. It helps companies identify networking issues and easily reach customers, along with offering information on other issues.

    With its precise geography, GIS helps telecom companies meet service demand and develop budgets for promotional activities and marketing campaigns.

    Enhancing telecom services

    With computers and mobile devices a necessity for most of us, many telecoms want to expand to provide services in rural areas — a major reason for their adoption of GIS.

    Another motivator is the surge in demand for augmented reality and virtual reality, part of the increase in the adoption of GIS for mobile and broadband services.

    Smart Cities. GIS provides a platform that works with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, networks, databases, fault management system and wireless location. The demand for growth also depends on the rise in demand for satellite images by companies that provide maps and an increase in government spending to develop and build smart cities.

    Moreover, the rising use of technology, the internet, and other digital platforms in rural areas has sparked companies to expand their services.

    With companies focusing on broad network coverage, greater connectivity and emerging innovations such as 5G, the field of mobile telecommunications technology is anticipating opportunities to expand market growth.

    Akshita Pacholi has a master’s degree in English literature and is working as a content writer with Allied Market Research. 

  • FCC grants E9-1-1 Galileo request to AT&T

    FCC grants E9-1-1 Galileo request to AT&T

    AT&T logoOn Aug. 19, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted a request for authorization from AT&T Services to use Galileo for emergency location purposes.

    AT&T plans to use Galileo in conjunction with GPS to improve the accuracy of its E9-1-1 location services on mobile devices, and facilitate faster response from emergency services when wireless callers dial 9-1-1.

    The request was approved by the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau .

    The FCC found that AT&T had satisfied the conditions for commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers to integrate foreign satellite signals into E9-1-1 services.

    Under E9-1-1 requirements established in 2015, CMRS providers seeking to use foreign signals for E9-1-1 services must meet several conditions, including ensuring that integrating non-U.S. signals won’t cause interference with the E9-1-1 system.

    Carriers also need to submit a signal integration plan including a mechanism to detect, mitigate and disable Galileo signals if they cause harmful interference.

    Read the order here.

  • Blue Marble releases Global Mapper Mobile v2.1 with advanced GPS support

    Image: Blue Marble
    Image: Blue Marble Geographics

    Blue Marble Geographics has released version 2.1 of its mobile mapping application Global Mapper Mobile, with updates to both the free and Pro versions.

    Global Mapper Mobile is an iOS and Android application for viewing and collecting GIS data. It utilizes the GPS capabilities of mobile devices to provide situational awareness and locational intelligence for remote mapping projects.

    A complement to the desktop version of Global Mapper, the mobile edition can display all of the supported vector, raster, and elevation data formats and offers a powerful and efficient data collection tool. The latest release includes improvements to its vector feature styling, terrain layer support, and layer transparency setting.

    For advanced field mapping functionality, the latest release of the optional Pro version (available for purchase) introduces advanced GPS support. This allows users to connect to external, high-accuracy Bluetooth GPS devices from vendors such as Bad Elf and EOS, among others, directly from Global Mapper Mobile, allowing users to access detailed information including the current satellite constellation, precise location information and the raw NMEA stream.

    “Global Mapper Mobile v2.1 brings exciting new functionality to the application, much of which was highly driven by user requests and feedback,” said Jeffrey Hatzel, senior application specialist at Blue Marble Geographics.

    Blue Marble’s GIS software is used by hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers throughout the world who need affordable, user-friendly, yet powerful GIS solutions. Users come from a wide range of industries including software, oil and gas, mining, civil engineering, surveying, and technology companies, as well as government departments and academic institutions.

    Visit the website to learn more and download Global Mapper Mobile v.2.1.

  • Mapping tool helps LA County residents find food resources

    Mapping tool helps LA County residents find food resources

    Screenshot: FoodFinder
    Screenshot: FoodFinder

    The non-profit 211 LA County and Slingshot Aerospace have unveiled an online mapping tool that allows users to quickly identify and locate more than 2,000 food resources within the county during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

    211 LA County is a non-profit organization providing the official information and referral source for health and human services in LA County. Slingshot Aerospace is a situational intelligence platform company,

    The customized tool, called 211 LA FoodFinder, is powered by Slingshot Earth and is the biggest and only food map that allows LA residents to search for resources by location and view services specific to seniors, children and others, enabling individuals to find aid near them faster. Resources within the FoodFinder are free, with the exception of those with suggested donations or delivery service fees.

