New tools bolster signal creation software suite

These new capabilities further ease the signal generation requirements for R&D and manufacturing engineers developing or testing the conformance of devices to the Wi-SUN and LTE/LTE-A standards.

Keysight’s new N7610B Signal Studio software generates Wi-SUN signals and supports the MR-FSK and MR-OFDM Wi-SUN modes. A fully coded advanced capability allows the software to easily make receiver conformance tests using Keysight signal generators (e.g., MXG/EXG, PSG/ESG or PXIe).

For a more complete R&D and manufacturing solution, the software can be used with Keysight signal analysis tools. The functionality and flexibility supports the needs of the emerging market for smart utility networks (e.g., smart grid) in Japan and companies working on Wi-SUN-based solutions and products.

LTE-A is a leading fourth-generation wireless communications technology defined in release ten and all follow-on releases of the 3GPP LTE standard. In the LTE eNB receiver conformance test section eight of release ten, a MIMO configuration with real-time HARQ capability on two antenna ports is required to test the physical uplink shared channel in transmissions with multipath fading propagation conditions.

Thanks to its support for uplink 2x2 MIMO with HARQ, the N7624B/25B Signal Studio for LTE/LTE-Advanced is well-equipped to meet this requirement. With this capability, the N7624B/25B becomes the industry’s first LTE UL 2x2 MIMO with real-time HARQ signal generation solution.

The solution is aimed at base station R&D engineers working on LTE eNB receiver conformance testing to the 3GPP TS 36.141 standard. The software runs on either Keysight’s PXB or X-Series signal generator. With the PXB, the 2x2 MIMO signal is configured directly on the PXB. An internal fader adds the propagation condition. The closed-loop feedback HARQ signal is generated by the eNB and sent to the PXB, where its baseband generator responds in real-time. Two RF signal generators then upconvert the signal for the PXB.

Keysight’s X-Series signal generator with real-time baseband generator provides the same 2x2 MIMO signal generation capability and real-time response to the eNB HARQ signal as the PXB. This is accomplished by using two X-Series signal generators and an external fader.