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Aeroflex launches 3G frequency translator
October 11, 2005
Aeroflex has launched the TX501 RF Multi-band Translator, a cost-effective and easy-to-use, full duplex 3G frequency translator designed to enable network equipment developers to robustly test infrastructure operating in 3GPP frequency Bands I to VI using existing 3G Band I test mobiles. As such, the TX501 preserves network equipment developers' existing investments in Band I mobile test devices.
The TX501 RF Multi-band Translator sits between the test mobile and Node B providing direct RF connections to both units. No additional software is required to control the TX501 and frequency band selection is made either via the front panel rotary switch or using an electrical control interface. Using the electrical interface, the TX501 may be configured as part of an automated regression test system. The Uplink and Downlink local oscillator frequencies on the TX501 are controlled via external signal generators, such as the Aeroflex 2023A, 2023B or 2025 range. The Node B, signal generators and test mobile can be locked to a common 10MHz reference via the TX501.
The TX501 is designed to operate in conjunction with any Band I mobile test device to provide 3G multi-band frequency translation and is ideally suited for use with Aeroflex's highly successful TM500 HSDPA Test Mobile enabling the implementation of network testing with infrastructure operating in any of the 3GPP Release 6 frequency bands.
The Aeroflex TM500 HSDPA Test Mobile is designed for testing evolving 3G mobile communications networks. It has the capabilities of a HSDPA WCDMA mobile terminal, with additional advanced test interfaces and features, making it an ideal development tool for network infrastructure equipment providers. It provides a far greater degree of control and visibility than that provided by regular consumer mobiles or internally-built test harnesses. Open, script-driven interfaces are provided at Layers 1 and 2, facilitating an incremental approach in their testing schedule. Optional Layer 3 and NAS functionality further enhances the TM500 to provide full protocol stack support, enabling the support of circuit and packet-switched calls, a USIM interface, SMS and cell broadcast services. Detailed testing may be performed on the key blocks in isolation before running full system analysis, thus allowing engineers to track down and eliminate faults quickly. The TM500 provides full support of 3GPP Release 99 and Release 5 functionality, including HSDPA at data rates up to 13.97 Mbps. Coupled with the TX501, the TM500's capabilities are expanded to cover multiple frequency bands.
"As the 3GPP standard continues to evolve, network infrastructure equipment developers need cost-effective and easy-to-implement ways of robustly testing new features and functionality," said Phil Windred, the Aeroflex Business Unit Manager responsible for the TM500, System AT and QoS. "The TX501 provides an ideal multi-band frequency translation solution for the bands defined in 3GPP Release 6 that preserves network equipment developers' existing investment in test mobile equipment such as the Aeroflex TM500."
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