LTE (Long Term Evolution) and LTE Testing

LTE is the first technology designed explicitly for Next Generation Networking (NGN) and is set to become the de-facto NGN mobile access network standard. It takes advantage of NGN capabilities to provide an always-on mobile data experience comparable to wired networks.

• LTE supports peak data rates of more than 100 Mbps on the downlink when using 20 MHz channel bandwidth, two transmit antennas at the base station and two receive antennas at the User Equipment (UE). LTE also supports peak data rates of more than 50 Mbps on the uplink when using a 20 MHz channel bandwidth; and single transmit antennas at the UE and base station.
  
• LTE generates ten to twelve times the throughput on the downlink and eight to ten times the throughput on the uplink relative to 3GPP Release 6.
  
• LTE improves spectrum efficiency as defined relative to Release 6. The uplink and downlink capabilities are two to four times the spectral efficiency of High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA).
  
• LTE has flexible duplex methods. Both Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) are valid spectrum allocations and allow LTE to accommodate various channel bandwidths in the available spectrum.
• LTE interoperates with W-CDMA, GSM, and CDMA2000 systems. Multimode UEs will support handover to and from these other systems.
  
• Legacy technologies such as HSPA+ and Enhanced EDGE will continue to operate within the new network architecture.

TDD/FDD Access

LTE standards support the use of both TDD (Time Domain Duplex) and FDD (Frequency Domain Duplex) from the same set of standards, and with the same air interface characteristics.

Multiple Input Multiple Out (MIMO)

MIMO is an antenna technology that, together with signal processing, can either increase capacity (spatial multiplexing) or signal-to-noise ratio (transmit diversity) in a radio link.

In LTE using 2x2 MIMO with spatial multiplexing, the user data is separated into two data sets each fed to two transmit antennas and received by two receive antennas. Because of multi-path, each data set travels a distinct RF path with different propagation characteristics. The algorithm used to split and recombine the data allows the system to make use of the independence of these two paths in order to improve throughput. The two data streams occupy the same RF channel at the same time. This doubles the data rate possible on the air interface link.

When using MIMO with transmit diversity, the same user data is transmitted from both antennas, and at each receiver, replicas of the signal are processed.  This duplication enhances signal-to-noise ratio and improves signal robustness.

Anritsu Solutions for LTE Testing

Anritsu offers a complete line of LTE test equipment to ensure the performance and quality of your LTE equipment and networks. Our MD8430A signaling tester is the first complete LTE Base Station Emulator. Couple the MF6900A Fading Simulator with the MD8430A Base Station Emulator to provide a reproducible fading environment that is essential for evaluating LTE. Our high-performance MS269xA Signal Analyzer provides complete LTE uplink and downlink analysis in a one-box platform that includes signal analysis and signal generation. Our MG3700A Vector Signal Generator produces realistic and reproducible LTE signals and our LTE IQProducer software provides a graphical interface that lets the user easily generate LTE-compliant waveforms.

	MD8430A Signaling Tester - Wireless devices are evolving into content-rich multimedia terminals supporting high-speed communications based on the next-generation LTE standard. The MD8430A Signaling Tester is an essential base station emulator used to develop LTE protocol stacks, chipsets and UEs. It is the perfect test solution for bringing LTE UEs to market as quickly as possible. Find out more... RTD (Rapid Test Designer) - The MX786201A Rapid Test Designer (RTD) software tools give users power to create tests that cannot be done with traditional language-based tools. The Lower Layer Configuration Library and the Reference Library guarantee efficient and effective testing. Find out more…
	MD8470A Signaling Tester - Supporting various communications standards including CDMA2000/EV-DO Rev.A is made easy with a flexible and highly configurable platform.  Advanced functionality includes support for interworking of different radio access technologies, data throughput, battery life and performance testing. Find out more...
	The ME7873L LTE RF Conformance Test System is the world’s first GCF-validated RF test platform, supporting the most GCF-approved test cases. The system uses the MD8430A Signalling Tester as an LTE base station simulator and is configured from Anritsu-developed test instruments, interface hardware, and software. The ME7873L supports TRX, Performance, and RRM test cases with the UE in either a test call or no-call test mode. LTE bands currently supported include 1 to 5, 7 to 14, and 17. Find out more...
	The ME7832L is the industry’s leading LTE UE protocol conformance test system solution and is based on 3GPP TS36.523 for GCF/PTCRB Terminal Certification. It uses the stable and reliable MD8430A LTE signaling tester as the base station simulator. Find out more...
	MF6900A Fading Simulator - When used with the MD8430A, the MF6900A uses digital baseband processing to assure highly reproducible fading profiles. Find out more...
	MS269xA Series Signal Analyzers -The MS269xA is a One-Box tester that includes a Signal Analyzer, Spectrum Analyzer, Digitizer, and Signal Generator (option) in a hassle-free, plug-and-play solution for next generation signal analysis. Evaluation of FDD and TDD signals is supported with the addition of optional software.  Find out more...
	MG3700A Vector Signal Generator - The MG3700A can play LTE waveforms from various sources including simulation software and the output from Anritsu’s IQproducer.  IQproducer can be used to create MIMO waveforms implementing either spatial multiplexing or transmit diversity. FDD and TDD LTE waveforms are supported. Find out more...
	MT8221B BTS Master - The BTS Master is Anritsu's high-performance base station analyzer. Designed to support upcoming 4G standards and installed 2G/3G networks, the MT8821B provides a 20 MHz demodulation capability and a 30 MHz Zero-Span IF Output for external demodulation of virtually any wideband signal. In addition, the Vector Signal Generator option available for comprehensive receiver testing has the flexibility to generate two modulated signals plus noise. Find out more...
	MS272xB Spectrum Master- The MS272xB family of handheld spectrum analyzers is designed to conduct highly accurate, cabled and Over-The-Air (OTA) measurements on wireless LAN and cellular signals, including new LTE options introduced in September 2009.  Packages are available for RF Measurements, Modulation Measurements, and OTA measurements to meet a wide variety of LTE field test needs. Find out more...