Anritsu ME7873LA LTE-Advanced RF Conformance Test System
Automated RF and RRM conformance test system for LTE-Advanced Pro, Cat-M/NB-IoT and W-CDMA mobile devices to 3GPP TS 36.521 and TS 34.121-1.
- Connector
- N-type, 50Ω
- Max. Input Level
- +35 dBm
- RF interfaces
- Four RF interfaces (standard configuration)
Overview
The Anritsu ME7873LA LTE-Advanced RF Conformance Test System automates RF and RRM (Radio Resource Management) tests for mobile devices supporting current 3GPP standards. In addition to legacy W-CDMA, it supports LTE-Advanced Pro features such as LAA, Cat-M and NB-IoT, joint carrier aggregation up to 5CA, 4x4 MIMO and HPUE.
The system uses the Signalling Tester MD8430A as an LTE base station simulator and is built from a set of test instruments and dedicated software. It tests RF TRx characteristics, performance requirements and RRM performance of FDD and TDD LTE terminals according to 3GPP TS 36.521-1 and TS 36.521-3, including LTE to GSM/UMTS/CDMA2000/TD-SCDMA inter-RAT tests, as well as TS 34.121-1 UMTS tests. The platform targets test cases approved at the quarterly GCF/PTCRB meetings and also supports carrier acceptance tests, mainly for North American operators.
Configuration and automation
The standard configuration has four RF interfaces, so up to four terminals can be tested continuously, with automatic switching of DC power supply and serial control lines. Tunable filtering covers multiple bands without hardware upgrades, and hardware configurations can be tailored to TRx, performance and RRM measurement requirements. The rack PC server can be operated remotely over a network, and the system software controls customer-supplied DC power supplies and temperature chambers. An optional test package covers the ETSI-defined Radio Equipment Directive (RED) RF TRx test items.
Software functions and calibration
Test sequences are created by selecting test cases from a task pane, with editable parameters such as frequency and channel bandwidth. Real-time signalling logs, an RRM histogram display, a log viewer, search mode, automatic re-measurement of failed items and a cable loss measurement tool support R&D and troubleshooting. Results are saved as HTML, XML or CSV. Measurement reliability is maintained by basic calibration at acceptance inspection, auto-calibration at work start and individual correction immediately before each measurement.
Support
An Anritsu Support Service contract provides software updates following 3GPP changes, information on 3GPP trends, technical support for troubleshooting, and hardware repair and maintenance with a back-up loan unit.
Key Features
- GCF/PTCRB approved RF/RRM conformance test cases
- Supports latest 3GPP standards, Release 8 to 13
- Multiple hardware configurations for TRx, performance and RRM measurements
- Tunable filtering supports multiple bands with no hardware upgrade
- Inter-RAT handover measurements LTE to/from UMTS/TD-SCDMA and LTE to GSM/CDMA2000
- Supports LTE-Advanced Pro: LAA, Cat-M/NB-IoT, joint CA up to 5CA, 4x4 MIMO and HPUE
- Four RF interfaces for continuous testing of up to four terminals
- Remote operation and monitoring over a network
- Built-in control of DC power supply and temperature chamber
- Optional RED-compliant RF TRx test items
- Parallel test function for testing two UEs simultaneously
- Three-stage calibration and correction: at acceptance, at work start and before each measurement
- Real-time SS log display and bundled log viewer
- RRM histogram display of measurement results
- Results saved as HTML, XML or CSV
- Upgradeable from ME7873F/L
Specifications
| Connector | N-type, 50Ω |
|---|---|
| Max. Input Level | +35 dBm |
| RF interfaces |
Four RF interfaces (standard configuration)
Up to four terminals tested continuously
|
| Reference Oscillator | MS2692A (with option-001/037 Rubidium Reference Oscillator) as standard |
|---|---|
| External oscillator signal input | Frequency: 10 MHz, Connector: BNC |
| Frequency Range |
Frequency range defined on 3GPP E-UTRA Operating Band 1 to 14, 17 to 21, 24 to 42, 46, 66 and 71
Unlisted bands can be supported by request
|
|---|---|
| Adapt frequency range | 450 – 6000MHz |
| Band options | FDD Band 1-14, 17-21, 24-32, 66, 71 / TDD Band 33-42, 48 and LAA Band 46 |
| System | LTE/LTE-Advanced/LTE-Advanced Pro, Cat-M/NB-IoT, W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA Evolution |
|---|---|
| Test standards |
3GPP TS 36.521-1, 3GPP TS 36.521-3, 3GPP TS 34.121-1
Release 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 supported
|
| Inter-RAT tests | TS 34.121-1 UMTS → LTE and TS 34.122 TD-SCDMA → LTE |
| Carrier Aggregation | DL 2CA / 3CA / 4CA / 5CA , UL 2CA |
| MIMO | 8x2MIMO, 4x4MIMO |
| Regulatory test |
ETSI EN 301 908-13 RED(R&TTE) Test
Option
|
| Temperature Range |
15°C to 35°C (operating), 0°C to 50°C (storage)
Ambient temperature; basic calibration at acceptance inspection must meet this requirement; air-conditioned room recommended
|
|---|
| Power Supply (Rating) |
Select either 100 VAC to 120 VAC or 200 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 Hz/60 Hz
From 4 to 6 outlets are required
|
|---|---|
| Power consumption |
≤7700 VA
Full system configuration; additional 600 VA required for basic calibration at acceptance inspection
|
| Power consumption (minimum configuration) |
4400VA or less
Min conf.
