Low-cost WiFi test system

IEEE 802.11, also known as the WiFi standard, defines a set of modulation standards developed for wireless local area networks (WLANs). Design, test and manufacturing engineers have previously had difficulty finding a low-priced testing solution for 802.11 a, b, g, j, and n devices. To meet this requirement, GaGe has developed NEXUS 802.11 systems, which are built on a foundation of GaGe CompuGen and CompuScope hardware (arbitrary waveform generator and digitiser cards) and software technology, combined with powerful WLAN generation and analysis application software.

GaGe NEXUS 802.11 WiFi test systems are capable of generating complex 802.11 testing signals for up-conversion and transmission as well as acquiring and analysing received and down-converted 802.11 signals. The systems can provide an error vector magnitude (EVM) measurement of -45 dB. This compares well to the best currently available transmit/receive wireless devices, which typically provide an EVM of -35 dB, giving a base performance at least 10 dB better than the device under test.

Another important benefit of the NEXUS system is true simultaneous conversion clocking and triggering on all channels. This benefit is a direct result of GaGe's master/slave multi-CompuScope digitiser architecture.

Simultaneous timing on multiple channels gives the NEXUS a fundamental advantage for 802.11n multiple-in/multiple-out (MIMO) architectures, where multiple transmitter and receiver antennas are used. Other manufacturers of
802.11 test systems suggest that their single-antenna systems may be combined and used in MIMO architectures, but closer examination often reveals that synchronisation between separate channels is minimal or non-existent.

GaGe NEXUS WiFi testing systems are available to order immediately with a projected lead time of 6-8 weeks. Pricing starts at £16,500.