Automotive test system meets worldwide standards

It is the first fully automated test system for standard-compliant testing of RF components in line with IEEE 802.11p. These components are used for vehicle-to-vehicle communications and intelligent transport systems (ITS). Thanks to its compact size, the RF conformance test system can be used throughout the entire value chain – from R&D to pre-compliance and compliance testing.   

Using the R&S CONTEST sequencer software, which was developed especially for RF conformance tests, the new test system makes it possible to verify compliance with regional standards such as ETSI EN 302 571 in the EU, IEEE 802.11-2012 in the USA or the ARIB standard in Japan. These standards ensure that 802.11p user equipment works smoothly within the available spectrum and does not interfere with adjacent services in the spectrum.

Taking fading into consideration, the test system also covers specific performance tests as defined by the Car 2 Car Communication Consortium (C2C-CC), which includes Rohde & Schwarz. These tests are performed to verify the quality and reliability of 802.11p user equipment in traveling vehicles and their changing surroundings.   

The CONTEST software can be used to create fully automatic test sequences by simply dragging and dropping the desired test cases into a test plan. It also offers many other useful tools for analysis and evaluation. For example, test results can be summarised in clear and concise reports.   

The R&S OSP-ITS switch matrix is integrated into the system and automatically switches all paths needed for the test, including the required filters. This makes test results easy to reproduce. The R&S TS-ITS100 offers highest measurement accuracy and fast test runs through the combination of the R&S SMW200A high-end vector signal generator, which generates the 802.11p signals, and the R&S FSV30 signal and spectrum analyser, which analyses the modulation quality of the signals.