GPS World

Tag: Rohde & Schwarz

  • Altair selects Rohde & Schwarz for testing new IoT chipsets

    Modules featuring Altair’s ALT1250 CAT-M1/NB1 chipset will be demonstrated at Mobile World Congress.

    Altair Semiconductor, a provider of LTE chipsets, has selected Rohde & Schwarz as its partner for test equipment for its dual-mode CAT-M1/NB1 internet of things (IoT) ALT1250 chipset, as well as its next-generation IoT chipsets.

    The ALT1250 is a highly integrated dual-mode CAT-M1/NB-IoT chipset with GNSS. Modules with ALT1250 inside are the world’s smallest, and may be as small as 100 millimeters square in area.

    The ALT1250 includes GNSS location positioning, a wideband RF front-end supporting all commercial LTE bands within a single hardware design, a multi-layered and hardware-based security framework, an internal application subsystem and packaging that enables standard, low-cost PCB manufacturing.

    The Rohde & Schwarz R&S CMW500 test platform offers the most validated CAT-M1/NB-IoT protocol conformance tests. It allows manufacturers and test houses to use a single instrument to verify that chipsets, modules and devices comply with GCF and PTCRB standards, and specific network operator requirements.

    The test equipment will be used for protocol testing as well as RF, RRM performance and carrier tests.

    Rohde & Schwarz is a global manufacturer of wireless communications and EMC test and measurement equipment and plans to develop new testing protocols for Altair’s next generations of cellular IoT chipsets.

    “Our ALT1250 chipset is already forming the foundation for multiple current and emerging IoT applications,” said Ilan Reingold, VP of business development and marketing for Altair. “The choice of Rohde & Schwarz is part of our commitment to the highest quality of advanced validation and performance testing for our game-changing products.”

    “This announcement confirms the commitment of Rohde & Schwarz to the wireless industry to provide innovative test tools and solutions that allow the testing and certification of cellular IoT devices,” said Anton Messmer, vice president, mobile radio testers, for Rohde & Schwarz. “We are pleased to have been selected by Altair and are looking forward to supporting them in the development of highly integrated chipsets in conformance with 3GPP Release-13 standards for CAT-M1 and NB-IoT, and beyond.”

    Altair will be demonstrating partner modules based on ALT1250 at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 26 to March 1 at Altair meeting rooms in Hall 2, Stands 2B2Ex and 2B4Ex.

    Rohde & Schwarz will showcase CAT-M1/NB-IoT test solutions with the R&S CMW500 at MWC in hall 6, booth 6C40.

  • Rohde & Schwarz offers certified eCall test solution

    Rohde & Schwarz offers certified eCall test solution

    From April 1 onward, car manufacturers are required to equip new vehicles for sale in the European Union with an eCall module. In the event of a serious accident, this emergency call system automatically sends data to the uniform European emergency phone number 112 to facilitate faster response by emergency services.

    The independent test house CETECOM has now certified the eCall test solution from Rohde & Schwarz, which can be used to simulate a public-safety answering point, in accordance with the EN standard. This puts manufacturers and suppliers in a very good position for acceptance tests of their installed emergency call systems, and the Russian emergency call counterpart ERA-Glonass can also be tested with an extension.

    The Rohde & Schwarz eCall test solution is the first of its kind to be certified by an independent test body, according to the company. CETECOM has examined the implementation of the eCall test public safety answering point (PSAP) in the Rohde & Schwarz solution for the pan-European emergency call system and certified it as compliant with the CEN EN 16454:2015 standard. This is a prerequisite for tests compliant with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79.

    CETECOM has been officially designated as a technical service for eCall by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. After March 31, manufacturers must equip new vehicles for sale in the EU with an eCall module. The R&S CMW-KA094 test solution is the first independently certified test PSAP system based on a wireless communications test platform.

    Rohde & Schwarz thus offers a compact solution for reproducible end-to-end functional tests and standard-compliant conformance tests of eCall and ERA-Glonass modules. The prescribed conformance tests can be performed with the test solution.

    Manufacturers and suppliers use these tests to check whether the installed modem properly initiates an emergency call in the event of a motor vehicle accident, correctly acquires the relevant data and sends it via the mobile network, and is able to establish a voice connection to the PSAP.