    LA County residents will be able to identify different types of available food resources, such as child nutrition, meal services, groceries/food pantries, senior food needs and government food benefits programs.

    The platform also provides location details, hours of operation and contact information for each of the services. 211 LA County is currently experiencing a tenfold increase in website traffic related to food resources compared to pre-COVID timeframes.

    The organization anticipates the robust application to service nearly 30,000 LA County constituents over the next quarter, many of which may not have prior experience with food assistance.

    “Food resources are the biggest need people are contacting us about since the COVID-19 pandemic hit LA County,” said Maribel Marin, executive director, 211 LA County. “With so many people out of work, the need for food is going to get progressively more intense, but people shouldn’t worry because there are lots of resources and ways to access them. Our custom Slingshot Earth food locator provides our community with a one-stop-shop for food resource information, helping to provide peace of mind to those who need food assistance during this unprecedented time.”

    211 LA County’s customized Slingshot Earth mapping tool aggregates food resources and service data from multiple public and private sources so that individuals have the right information, at the right time, all in one place. The data is verified and updated regularly to ensure that Los Angeles County residents have the most up to date information as guidelines and offerings continue to evolve.

    “This work to help 211 LA County provide critical food service information in our community is so meaningful to us because we are driven by a vision to create a safer, more sustainable world,” said Mel Stricklan, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Slingshot Aerospace. “Our business was founded on the idea that information is power, especially in complex situations. The COVID-19 pandemic is uncharted territory for all of us, and we are happy to do our small part in navigating these tough times by providing essential information to those who need it most.”

  • Touch GIS app introduces digital clinometer tool for geologists

    Touch GIS app introduces digital clinometer tool for geologists

    The new digital clinometer and attitude attribute type available in Touch GIS. (Image: TouchGIS)
    The new digital clinometer and attitude attribute type available in Touch GIS. (Image: Touch GIS)

    Touch GIS has introduced a digital clinometer tool to assist field geologists in recording strike and dip readings.

    Version 1.3 of the app also features a new “attitude” attribute type, which makes it easy to record and display these readings on the map.

    “We’ve been testing these new features with a number of field geologists, and we’re excited to finally be launching it broadly,” said Joe Wilson, head of products at Touch GIS. “While Touch GIS is valuable for a wide variety of field data collection, we’ve found that it’s especially popular with geologists.”

    As more and more field work is being done on mobile devices, it’s important to integrate them onto a single platform for collecting and sharing field data. Touch GIS has a mission to provide the most robust data collection featureset for mobile field mapping.

    Touch GIS also features powerful file support for industry-standard types, offline mapping capabilities, and accurate drawing tools for points, lines and polygons.

    Touch GIS has a free tier that allows users to explore a majority of its features. Premium subscribers can cache maps for offline use and export collected data.

    The app is available free for download on the Apple Store.

  • AirDroid offers geofencing to enhance efficiency, device security

    Mobile device management solution allows users set up a digital perimeter, view the current location of a device, and track where it’s been

    Image: Shomiz / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images
    Image: Shomiz / DigitalVision Vectors /Getty Images

    Sand Studio, a mobile device management (MDM) solution provider, is offering AirDroid Business Geofencing, a location-based solution for businesses to monitor and track device location, automate tasks and receive notification alerts in one place.

    With geofencing, organizations that have vehicles, personnel or valuable assets in the field can use tracking data and workflows to enhance security and optimize operational efficiency.

    Geofencing integrates seamlessly with AirDroid Business’ easy-to-use yet powerful device management solution, enabling IT managers to apply different configurations to existing or newly created device groups at any time.

    Adding to the existing location tracking feature, AirDroid Business Geofencing brings new capabilities like geofencing, path tracking, automated workflow, logs, and notification management.

    Geofencing: Location-based technology where a customizable virtual fencing zone can be created for devices that are coming in and out of a predefined area on a map. Single devices or groups of devices can be added to multiple profile zones for different scenarios, which provides flexibility and more control over deployed devices.

    Path Tracking: Admins can track a device and see its extensive path history. This allows for an in-depth analysis by combining time and location. For instance, admins can track a delivery truck and see if it has deviated from the assigned route, analyze the data, and improve operational efficiency.