|
| Dimensions |
1710 (W) × 1980 (H) × 797 (D) mm
Full system configuration (3 racks); secure using hooks at rack top recommended
|
|---|---|
| Dimensions (2 racks configuration) |
1140 (W) x 1980 (H) x 797 (D) mm
300 mm clearance required at back and sides; indoor height 2200 mm or more
|
| Mass |
≤830 kg
Full system configuration; floor must also bear 100 kg for basic calibration equipment at acceptance inspection
|
| CE EMC | 2014/30/EU, EN61326-1, EN61000-3-2 |
|---|---|
| CE LVD | 2014/35/EU, EN61010-1 |
| CE RoHS |
2011/65/EU, (EU) 2015/863, EN IEC 63000: 2018
MD8475A with CDMA2000 option is not RoHS compliant
|
| UKCA EMC | S.I. 2016 No.1091, EN 61326-1, EN61000-3-2 |
| UKCA LVD | S.I. 2016 No.1101, EN 61010-1 |
| UKCA RoHS | S.I. 2012 No.3032, EN IEC 63000: 2018 |
| Band 1 | UL 1920 to 1980 MHz / DL 2110 to 2170 MHz |
|---|---|
| Band 2 | UL 1850 to 1910 MHz / DL 1930 to 1990 MHz |
| Band 3 | UL 1710 to 1785 MHz / DL 1805 to 1880 MHz |
| Band 4 | UL 1710 to 1755 MHz / DL 2110 to 2155 MHz |
| Band 5 | UL 824 to 849 MHz / DL 869 to 894 MHz |
| Band 6 | UL 830 to 840 MHz / DL 875 to 885 MHz |
| Band 7 | UL 2500 to 2570 MHz / DL 2620 to 2690 MHz |
| Band 8 | UL 880 to 915 MHz / DL 925 to 960 MHz |
| Band 9 | UL 1749.9 to 1784.9 MHz / DL 1844.9 to 1879.9 MHz |
| Band 10 | UL 1710 to 1770 MHz / DL 2110 to 2170 MHz |
| Band 11 | UL 1427.9 to 1447.9 MHz / DL 1475.9 to 1495.9 MHz |
| Band 12 | UL 698 to 716 MHz / DL 728 to 746 MHz |
| Band 13 | UL 777 to 787 MHz / DL 746 to 756 MHz |
| Band 14 | UL 788 to 798 MHz / DL 758 to 768 MHz |
| Band 17 | UL 704 to 716 MHz / DL 734 to 746 MHz |
| Band 18 | UL 815 to 830 MHz / DL 860 to 875 MHz |
| Band 19 | UL 830 to 845 MHz / DL 875 to 890 MHz |
| Band 20 | UL 832 to 862 MHz / DL 791 to 821 MHz |
| Band 21 | UL 1447.9 to 1462.9 MHz / DL 1495.9 to 1510.9 MHz |
| Band 24 | UL 1626.5 to 1660.5 MHz / DL 1525 to 1559 MHz |
| Band 25 | UL 1850 to 1915 MHz / DL 1930 to 1995 MHz |
| Band 26 | UL 814 to 849 MHz / DL 859 to 894 MHz |
| Band 27 | UL 807 to 824 MHz / DL 852 to 869 MHz |
| Band 28 | UL 703 to 748 MHz / DL 758 to 803 MHz |
| Band 29 | UL N/A / DL 717 to 728 MHz |
| Band 30 | UL 2305 to 2315 MHz / DL 2350 to 2360 MHz |
| Band 31 | UL 452.5 to 457.5 MHz / DL 462.4 to 467.5 MHz |
| Band 32 | UL N/A / DL 1452 to 1496 MHz |
| Band 33 |
1900 to 1920 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 34 |
2010 to 2025 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 35 |
1850 to 1910 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 36 |
1930 to 1990 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 37 |
1910 to 1930 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 38 |
2570 to 2620 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 39 |
1880 to 1920 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 40 |
2300 to 2400 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 41 |
2496 to 2690 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 42 |
3400 to 3600 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 46 |
5150 to 5925 MHz
LAA
|
| Band 48 |
3550 to 3700 MHz
TDD, UL and DL
|
| Band 66 | UL 1710 to 1780 MHz / DL 2110 to 2200 MHz |
| Band 71 | UL 663 to 698 MHz / DL 617 to 652 MHz |
Applications
- 3GPP RF conformance testing of LTE mobile terminals
- RRM conformance testing
- GCF/PTCRB certification testing
- Mobile terminal carrier acceptance testing
- Regulatory RED (R&TTE) testing
- Cellular IoT (Cat-M1, NB-IoT) device testing
- Chipset and UE R&D verification
- Test houses
Included