    Test houses and vehicle manufacturers use this solution for type approvals and for other tests requiring the emulation of mobile networks, such as location-independent testing of a car telephone.

    The certification of an eCall test solution by an independent body demonstrates that Rohde & Schwarz is a reliable partner for the automobile industry — the majority of global OEMs use the R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester and rely on the field-proven Rohde & Schwarz test solution.

    The company is also developing test features for the next-generation eCall over LTE system and making the corresponding solution fit for the future and for testing new vehicle telematics units.

    Along with eCall, Rohde & Schwarz supports the automobile industry with test solutions for V2X communications (from a vehicle to other users).

    The eCall test solution based on the R&S CMW500 platform in combination with the R&S SMBV100A GNSS simulator is the first to be certified by CETECOM. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

    Technical basis. The R&S CMW-KA094 application software specifically developed for eCall is based on the R&S CMW500 platform in combination with the R&S SMBV100A GNSS simulator.

    The software simulates a PSAP and controls the R&S CMW500, which emulates a mobile network in the lab. It also controls the GNSS simulator, which provides the position data of the accident location.

    The R&S SMBV100A additionally supports the GNSS receiver performance tests in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79 Annex VI.

    The eCall test solution can be fully automated with the R&S CMWrun sequencer software for further conformance tests, enabling users to directly utilize ready-made test sequences for eCall and ERA-Glonass modules compliant with ETSI TS 103 412, CEN EN 16454 or GOST 33467. This additionally facilitates demonstration of the functional capability of the overall system in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2017/79. For more information on how to test eCall and ERA-Glonass system modules, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com/ad/press/ecall-cetecom.

  • Launchpad: New RTK system for surveyors

    Launchpad: New RTK system for surveyors

    SURVEY & MAPPING

    RTK survey system

    Using a smartphone

    Tersus David RTK is a real-time kinematic solution for centimeter-level accuracy using a smartphone. By plugging into a smartphone with a USB cable, The Tersus David turns the phone into an RTK rover, geographic information system (GIS) collector and RTK base. It supports GPS L1/L2, BeiDou B1/B2 and GLONASS G1/G2 signals. The rugged design enables it to operate in harsh environments.

    Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

    Mobile mapper

    High speed for corridor mapping

    The Riegl VMX-2HA is a high-speed, high-performance dual-scanner mobile mapping system that provides dense, accurate and feature-rich data at highway speeds. With 2 million measurements and 500 scan lines per second, the turnkey solution is suitable for survey-grade mobile mapping applications. The powerful technology in the Riegl VMX-2HA is comprised of two Riegl VUX-1HA high-accuracy lidar sensors and a high-performance INS/GNSS unit housed in an aerodynamically shaped protective cover. A camera interface for up to nine optional cameras enables the lidar data to be complemented by precisely georeferenced images.

    Riegl, www.riegl.com

    3D laser scanner

    Rapid mapping indoors and out

    The ZEB-REVO RT is the next generation of the ZEB-REVO — GeoSLAM’s lightweight, handheld laser scanner that allows rapid, simple mapping of complex, indoor and multi-level spaces. The ZEB-REVO RT uses Wi-Fi technology to seamlessly connect the scanner to a mobile phone or tablet, allowing for real-time data visualization as the user walks and scans. The simultaneous scanning and processing of 3D data removes the need for post-processing, effectively slashing project survey times in half. The technology is so rapid, users can scan and process a three-story building in 30 minutes.

    GeoSLAM, geoslam.com

    ArcGIS add-on app

    Connects Esri ArcGIS data with Salesforce data

    MapAnything Connector for ArcGIS gives users a map view of Esri ArcGIS Online data inside Salesforce with their organizational data for strategic planning and analysis. The add-on app serves as a bi-directional integration layer between the programs, enabling customers to access their ArcGIS mapping and location intelligence inside the MapAnything Platform. Once connected, the MapAnything user interface helps Salesforce users view and interact with Esri maps and data alongside their existing customer and business data, exposing new opportunities to drive revenue and increase efficiency; improve decision making by aligning two core systems of record, the GIS system and the customer relationship management (CRM); and make it easy for GIS professionals to share insights seamlessly with their counterparts. The application has uses across retail, commercial real estate, telecommunications and economic development.

