Latest Tektronix test set finds and solves WiMAX design problems

RSA-IQWIMAX provides spectrum and modulation measurements on OFDM and OFDMA signals in accordance with IEEE 802.16-2004 (fixed) and IEEE 802.16e-2005 (mobile) WiMAX standards. The RSA3408A captures intermittent or random events that other solutions will miss enabling engineering teams to detect, diagnose and resolve design issues more quickly. The combination of RSA3408A Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer with RSA-IQWIMAX software is the world’s most powerful WiMAX R&D test solution, enabling engineers to perform needed time-, frequency-, and modulation-domain measurements to decompose signals and uncover anomalies, and generate in-depth analysis for troubleshooting WiMAX devices at the design stage.

“With digital RF technology accelerating the move to packet oriented network technologies like WiMAX, packet collisions and spurious signal detection becomes much more complex. In addition, WiMAX services may be sharing spectrum with other services operating asynchronously making interference detection very difficult but critical to proper operation. The RSA3408A with its unique ability to trigger, capture, and analyze transient RF phenomenon is an ideal tool for WiMAX designers,” said Rick King, Vice President, Real-Time Spectrum Analyzer product line, Tektronix. “The RSA3408A combined with the spectrum and modulation measurement capabilities provided by RSA-IQWIMAX software creates a highly-efficient and effective test set, providing WiMAX research and development engineers the world’s fastest time to market for new component and module designs.”

RSA-IQWIMAX analysis software is used on an external PC connected to the RSA3408A by Ethernet or GPIB. Optionally, an engineer may load captured data and analyze the results offline. Test results from the RSA3408A and RSA-IQWIMAX software can be tightly integrated with LitePoint’s IQmax™ WiMAX Test System to form an integrated end-to end test solution from R&D through manufacturing test. The single-box IQmax Test System can test critical physical layer radio parameters for developers, volume manufacturing test and quality assurance (Q/A) stations at the lowest possible cost. Using Tektronix’ RSA-IQWIMAX and the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX Test System, R&D and production teams can share common test algorithms and data formats, reducing production ramp-up time in manufacturing.

“Through our work with Tektronix, we are extending our successful value chain approach for complete test solutions further into R&D,” said Dr. Benny Madsen, CEO of LitePoint. “WiMAX design, test, manufacturing, and QA professionals who are concerned with lowering test costs, faster test times, higher yields, better product quality, and faster time to market will find benefits from the LitePoint and Tektronix collaboration. The combination of Tektronix’ RSA-IQWIMAX and RSA3408A Real-Time Spectrum

Analyzers with the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX Test System provides companies with the world’s most powerful end-to-end WiMAX test solution.”

The Tektronix RSA3408A plus RSA-IQWIMAX and the LitePoint IQmax WiMAX Test System address physical layer test needs from R&D through manufacturing test. This complements the recent announcement from Tektronix for the K1297-G35 WiMAX solution (see the October 24 announcement: Industry's First Mobile WiMAX Functional Protocol Monitoring Tool Launched by Tektronix), the telecommunications industry’s first protocol monitoring platform for functional testing of WiMAX products that are based on the IEEE 802.16e-2005 standard. The K1297-G35 WiMAX solution for Mobile WiMAX equipment helps to bring WiMAX out of the labs and into live networks. The complete offering spans R&D through to deployment.