Europe Germany : Rohde & Schwarz is the first T&M equipment manufacturer worldwide to deliver a signal generator solution for HSPA+. A new software option handles comprehensive physical layer tests on HSPA+ receivers, baseband modules, and RF frontends (including MIMO tests). Manufacturers of mobile phones and base stations can now confidently take the next step in the evolution of the UMTS standard.

The new option for vector and baseband signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz covers the physical layer extensions defined for HSPA+. These extensions include higher order modulation (HOM) in the uplink and downlink, continuous packet connectivity (CPC), and MIMO extensions for HSDPA. Mobile customers using HSPA+ will achieve higher data throughput and faster response times from the mobile radio network when compared to HSPA.

With the new option, HSPA+ signals can be generated in the downlink to test HSPA+ receivers in mobile radio equipment and modules. One example of the additional HOM schemes supported is 64QAM. Test model 6 defined for HSPA+ is also available.
 
The R&S SMU200A and R&S AMU200A signal generators generate correct test signals including MIMO precoding and 2x2 MIMO realtime fading. This allows manufacturers to test MIMO receivers for HSPA+ using only one instrument. Since the signal generators cover a number of other mobile radio standards, T&M equipment users can also easily perform interoperability tests.

Uplink functions for base station tests and the capability to generate standard-compliant reference channels in the uplink (fixed reference channels) and downlink (H sets) will be integrated into future versions of the option. It will also be possible to retrofit the new functionalities at no charge by means of a firmware update.

The HSPA+ functionality is provided as an internal option (R&S SMx-/ R&S AMU K59) for the R&S SMU200A, R&S SMATE200A and R&S SMJ100A vector signal generators, and for the R&S AMU200A baseband signal generator and fading simulator. The option can now be ordered from Rohde & Schwarz.