    MapAnything, mapanything.com

    OEM

    Simulator

    Generates Realistic Test Scenarios for a wide variety of applications

    The SMW200A GNSS simulator can be extended to up to four RF outputs and allows GNSS signals to be simulated simultaneously in multiple frequency bands for multiple antennas. It can internally simulate a complex interference environment in parallel with GNSS signals. To test multi-frequency and multi-antenna systems, users have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs. The SMW200A can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals, enabling users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of their receivers under realistic conditions. An internal noise generator can generate complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers.

    Rohde & Schwarz, www.rohde-schwarz.com

    RTK receiver

    Multi-frequency, four constellations for survey and GIS

    The Altus NR3 is a multi-frequency, quad-constellation (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo) RTK receiver for survey and GIS applications. It features Septentrio’s AIM+ interference mitigation and monitoring system, allowing continued operation in the presence of both intentional and non-intentional interference. It combines advanced GNSS features with a robust communications suite in a compact, low-power and easy-to-use unit. The Altus NR3 is configurable as either a rover or a base station. It offers one-touch logging and Septentrio’s on-board web interface so users can monitor and configure the unit as well as collect data using any Wi-Fi-capable device.

    Septentrio, www.septentrio.com

    Battlefield navigation

    Protects critical military and security networks

    VersaPNT provides virtually failsafe battlefield navigation, even in GPS-denied environments, to protect critical networks. The new, ground, air or sea vehicle-mounted unit is designed for military environments, with a ruggedized, compact, low-power and lightweight form factor. It provides continuous mission assurance and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) support, even in hostile environments.

    Spectracom, www.spectracom.com

    Timing server

    Incorporates SAASM for defense

    The SyncServer S650 SAASM server incorporates a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM). The SAASM capability provides a highly secure, accurate and flexible time and frequency platform for synchronizing mission-critical electronics systems and instrumentation applications in the defense market. The SAASM received the GPS Directorate security approval to incorporate a military-grade, GPS SAASM receiver module, enabling U.S. armed forces to deploy features of the commercial SyncServer S650 in a military-grade configuration and allowing for a migration path to GPS Military Code (M-code) support.

    Microsemi, www.microsemi.com

    Antenna

    Superior multi-constellation tracking for uavs, survey vessels

    The multi-constellation D-Helix Antenna is capable of superior tracking of signals from GPS L1/L2 L-Band, GLONASS L1/L2, BDS B1/B2/B3 and Galileo. The quadrifilar helix design of low wind-resistance makes it suitable for UAV positioning and navigation. The increased antenna gain and beamwidth ensure better signal receiving performance at low elevation angles; the low noise design also reduces interference and improves signal quality. The antenna can be used in UAV patrol, UAV plant protection and for unmanned patrol and survey vessels.

    Harxon, en.harxon.com

    UAV

    Operations software

    Helps enterprises efficiently manage their drone operations

    FlightHub is a new software solution that helps enterprises and drone service providers efficiently manage their drone operations from a single platform. A web-based service, FlightHub enables the secure management of real-time drone operations, flight data, drone fleets and pilot teams to meet the needs of the expanding global commercial drone industry. Users can view their teams’ remote drone operations from one place in real time.FlightHub provides enterprises a clear, centralized view of their company’s drone operations to enable onsite pilots to more effectively collaborate with offsite teams. The Map View and Real-Time View features display telemetry, camera and sensor data for faster, more informed decision making.

    DJI, www.dji.com

    Drone camera

    Addition to M-Series IP network camera line

    The new MR6442AX IP 4MP dome camera is suitable for demanding outdoor installations in challenging lighting conditions, such as schools, parking lots and sports stadiums, as well as city and perimeter surveillance. It features brilliant video quality, a 2.8 to 12 mm Varifocal-Auto iris lens, 100-db high dynamic range (HDR) and built-in Sense up+ low light technology. Intelligent video surveillance (IVS) functionality is a cornerstone of LILIN IP M-aeries cameras. The MR6442AX IVS analytics include advanced motion detection, object counting and tripwire detection, allowing the camera to detect when an object or person has breached an area such as the entrance to a building or parking lot. The MR6442AX is outdoor-ready out-of-the-box with an IP66 rating for rain and dust resistance, suitable for perimeter protection where early detection of an intrusion attempt is critical.

