Blocking and Inter-modulation test capabilities added to Aeroflex's 6413A UMTS basestation test system

Blocking occurs when the basestation transmitter signal is too close to the receiver signal, the result of which is that the basestation receiver becomes “partially deaf”. Inter-modulation problems also impact basestation receiver performance and are the result of signals of different modulation types combining to create interfering signals.

The addition of Blocking and Inter-modulation test compliments the existing functionality of the Aeroflex 6413A with its unique Iub control and basestation receiver testing capabilities enabling cell sites to be tested with a single-box solution. With the new test suites the reduction in effective site uplink sensitivity in the presence of an inter-modulation problem can be measured. It is also possible to characterise a cell's uplink sensitivity with regard to downlink power enabling further optimisation of the UMTS network through the reduction of cell power, improved uplink sensitivity and reduced inter-cell interference.

Furthermore, it is possible to troubleshoot the source of passive inter-modulation within the stable testing environment created by the Aeroflex 6413A’s Iub control testing capability. The Iub controlled test mode allows UMTS basestations to be tested with repeatable test scenarios in a controlled environment to ensure that the basestation’s transmitter and receiver performance matches planned network coverage. In the Iub controlled test mode, the Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test system can be used to check that the IMA links are fully functional and that they capable of handling the traffic sent between the basestation and RNC.

The Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test system is designed specifically for the installation and commissioning, maintenance, fault-finding, performance verification and optimisation of radio basestations. A single-box portable solution, it is able to take complete control of the basestation via the Iub interface and perform all of the critical transmitter, receiver and functional tests without external control equipment or the need for detailed knowledge of the basestation’s operation and control.

The Blocking and Inter-modulation test support is available as standard on all new Aeroflex 6413A UMTS basestation test systems and as an upgrade to existing systems.