- ME7873LA Operation Manual (CD-ROM): 1 set
Options & Accessories
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| ME7873LA-001 | Common Kit |
| ME7873LA-002 | Antenna Extension |
| ME7873LA-005 | Additional Rack |
| ME7873LA-011 | SS1 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-012 | SS2 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-013 | SS3 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-014 | SS4 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-017 | SS7 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-021 | VSG1 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-022 | VSG2 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-023 | CWSG1 Accessory |
| ME7873LA-051 | Spurious Filter |
| ME7873LA-052 | Spurious Filter2 |
| ME7873LA-064 | SS4 Accessory (Fading) |
| ME7873LA-081 | U46G Accessory |
| ME7873LA-082 | U46A Accessory |
| ME7873LA-083 | U48A Accessory |
| ME7873LA-084 | U63G Accessory |
| ME7873LA-085 | SS1 Accessory 2 |
| ME7873LA-086 | SS7 Accessory 2 |
| ME7873LA-AK022 | Accesory kit for NRTL |
| MN7462E | RF Front End — Configuration item |
| MN7463E | Combining Unit — Configuration item |
| MN7463F | Combiner Unit — Configuration item |
| MN7463G | Combining Unit — Configuration item |
| MN7446A | Filter Unit — Configuration item |
| MN7446B1 | Filter Block — Configuration item |
| MN7446C | Filter Block2 — Configuration item |
| MN7446D | Filter Block3 — Configuration item |
| MN7446G | Filter Unit — Configuration item |
| MN7446G-001 | Rack Mount Kit — Configuration item |
| MN7447A | LTE Uplink Signal Filter — Configuration item |
| MN7448A | Uplink Signal Filter — Configuration item |
| MA24218A | Universal USB Power Sensor — Configuration item |
| MS2692A | Signal Analyzer — Configuration item |
| MD8430A | Signalling Tester — Configuration item |
| MG3710A | Vector Signal Generator — Configuration item |
| MG3692C | 2 GHz - 20 GHz Signal Generator — Configuration item |
| MD8475A | Signalling Tester — Configuration item; MD8475A with CDMA2000 option is not RoHS compliant |
| Z1396E | User Operation PC — Configuration item |
| Z1397E | User Operation PC — Configuration item |
| Z1392D | Server PC — Configuration item |
| MX787300LA | Platform Functionality — Band capability options MX787300LA-001 to -071 (Band 1 to Band 71 Capability) |
| MX787301LA | 4Rx Capability |
| MX787301LA-001 | 3GPP 4Rx TC Capability |
| MX787302LA | Flexible Band Combination |
| MX787302LA-004 | 4CA Flexible Band Combination |
| MX787302LA-005 | 5CA Flexible Band Combination |
| MX787310LA | W-CDMA Test Software |
| MX787311LA | FDD LTE Test Software |
| MX787312LA | FDD CA Test Software |
| MX787313LA | FDD 3CA Test Software |
| MX787314LA | FDD 4CA Test Software |
| MX787315LA | FDD 5CA Test Software |
| MX787322LA | FDD-TDD 2CA Test Software |
| MX787323LA | FDD-TDD 3CA Test Software |
| MX787324LA | FDD-TDD 4CA Test Software |
| MX787325LA | FDD-TDD 5CA Test Software |
| MX787330LA | LAA Test Software |
| MX787332LA | LAA 2CA Test Software |
| MX787340LA | Supplementary Test Software for Vzw |
| MX787341LA | Supplementary Test Software for AT&T |
| MX787343LA | Supplementary Test Software for T-Mobile |
| MX787350LA | R&TTE Test Software |
| MX787351LA | TRCC Test Software |
| MX787361LA | TD-LTE Test Software |
| MX787362LA | TD-LTE CA Test Software |
| MX787363LA | TD-LTE 3CA Test Software |
| MX787364LA | TDD 4CA Test Software |
| MX787371LA | HD-FDD CAT-M1 Test Software |
| MX787376LA | HD-FDD NB-IoT Test Software |