    LILIN Americas, www.lilin.us

    Quadcopter

    Specifically designed for agriculture

    The Parrot Bluegrass Agricultural Solution includes a powerful quadcopter equipped with a full high-definition front camera and embedded Parrot Sequoia advanced multispectral sensor; flight planning mobile application with Pix4Dcapture; data processing with AIRINOV FIRST+ cloud platform; and a long-range remote control, the Parrot Skycontroller 2. Parrot Bluegrass is easy to set up , fly and repair, with Pix4Dcapture autonomous flight capability. It can automatically cover up to 30 hectares at 70 meters / 230 feet flight altitude per battery (25 minutes per battery).

    Parrot, www.parrot.com

    UAS countermeasure

    Automatically detects, locates, tracks and takes over UAS controls

    The Airfence 5.0 UAS countermeasure platform, updated from Airfence One, provides new and improved directional finding along with detection, tracking and long-distance jamming capabilities. It is designed to protect militaries, airports, prisons and private companies from rogue drones in illegal and potentially life-threatening situations. Airfence 5.0 is certified rugged and offers compact out-of-the box setup and installation. The update incorporates lessons learned from key projects with the FAA, NASA, the U.S. Marine Corps and the European Commission. Airfence 5.0 includes updates focused on increasing the detection rate and level of data packets received, enabling for real-time actionable insights.

    Sensofusion, sensofusion.com

    TRANSPORTATION

    Connected car device

    Plug-in for older vehicles

    The HumX plug-in turns older model autos into smart cars. It equips the cars with features like using GPS for roadside assistance, Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, maintenance reminders and auto health diagnostics. HumX uses safety features such as speeding and boundary alerts, vehicle diagnostics, driving history and emergency assistance (with crash detection capabilities). It allows travelers to stay safe with pinpoint roadside assistance, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic updates and a mechanics hotline for certified, expert advice. HumX is sold with an equipment fee, a one-time activation fee and a monthly subscription.

    Verizon, Hum.com

    Electronic logging for mobile devices

    Enables fleets to improve safety, productivity from a Samsung device

    Omnitracs and Samsung Electronics America are partnering to help the transportation industry address the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate. The solution combines Samsung smartphones, tablets and security solutions with Omnitracs’ XRS fleet management software to improve safety, data security and productivity for U.S.-based fleets. Drivers can use their mobile device to monitor hours of service (HOS) logs to comply with legal requirements during on- and off-duty management of vehicles. Electronic tracking of HOS increases speed and accuracy of reporting, because drivers can track their hours in real time instead of fixed increments, such as in manual entry methods. The solution provides fleets with key driver performance analytics, including fuel usage, drive time, speed, driving behavior, driver vehicle inspection reporting (DVIR) and trip data to improve driver safety, lower costs and increase productivity.

    Omnitracs, www.omnitracs.com; Samsung, www.samsung.com

  • High-end GNSS simulator generates realistic test scenarios

    High-end GNSS simulator generates realistic test scenarios

    The SMW200A GNSS simulator adds a high-end solution to the Rohde & Schwarz portfolio of satellite navigation system simulators. It can be extended to up to four RF outputs and allows GNSS signals to be simulated simultaneously in multiple frequency bands for multiple antennas.

    The SMW200A can internally simulate a complex interference environment in parallel with GNSS signals.

    The instrument was unveiled at ION GNSS+ 2017, which took place Sept. 25-29 in Portland, Oregon:

    An increasing number of GNSS receivers are able to process signals from diverse navigation systems such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo or BeiDou in several frequency bands — and in some cases, with several antennas in parallel — to improve positioning accuracy.

    Accuracy can be further improved with differential GNSS (DGNSS) techniques. These techniques are used in applications such as autonomous driving, and they are indispensable for precise and reliable positioning of aircraft during landing approaches. The GNSS receivers used in these applications must undergo extensive tests before deployment in vehicles or aircraft.

