Anritsu Co. introduces the MD8475A Signaling Tester that offers the capability to test a wide range of applications and operating systems on the latest high-speed, multi-mode LTE devices. The MD8475A broadens Anritsu’s market-leading 2G/3G and LTE test portfolio that already includes the widest available range of solutions, extending from R&D to functional test, Conformance Test (CT), Carrier Acceptance Test (CAT), manufacturing, and aftermarket repair.

The MD8475A Signaling Tester has the ability to simulate 2G, 3G, LTE and mixed-generation wireless networks, and enables device manufacturers to conduct end-to-end testing of applications that run on these networks. An enhanced Wireless Network Simulator (WNS) graphical user interface enables multi-mode, dual-cell capability, including handovers between 2G, 3G, and LTE. Since it is Windows 7-based, server applications can be conveniently installed into the MD8475A, for easy one-instrument, end-to-end application testing. Up to eight external servers can be simultaneously linked to the MD8475A through Ethernet connection, as well.

“Powerful applications and easy-to-use operating systems are becoming the keys to success for wireless device manufacturers and carriers selling these devices,” said Wade Hulon, Vice President and General Manager of Anritsu Co. “The commercialization of the MD8475A enables testing of these devices to ensure customer satisfaction, whether the customer is browsing the web, downloading a video, or using GPS to navigate to a restaurant. Anritsu is pleased to continue its leadership in application testing with the introduction of a second-generation product focused on this market.”

A multi-format signaling tester, the MD8475A can test multi-mode wireless devices, including GSM/GPRS/E-GPRS, 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, W-CDMA/HSPA, TD-SCDMA, and FDD-LTE. The highest speed commercially available (Category 3) LTE devices can be tested with the MD8475A, with downlink IP-layer throughput to 100 MB/s (including 2x2 MIMO) and uplink throughput to 50 MB/s. The MD8475A enables test of many types of mobile device applications ranging from traditional SMS/MMS, browsing, and streaming, to advanced applications, such as augmented reality and real-time multi-player gaming. Since high data rate applications have the potential to drain an LTE device’s battery very quickly, the MD8475A enables easy testing on the effect of advanced applications on a device’s battery performance.

The base price of the MD8475A is $49,938.