    Workflow, Logs and Notifications: Workflows work together with geofences. Triggered by a device entering or exiting a geofence, workflow will activate automated tasks such as device locking and factory reset. Working side-by-side with workflow is log management, where point of time, device activity, device status and events can be filtered to spot abnormal activities or insights for improvements.

    “With mobile transformation continuing to take place in every industry, more businesses and organizations are deploying mobile devices in the field. However, they are also faced with the challenge of managing these devices,” said Anson Shiong, CEO of Sand Studio. “To help with this transition, AirDroid Business’ focus on remote device management and the new geofencing solution will help businesses maintain security and operational efficiency. These new features are designed to monitor and track remote devices with precision from anywhere in the world.”

    Geofencing is beneficial to a range of industries such as medical and health institutions, public agencies who need to track people at risk in situations like the coronavirus outbreak, transportation and logistics companies that need specific details on fleet activity, corporations that disseminate company devices with confidential information, food delivery services and more.

    The new tracking capabilities ensure consistent employee productivity levels as well as enhance security by knowing where the employees and devices are while also enabling confidential materials to be remotely wiped from a device when outside of the safety zone.

  • HERE’s new HD GNSS enables sub-meter positioning for mass market

    HERE’s new HD GNSS enables sub-meter positioning for mass market

    The company also announces that HERE Navigation On-Demand is OEM-ready with APCOA as partner

    HERE Technologies has introduced at CES 2020 its High Definition Global Navigation Satellite System (HD GNSS) positioning, a cloud-based solution that enables mass-market devices to achieve sub-meter accuracy across the globe.

    CES 2020, the massive annual consumer electronics show, is taking place Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas. Here’s booth is at Central Plaza, Tech East.

    HD GNSS enables new user experiences with lane-level navigation, augmented and virtual reality. It combines precise point positioning (PPP) and real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning methods, allowing for fast convergence time, high availability and global coverage.

    It also supports off-the-shelf mobile devices and internet of things (IoT) trackers equipped with dual frequency chipsets such as the Broadcom BCM47765 and BCM47755.

    Photo: HERE
    Photo: HERE

    More mass-market devices and vehicles are being equipped with dual-frequency GNSS receivers. With the HD GNSS service, the receivers enable high-precision positioning, HERE said, a capability that was cost and geographically prohibitive less than two years ago.

    HERE HD GNSS accelerates chipset, hardware and software makers’ ability to offer a step change in what can be delivered to consumers in new product capabilities, features and user experiences, the company said.

    HERE HD GNSS data delivery is optimized for mobile devices, requires no additional hardware and comes equipped with spoofing detection and phone sensor integration. It provides global coverage (including China and Japan), with single-frequency mobile device support in the future.

    HERE is also working across a partner ecosystem — including reference station operators, chipset manufacturers, module makers, hardware vendors, mobile network operators and system integrators — to jointly improve the positioning accuracy to centimeter levels, and in more challenging environments such as urban canyons.

    Automotive use cases

    Autonomous driving. For safety, it’s critical that automated vehicles are designed with high levels of redundancy in positioning systems. If an automated vehicle gets caught in bad weather conditions which are degrading optical sensor operations, <0.2m positioning accuracy available via HD GNSS increases safety and operation time in autonomous mode.

    Assisted driving. In case of an obstacle on the road, HD GNSS combined with HERE HD maps provide obstacle indication and avoidance functionality.

    Mobile device use cases

    Road lane guidance and improved ETAs on mobile devices. If a driver is unfamiliar with the roadway, HERE HD GNSS, combined with precision HERE map data, shows the driver the correct lane and path to navigate to the destination fast and safely.

    Improved gaming and augmented reality experience. Location-based games are growing and widely popular, however they currently rely on less accurate positioning technologies that inhibit next generation use cases. HERE HD GNSS bring exciting opportunities to design the next version of games with sub-meter positional accuracy.

    HERE Navigation On-Demand is OEM-ready with APCOA as partner

    HERE Navigation On-Demand is now available for integration in OEM infotainment programs. APCOA Parking is the first non-automotive company to use the Service Package SDK to make its parking services available on HERE Navigation On-Demand.