    The new R&S SMW200A GNSS simulator now offers an innovative test solution for easy generation of complex and highly realistic test scenarios for a wide variety of GNSS applications. To test multi-frequency and multi-antenna systems, users now have access to 72 GNSS channels that can be assigned to up to four RF outputs.

    The R&S SMW200A can generate QZSS and SBAS signals as well as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo and BeiDou signals. This solution enables users to quickly and easily verify the position accuracy of their receivers under realistic conditions.

    The R&S SMW200A also has an internal noise generator and can generate complex interference scenarios with multiple interferers. All signals (GNSS, noise and interference) are generated directly in the instrument. Additional signal sources for external generation of interference signals are not necessary, considerably simplifying test setups.

    No external computer is needed to configure and operate the R&S SMW200A. The integrated, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to generate GNSS scenarios quickly and easily. Thanks to the multitude of instrument options, the solution can be optimally adapted to individual user requirements.

    The R&S SMW200A is an extensible, future-proof platform ready to implement future test requirements such as testing new GNSS signals.

    The R&S SMW200A with the new GNSS options is now available from Rohde & Schwarz.

  • Rohde & Schwarz offers test system for A-BeiDou LBS

    Rohde & Schwarz and MediaTek have successfully completed the verification of location-based services (LBS) in the U-plane and C-plane for Assisted Beidou (A-BeiDou), China’s GNSS satellite positioning system.

    The R&S TS-LBS test solution allows mobile manufacturers, chipset manufacturers, test houses and network operators to verify chipsets and mobile devices in order to obtain permission to operate them in a particular network.

    The successful A-BeiDou verification of the MediaTek device under test (DUT) using the Rohde & Schwarz test system marks an important milestone in the GNSS evolution of positioning and navigation. According to Rohde & Schwarz, this was the first time that the setup could be used to validate and verify a device for A-BeiDou location-based services.

    The R&S TS LBS from Rohde & Schwarz is a test system for testing GNSS and network-based LBS. It consists of an R&S CMW500 as the base station simulator and an R&S SMBV100A GNSS simulator. The R&S CMW500 provides assistance data to the DUT and the R&S SMBV100A simulates the BeiDou satellites. The R&S TS-LBS test system can be used to obtain GCF and PTCRB certification as well as network operator-specific certification for chipsets and mobile devices.

    “We are delighted to collaborate with MediaTek and to contribute our test and measurement expertise to the development of A-BeiDou location based services,” said Alexander Pabst, vice president of Systems and Projects within the Rohde & Schwarz Test & Measurement Division. “Rohde & Schwarz already has a strong global footprint with testing solutions for A-GNSS, such as A-GPS or A-GLONASS, and for OTDOA/eCID. Thanks to our close cooperation with our partners, Rohde & Schwarz is committed to accompanying the evolution from existing to new satellite systems such as A-BeiDou with our innovative test and measurement solutions.”

    “MediaTek is committed to developing and testing the latest mobile technologies and standards to drive the industry forward,” said TL Lee, general manager of the Wireless Communications Business Unit at MediaTek. “We have worked closely with Rohde & Schwarz to develop and validate the test solution for A-BeiDou LBS, verifying the A-BeiDou proof-of-concept trial system based on the R&S TS-LBS and MediaTek DUT. This represents an exciting step forward in the evolution of LBS technology, enabling the mobile ecosystem to verify chipsets and mobile devices on the new LBS technology.”

  • GNSS plays prominent role at Mobile World Congress

    Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technology found its way into products ranging from autonomous vehicles to wearables at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

    One company says it is tailoring a GNSS receiver chip to meet the demands of mobile devices that require high levels of speed and position accuracy. Thalwil, Switzerland-based u-blox said its new low-power UBX-M8230-CT GNSS receiver chip can not only be used for smartwatch development, but for tracking people, animals and assets.

    “The highlight of the chip is that it has much better balance, while maintaining the accuracy of a traditional, full-power receiver,” said Florian Bousquet, u-blox market development manager. “It can work in the most difficult urban canyon environments. It works well in sports watches, smartwatches, activity trackers and other wearables — and just about anything portable that has a battery.”

