
Europe
Germany : The R&S CRTU-WC52 software option now allows the tried-and-tested
Protocol Tester R&S CRTU-W to be used for tests on A-GPS-capable
3G mobile phones. The Global Certification Forum (GCF) has defined
21 protocol test cases for UMTS/A-GPS terminals. The first three test
cases from Rohde & Schwarz have now been validated by the Combined
Agreement Group (CAG #04) and the PTCRB Validation Group (PVG #31).
The new option from Rohde & Schwarz now already covers two thirds
of all the test cases required for certification. The company thus
supports the development of the new technology, which allows the location
of UMTS mobile phones to be determined quickly.
In the USA, the
E911 law specifies that a mobile phone must automatically provide
the location of the user in cases of emergency calls, even if the
user is unable to indicate the location in such a case. Locating the
position must be ensured either via the network or via the mobile
phone itself. Many UMTS mobile phones are already equipped with a
GPS receiver for this purpose. However, tracking a position by means
of GPS can take up to ten minutes if conditions are unfavorable, for
the mobile phone must first determine and evaluate the current satellite
data.
A-GPS combines the normal
GPS applications that are established among end users – navigation,
for example – with the new requirement. The GPS almanac information
is broadcast over the UMTS mobile radio network. This information
includes the current time, satellite constellation and other data
necessary for quickly determining the caller's location by means of
the mobile phone. The time to first fix (TTFF) is reduced to just
a few seconds on the basis of this information. America's large network
operators as well as mobile phone manufacturers are therefore very
keen on quickly getting their hands on reliable test solutions for
A-GPS.
Rohde & Schwarz
provides T&M equipment that is compliant with the specification,
and thus supports the development and certification of such terminals.
The R&S CRTU-WC52 software option makes the Protocol Tester R&S
CRTU-W the world's only instrument that can handle 3G A-GPS test cases.
Two thirds of all test cases prescribed in the GCF Work Item WI-015
are already available now. In combination with a generator for satellite
signals that simulates up to six satellites prescribed in the test
cases, the R&S CRTU-W clears the road for A-GPS.