    HERE Technologies’ software-as-a-service solution HERE Navigation On-Demand is available for integration in OEM infotainment programs. With HERE Navigation On-Demand, OEMs and Tier 1 vendors get to deliver both connected services and expandable navigation experiences on both embedded and mobile platforms.

    The connected solution cuts development and lifecycle costs by offering cutting-edge, off-the-shelf functionalities while enabling OEMs and Tier 1 vendors to use an SDK to build their own features or integrate third party services.

    As a software-as-a-service offering, HERE Navigation On-Demand enables OEMs to remotely configure and monitor the deployed navigation solution making it possible to update and upgrade the experience anytime, even after the sale of the vehicle.

    OEMs can further offer any functionality as a subscription option and thus generate new, recurring revenue streams. The end-user accesses the navigation experience through client software which downloads the Service Packages from the cloud.

    The highly modular Service Packages include map data, software features, UX elements and references to Cloud Service APIs. Smart caching of these Service Packages ensures that HERE Navigation On-Demand also works offline.

    Alexa, Amazon’s cloud-based voice service, is pre-integrated into HERE Navigation On-Demand, making it faster and easier for automakers to deliver an intuitive, voice-first navigation experience to customers in the car.

  • GSA announces 2019 winners of MyGalileoApp competition

    GSA announces 2019 winners of MyGalileoApp competition

    First place winners ARGEO accept their prize. (Photo: GSA)
    First place winners ARGEO accept their prize. (Photo: GSA)

    News from the European GNSS Agency

    The winners of this year’s MyGalileoApp competition were announced at a ceremony held at the European GNSS Agency (GSA) headquarters in Prague on Nov. 7.

    First prize of EUR 100,000 went to ARGEO, a mobile app based on geolocation, augmented reality and blockchain that allows users to discover content such as prizes, coupons and shopping cards geo-located around the streets of a city.

    Second prize, worth EUR 50,000, went to the Tractor Navigator app, which provides guidance for farmers driving tractors, enabling them to visualise their position and trajectory in an open field. Finally, the EUR 30,000 third prize went to Ready Park, an app that makes parking easier by pairing drivers leaving a spot with users looking for one.

    The 10 finalists from eight countries made their pitches to a panel of jurors throughout the afternoon of Nov. 7, after which the jury reached its decision on the winning apps.

    Welcoming the competitors to the finals, GSA Executive Director Carlo des Dorides noted that the 10 finalists had been selected from a total of 150 competing teams, representing more than 35 nationalities.

    “The MyGalileoApp competition is the largest app development competition ever organised within the Galileo programme. After reaching 1 billion smartphones equipped with Galileo earlier this year, the next big challenge is to develop applications that will make best use of the Galileo differentiators,” des Dorides said.

    Following the pitches was an investors’ panel, with presentations by experts from various institutions, including venture capital firms and accelerators, providing information on how apps can bridge the gap between great ideas and viable business opportunities.

    “Private and public investors will have an opportunity today to expand their investment portfolio with the Galileo apps generated by the competition, helping to transform the apps into commercial successes,” des Dorides said, adding that the goal of the MyGalileoApp competition was not just to make beautiful apps, but to create jobs and generate economic growth. For a full agenda of the day’s events, click here.

  • Trimble launches high-accuracy field device for GIS

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

    The Trimble TDC150 handheld is a new field computer designed for GIS data collection, inspection and management activities.

    The TDC150 provides users with a rugged device that has the flexibility of a handheld, a modern interface with open Android operating system, and scalable high-accuracy positioning for professional field workflows.

    The TDC150 provides advanced GNSS capabilities in a durable, ergonomic and lightweight form factor. With a built-in GNSS antenna, the TDC150 is a scalable solution that allows customers to choose their desired accuracy. Easy-to-use and carry in the field, it features a bright 5.3-inch sunlight-readable touch screen and an all-day battery for continuous work on the jobsite, the company said.

    The handheld comes with Google Mobile Services certification to run Google core applications and access thousands of apps on the Google Play Store. Professional GIS field applications, including Trimble TerraFlex software — a cloud-based solution that enables users to easily collect, manage and edit their geospatial feature data — are supported, as well as Trimble Penmap for Android software and Esri’s Collector for ArcGIS mobile app.

