US : Agilent Technologies introduced a new 3GPP LTE modulation analysis option for its 89600 Series Vector Signal Analysis software. The new option provides today’s RF and baseband engineers with the industry’s most comprehensive signal analysis solution for LTE physical layer testing and troubleshooting of LTE transceivers and components. The Agilent 3GPP LTE option enables LTE signal analysis from baseband to antenna, on digitized or analog signals -- both uplink and downlink.

Above shows RF measurement on a downlink LTE signal.

Agilent’s 3GPP LTE option is specifically designed to give R&D engineers deep insight into the RF and modulation characteristics of an LTE prototype device. It enables analysis of spectrum and EVM measurements for the entire frame, or within a frame on a sub-frame, slot or individual symbol on data and control channels, as well as synchronization and reference signals. Together with the Agilent 89600 VSA software, it is the only analysis tool capable of analyzing both uplink (SC-FDMA) and downlink (OFDMA) LTE signals in a single option. As a result, R&D engineers can perform transmitter measurements on both the base station and mobile station using the same solution.

Measurements can be made anywhere in the block diagram, from baseband to antenna, using spectrum and signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, and logic analyzers. They can also be made on simulated designs created with the Agilent EEsof Advanced Design System (ADS) or The MathWorks Simulink solutions. Engineers can now use one measurement console, with consistent measurements and displays, across the entire block diagram -- instead of having to design their own displays and measurement algorithms. As a result, a significant savings in both time and money can be realized. And, since the engineers can use the best front end with the best specifications available, there is greater confidence in measurement results.

The 3GPP LTE option, along with the Agilent high-performance PSA Series spectrum analyzer, provides an industry-leading EVM of -50 dB for a 10 MHz LTE signal -- a capability that is key to addressing stringent EVM requirements for higher-order modulation schemes up to 64 QAM. The software employs extensive active-channel-based color coding and marker coupling among multiple EVM traces to simplify LTE signal analysis and measurements.

Specific transmitter-modulation quality measurements supported include EVM per OFDM carrier, EVM per OFDM symbol, EVM per slot and EVM per resource block -- a measurement unique to Agilent. In contrast to other LTE solutions, the Agilent 3GPP LTE solution provides EVM traces for RMS EVM, as well as EVM for individual carriers, symbols, slots, and resource blocks for all LTE signals and channels (e.g., data and control channels, and synchronization and reference signals). Such unique functionality provides engineers with powerful tools to better troubleshoot LTE prototype devices and uncover modulation quality problems no matter where they are in the PHY layer.

“Agilent is and remains fully committed to addressing the performance and functionality requirements of engineers creating products for the LTE market,” said Guy Sene, vice president of Agilent’s Signal Analysis Division. “Our new 3GPP LTE option, with its comprehensive approach to LTE signal analysis, is yet another step in our realizing that commitment. Further, it is a continuation of our commitment to ensuring the popular 89600 Series VSA software supports all emerging communications standards, thereby enabling today’s engineers to stay at the forefront of fast-evolving technologies like 3GPP LTE.”

The Agilent 3GPP LTE signal analysis solution supports all LTE bandwidths up to 20 MHz with Type 1 FDD frame structure. It also supports all modulation formats including BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, as well as all modulation sequences including CAZAC and OSxPRS sequences. The software analyzes any one of the up to four transmit antenna ports defined for the LTE downlink transmitter. Auto-detection of downlink data-burst allocations is also supported, along with manual entry of data bursts and auto-recall of Agilent Signal Studio setup files. For LTE uplink, the signal analysis solution supports half sub-carrier shift as defined by the 3GPP standard, a capability unique to Agilent. Additionally, it features a well designed interface that includes up to six simultaneous, user-selected displays and provides engineers with an efficient and effective view of measurement results.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Agilent 3GPP LTE modulation analysis option for the 89600 Vector Signal Analysis software is available now through Agilent’s direct sales channels and worldwide distribution partners. Pricing is as follows:

89601A-BHD

3GPP LTE modulation analysis option, node-locked license

$10,000