    Bousquet said the chip, in what the company calls a Super-E mode, uses GPS with either GLONASS or BeiDou. This mode allows batching location data on the chip, which reduces power consumption, he said.

    Bousquet said the chip is available now, in an evaluation kit, for around $120. He said the chip will be manufactured in volume this summer.

    It took u-blox a year-and-a-half to develop the GNSS chip, Bousquet said. “It took time for our development team to optimize the system and field test the infrastructure to make sure the product performed in different scenarios and environments.”

    Another company, Racelogic, exhibited its LabSat 3 Wideband GNSS simulator, which is used by u-blox and others to help test and develop products. Some applications include drones, autonomous vehicles, survey equipment, personal monitoring devices, aerospace and end-of-the-line product testing, the company said.

    The newer L2C, L5 and L1C signals give companies the opportunity to develop products that are compatible with new receivers as they come to market, said Mark Sampson, LabSat product/sales manager.

    The company also showed off its SatGen v3 simulator software that allows users to create a data file to be replayed on the LabSat GNSS simulator. The software allows companies to define a complicated route, and then import it into the software.

    Company tests eCall and ERA-GLONASS modules

    Both the European Union (EU) and Russian Federation are requiring governments to have intelligent telematics-based safety systems. In case of a serious accident, these systems automatically call for local medical services.

    Technology to meet the requirements of eCall and ERA-GLONASS include an antenna, GNSS receiver, crash sensors and other components.

    To reproduce end-to-end and standard-compliant testing of the eCall and ERA-GLONASS modules, Rohde & Schwarz offers two products. One is the CMW-KA094 eCall application software. The other is the CMW-KA095 extension for ERA-GLONASS to simulate a public safety answering point (PSAP) to emulate a cellular network in a lab.

    “It’s pretty important testing because of the safety of life. We have set up implementation of it in our labs,” said Christian Hof, Rohde & Schwarz senior product manager for mobile radio testers.

    CMW_ERA-Glonass_eCall_T
    CMW500 simulator by Rohde & Schwarz. Photo: Rohde & Schwarz

    During testing, governments and companies can use the CMW500 platform, which identifies Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile communications devices’ IP connection security issues, Hof said.

    The company believes, since many IoT platforms are proprietary as standardization is still in progress, security gaps are frequently reported.

    Spirent rolls out new simulator

    Spirent Communications displayed its Elevate IoT Device Test Solution, a new cellular test designed to support IoT applications. These applications include end-to-end cloud server connectivity, security-vulnerability assessment and battery-life measurement.

    The new unit is available through the company’s Spirent Elevate platform, which addresses areas affected when designing 3G, LTE and new narrowband wireless technologies for IoT devices.

    Overall, Spirent is finding many use cases and applications in the IoT and mobile industry.

    “We are finding that smaller companies developing software and services want to test GNSS, but don’t have the capabilities to do so. These could include small projects such as people and pet trackers,” said Simon Loe, Spirent’s head of marketing solutions and services. “We are trying to democratize the technology. Another trend we are seeing is growing importance on GNSS in network timing.”

    Not everything is about drab simulation. Far from it. Spirent last year teamed with Aston Martin Racing to evaluate automotive technologies on the 2016 V8 Vantage GTE race cars.

    This includes the accuracy and performance of GPS receivers and interference monitoring, said Julian Kemp, Spirent product manager, custom solutions.

    Antenna market for IoT, autonomous vehicles robust

    Taoglas is offering GNSS antennas that support IoT products, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and future autonomous vehicles, said Ronan Quinlan, company co-founder.

    The company is offering lightweight antennas for mass-market unmanned UAVs, which had a growing presence at Mobile World Congress this year.

    The future markets for Taoglas will be in connected and autonomous vehicles, Quinlan said. “We found out years ago that we missed out on the rise of 2G, but we did not miss the rise of 4G. The advent of 5G and GNSS will lead to the development of the autonomous vehicle,” he said.

    Antenna costs associated with the rise of autonomous vehicles will have to be reduced, Quinlan said. “Some antennas that were $100 solutions have to go down to $20 solutions once they get into a car,” he said.