    A new innovative TerraFlex workflow uses the TDC150’s onboard rear-facing camera to capture features. This visual aid shows users when the camera and receiver are aligned over features, enabling horizontal centimeter accuracy when holding the device.

    “The mapping and GIS industry, including utility companies, local government, and environmental management agencies, look to Trimble for continued innovation,” said Rachel Blair-Winkler, business area manager for Trimble Mapping & GIS solutions. “Adding the ability to get the level of horizontal accuracy required in a handheld configuration without the need for an external pole and antenna, and the new camera-based data logging workflow, gives our customers the flexibility to accomplish more while out in the field.”

    Photo: Trimble
    Photo: Trimble

  • Bluetooth provides sub-1-meter location precision in new feature

    Bluetooth has added a new direction-finding feature to help meet the growing demands of the location services market.

    The feature, which allows devices to determine the direction of a Bluetooth signal, was added to Bluetooth in version 5.1 of the Bluetooth Core Specification, released Jan. 28.

    To make use of the direction-finding feature, Silicon Labs has released new software for the Wireless Gecko portfolio, a comprehensive connectivity solution for the internet of things (IoT).

    Silicon Labs’ commercial, industrial and retail customers can enhance their location-based services — indoor navigation, asset tracking, space utilization and point-of-interest engagement — using the direction-finding feature, the company said.

    The new feature supports multiple methods for determining signal direction including angle-of-arrival (AoA) and angle-of-departure (AoD).

    Silicon Labs’ implementation of the new Bluetooth feature enables detection of signal direction within 5 degrees.

    To date, Bluetooth asset tracking and indoor positioning solutions have typically provided location accuracy within a range of 3-4 meters. With the Silicon Labs Bluetooth 5.1 solution, developers can create products that improve location accuracy down to the sub-1-meter level, opening the door to applications previously not possible.

    “The Silicon Labs Bluetooth direction finding solution provides a huge leap in location services accuracy for the industry,” said Matt Johnson, senior vice president and general manager of IoT products at Silicon Labs. “The combination of the Silicon Labs wireless solution and the new features added in Bluetooth 5.1 will help developers transform industries and improve people’s lives.”

    In addition to improved location services, Bluetooth 5.1 also helps developers:

    • reduce power consumption with sleep clock accuracy updates.
    • improve smart home connection performance using GATT caching functionality.
    • optimize beaconing for Bluetooth mesh in crowded RF environments with the advertisement channel index feature.

    “The Bluetooth community continues to find ways to meet evolving market needs and open new opportunities,” said Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG executive director. “The addition of Bluetooth direction finding demonstrates this commitment to drive innovation and support the incredible growth opportunity within the location services market.”

    Silicon Labs’ direction-finding software, including support for the AoA method, is available to customers through the Silicon Labs Simplicity Studio development kit.

  • Skyworks unveils Sky5 Ultra platform for 5G architecture

    Skyworks unveils Sky5 Ultra platform for 5G architecture

    Skyworks Solutions Inc. has launched the Sky5 Ultra, an advanced 5G cellular architecture.

    The fully integrated, baseband agnostic solution combines all of the critical front-end functionality required to enable high-performance 5G mobile devices with global coverage in a compact form factor.

    Graphic: Business Wire
    Graphic: Business Wire

    The comprehensive platform features transmit and receive capabilities with high efficiency and output power, enabling reliable network connections while optimizing battery life — both critical for 5G applications.

    In addition, the Sky5 Ultra leverages DSBGA packaging to reduce the footprint and advanced TC-SAW and BAW filtering to provide the best performance at each targeted frequency band.

    The solution also supports up to 100-MHz wide bandwidth, maximizing data throughput at ultra-fast speeds.

    5G rollouts have already begun and will continue to ramp over the next few years. According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 11 worldwide operators have announced limited 5G service launches and seven additional operators have turned on 5G base stations, with commercial services to follow.

    “With industry momentum accelerating towards 5G, Skyworks is leading the way with the technological innovations and systems expertise demonstrated by our Sky5 portfolio, a highly flexible and customizable suite designed to meet customers’ global requirements,” said Joel King, senior vice president and general manager of Mobile Solutions at Skyworks.

    “Sky5 Ultra represents another breakthrough in simplifying the growing complexity of 5G device development — delivering unmatched performance while expediting deployment through full integration and optimized form factors. We are empowering top mobile device manufacturers and network providers with complete, turnkey solutions that will ultimately bring 5G to realization,” King said.

