Software adds A-GPS to protocol tester

A new software option allows the tried-and-tested R and S CRTU-W protocol tester to be used for tests on A GPS-capable 3G mobile phones.

A new software option allows the tried-and-tested R and S CRTU-W protocol tester 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 and Schwarz have now been validated by the Combined Agreement Group (CAG 04) and the PTCRB Validation Group (PVG 31).

The new option from Rohde and Schwarz now already covers two thirds of all the test cases required for certification.

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 GPS receivers for this purpose.

However, tracking a position by means of GPS can take up to ten minutes if conditions are unfavourable, as 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.

Major US network operators as well as mobile phone manufacturers are therefore very keen to get their hands on reliable test solutions for A-GPS.

Rohde and Schwarz provides T and M equipment that is compliant with the specification, and thus supports the development and certification of such terminals.

The R and S CRTU-WC52 software option makes the CRTU-W protocol tester 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.

In combination with a generator for satellite signals that simulates up to six satellites prescribed in the test cases, the R and S CRTU-W clears the road for A-GPS.

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