    In other Mobile World Congress news:

    • Fraunhofer IIS displayed its Enhanced Voice Services (EVS), the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) communication protocol designed specifically for voice over LTE (VoLTE) services.
    • Telit said it is expanding its relationship with Tele2 on Pan-European long-term evolution (LTE) IoT connectivity services. Telit and Tele2 now offer custom data plans with predictable pricing, no hidden fees or roaming charges for high bandwidth IoT applications, the company said. Services include video monitoring, digital signage or real-time asset tracking.

  • R&S simulator tests Russia’s emergency call system

    New cars for the Russian market must be equipped with the automatic ERA-GLONASS emergency call system.

    For certification of these in-vehicle systems, both conformance and performance tests are mandatory, in line with the Russian GOST R 55534 specification.

    The Rohde & Schwarz CMW500 is being used to test the ERA-GLONASS system.
    The Rohde & Schwarz CMW500 is being used to test the ERA-GLONASS system.

    For both types of tests, the Russian Certification Center Svyaz-Certificate uses standard-compliant test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz. Manufacturers and component suppliers can use the same test solution in pre-tests to speed up certification for their products.

    The R&S SMBV100A was first used in the mandatory conformance test, with an R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester, GNSS simulator and the associated application software.

    Now, for the newly required performance test, the center is using the GNSS simulator in the R&S SMBV100A vector signal generator.

    Accuracy Requirements. During performance testing, it is verified whether the GNSS receiver of an ERA-GLONASS emergency call system fulfills the accuracy requirements of the specification.

    In case of an emergency, the call system should not only correctly transmit position data according to a specified protocol to the public safety answering point, but position data must also be accurate so that the first responder can locate the accident vehicle quickly.

    ERA-GLONASS module manufacturers and test houses can use the R&S SMBV100A during pre-tests to create reliable and reproducible conditions similar to those in official certification tests, according to Rohde & Schwarz, to minimize the risk of failing tests during certification.

  • Bring Pokémon to you with a Rohde & Schwarz signal generator

    A team of Rohde & Schwarz engineers have found a new way to hack Pokémon Go, the massively popular app that debuted last month.

    The engineers are generating GNSS data with a Rohde & Schwarz signal generator, and feeding the signal directly into the mobile device, making it possible to collect dozens of Pokemon right in the lab.

    The team produced a video showing the hack, which has received almost 400,000 views on YouTube, and received coverage from Bloomberg and The Verge.

    The Munich-based Rohde & Schwarz team provides the following hardware diagram of the setup:

    Pokemon-setup

    The team also describes the technical details:

    “The setup is a little proof of concept by simulating GPS signals with an HIL — hardware in the loop — interface, which can also be used for a flight simulator or similar applications.

    “A R&S-SMBV100A vector signal generator serves as a source to simulate real-life GNSS RF signals. We use a custom PC software with a joystick controller for the ultimate gaming experience *wink* — it may as well be controlled with a mouse. This software streams HIL commands to the signal generator over a LAN interface and interpolates position and velocity changes. The interpolation will be done according to a desired inertia model — pedestrian/car/plain — we actually used a slow car here with a maximum speed of ~15km/h. This is useful, for instance, if you assume that cars will not make 90° turns.

    “We set the GNSS coordinates of the signal generator to some arbitrary position in the world and start the HIL mode — this will result in a ban if you jump quickly from Moscow to Sydney! You have to wait a reasonable amount of time in between.

    “The signal generator simulates a real-life GNSS RF signal, which is fed indirectly into the mobile phone and to a u-blox M8 GNSS receiver. This is why we use an RF splitter. The losses from antenna to device are roughly 30 dB. We therefore generate a signal of -80 dBm in order to achieve the common GNSS signal strength of -110 dBm at the device. The idea behind the shielding box is to protect the device from the signal from outside. You could also build the setup in a cellar.

    “We use the corresponding u-center v8.11 software, which is connected to the GNSS receiver to visualize our current position using a Google Maps plug-in. The u-blox is connected via USB to the computer.

    “By doing so, we create a closed-loop realtime GNSS simulation with user feedback and interaction.”