    About Sky5 Ultra

    Sky5 Ultra incorporates Skyworks’ high-efficiency transmit, diversity receive (DRx) and MIMO modules with industry-leading noise figure and low insertion loss, in addition to an array of aperture tuners and antenna swap switches for optimal antenna management.

    Like all Sky5 solutions, the comprehensive front-end platform supports new 5G NR waveforms and spectrum in addition to enhanced carrier aggregation and 4G/5G dual connectivity, while delivering exceptional levels of integration and performance. Functional core blocks include:

    Primary Transmit (Global)

    SKY5-8255 – Dual-chain N77/N79 ultra-high–band power amplifier with integrated low noise amplifier and filters (LPAMiF)
    SKY5-8254 – N41 high band power amplifier with integrated filter (PAMiF)
    SKY5-8265 – Mid-/high-band power amplifier with integrated low noise amplifier and duplexers (LPAMiD) with DSBGA packaging
    SKY5-8211 – Low-band LPAMiD
    SKY5-8212 – Low-band LPAMiD with DSBGA packaging
    SKY77365 – Global system for mobile communications (GSM) power amplifier

    Connectivity (GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

    SKY65725-81 – Shielded GPS module
    SKY65728-11 – L5 shielded GPS module
    SKY85819-11 – WLAN/GPS antenna share module
    SKY85817-11 – Dual-band LAA/WLAN module
    SKY85774-11 – 5 GHz LAA/WLAN module

    5G Diversity/MIMO (Global)

    SKY13725 – Low band DRx module with DSBGA packaging
    SKY13726 – Mid/High band DRx module with DSBGA packaging
    SKY13727 – Mid/High band MIMO module with DSBGA packaging
    SKY5-3728 – Ultra high-band N77/79 DRx/MIMO module with SRS support

    Antenna Management

    SKY5-9269 – SP4T 80v aperture tuning and RF distribution switch
    SKY5-9256 – 4 x SPST 45v aperture tuning switch
    SKY5-9699 – DPDT antenna swap switch

    At Mobile World Congress, Skyworks representatives are in the Executive Meeting Area in Hall 2, 2G3Ex and 2G5Ex.

  • Rohde & Schwarz and Bluetest partner on A-GNSS OTA antenna testing

    Rohde & Schwarz and Bluetest partner on A-GNSS OTA antenna testing

    Testing the antenna performance of GNSS signals such as GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo and Metropolitan Beacon Systems (MBS) is key to location accuracy performance of a mobile device.

    To address the testing need for A-GNSS services, Rohde & Schwarz and Bluetest are partnering in creating test concepts for over-the-air (OTA) antenna measurements.

    The CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)
    The CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    The two companies integrate the R&S LBS Server, a software component running on the R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester, and the Bluetest OTA test solution for A-GNSS systems based on Bluetest’s RTS65 reverberation chamber and Bluetest’s Flow measurement software.

    In the test setup, the R&S LBS Server controls the Rohde & Schwarz base-station simulator R&S CMW500 for LTE, WCDMA and GSM, and uses the R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator for simulation of GNSS and MBS signals.

    A simple and straightforward upgrade of the setup for 5G will be available soon, making sure that investments are protected and most relevant standards can be tested with the same system.

    The R&S LBS Server is an essential part of the R&S TS8991 OTA Performance Test System. This cooperation between Rohde & Schwarz and Bluetest marks the first time that the R&S LBS Server, used here as a software tool on R&S CMW500, is available also for third parties.

    “We are delighted to collaborate with Bluetest to contribute with our test and measurement expertise to OTA 4G/3G/GSM and GNSS technology development,” said Alexander Pabst, vice president, Systems and Projects at Rohde & Schwarz. “With a strong global footprint for location based services LBS and close cooperation with partners, Rohde & Schwarz is committed to accompanying the evolution path from OTA testing for GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo with innovative test and measurement solutions.”

    “The addition of A-GNSS measurements means that the full range of wireless technology in a modern cellular device can be verified with just one test solution,” said Robert Rehammar, Bluetest CTO. “Bluetest has enjoyed the close cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz on this project, leading to a very strong joint solution and customer offering.”