  • Rohde & Schwarz offers ADAS testing

    Rohde & Schwarz offers ADAS testing

    Rohde-ADAS-spectrum-analyzer-W

    Rohde & Schwarz’s FSW85 high-end signal and spectrum analyzer, including an analysis option for FMCW chirp signals, is suitable for testing advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It analyzes automotive radar sensors designed for designated frequency bands around 24 gigahertz and 79 gigahertz.

    It can cover the frequency range from 2 gigahertz to 85 gigahertz in a single sweep. Its optional analysis bandwidth of up to 2 gigahertz makes it possible to demodulate and thoroughly analyze even extremely broadband signals.

    R&S also offers an eCall test system consisting of the R&S CMW500 and the GNSS-capable R&S SMBV100A vector signal generator, a hardware-in-the-loop solution for standard-compliant end-to-end tests for wireless communications and GNSS-capable components in in-vehicle systems.

  • Spectracom adds resiliency for military communications system

    eloran_diagram_631px

    Secondary receiver uses eLoran to back up GPS time

    Spectracom has been selected to provide Interference, Detection and Mitigation (IDM) capability to its SecureSync precision time and frequency reference system to support Rohde & Schwarz Benelux B.V. and the Netherlands Ministry of Defence for secure long-range military communications systems.

    The upgrade, which is based on a secondary receiver that extracts precision timing signals from the eLoran system when GPS signals are not available, will increase the reliability of the overall communication system by further enhancing the resiliency of the precision timing core.

    As part of its expanding set of resilient PNT solutions, Spectracom systems synchronize to a variety of precision references whenever and wherever available.

    In this deployment, signals from the eLoran system are constantly monitored and act as the primary reference when GNSS signals are not available due to interference or jamming. This new capability supports the goal of a sustainable and reliable network for ongoing global operations.

    The modularity of the SecureSync precision time and frequency platform allows customers and integrators to easily and incrementally increase system capabilities, such as multiple reference signals, as they become available.

  • ION GNSS+ 2015: Rohde & Schwarz showcases hybrid positioning solution

    Stefan Maier, developer at Rohde & Schwarz, discusses the company’s hybrid positioning solution at ION GNSS+ 2015.

  • PCTEST Expands Antenna Testing Capabilities with Rohde & Schwarz

    PCTEST Expands Antenna Testing Capabilities with Rohde & Schwarz

    R&S TS8991 Wireless Performance Test Chamber.(PRNewsFoto/Rohde & Schwarz)
    R&S TS8991 Wireless Performance Test Chamber.(PRNewsFoto/Rohde & Schwarz)

    PCTEST Engineering Laboratory, an accredited testing laboratory for wireless testing and certification, has expanded its over-the-air (OTA) conformance testing capabilities with the purchase of a CTIA-compliant R&S TS8991 Wireless Performance Test Chamber (WPTC) from Rohde & Schwarz.

    The R&S TS8991 OTA Test System is configured with hardware and software extensions for legacy and LTE A-GPS, a R&S ZND vector network analyzer for passive antenna measurements and faster system calibrations, and a second antenna boom with additional R&S NRP power sensors for faster total radiated power (TRP) measurements. The entire system is controlled via R&S AMS32 wireless performance software.

    As the number of technologies and the variety of mobile devices continue to increase, the ability to verify a device’s radiated performance is becoming more important to ensure end-user quality of experience. For 4G/LTE, there are major developments involving the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communication, LTE at 5GHz (LTE-U), assisted global navigation satellite system (A-GNSS), and carrier aggregation, which are driving the need for improved as well as additional OTA tests required for both carrier acceptance and industry conformance test plans.

    “As wireless devices become more specialized and continue to push the boundaries of transmission efficiency, the ability to fully characterize a device in an over-the-air environment is becoming more critical,” said Randy Ortanez, president of PCTEST Lab. “Every day we are seeing the acceptance bar being raised and more test cases defined from operators and standard bodies such as CTIA and 3GPP. To meet these growing demands, we are very pleased to be working with our partner Rohde & Schwarz who is able to deliver and support a complete turn-key solution for our OTA testing needs.”

    PCTEST is exhibiting in the Test Pavilion of Hall C, Booth 5159, at the CTIA Super Mobility trade show, taking place this week at the Sands EXPO in Las Vegas. Rohde & Schwarz is exhibiting in Booth 3249.