Test capability for eight UEs with 16 RF ports in a single mainframe enables high-speed manufacturing test and advanced manufacturing layouts.
Anritsu Company introduces the MT8870A universal wireless test set with manufacturing test capability for up to eight user equipment (UE) devices in a single mainframe without the need for external switching. The tester’s basic module includes an integrated vector signal analyzer (VSA), vector signal generator (VSG), and multi-core processor, and users can configure a mainframe with up to four modules with four VSAs and four VSGs, depending on test requirements. Combining this high-density test capability with the latest parallel TX/RX calibration and verification test modes enables high-speed production test throughput and highly flexible line layouts for UE manufacturers.
The MT8870A implements test capabilities for multiple formats through the addition of VSA and VSG software options to the mainframe, with current support ranging from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to LTE and 802.11ac. Licensing of formats at the mainframe level adds flexibility and cost savings compared to alternative approaches that require multiple licenses per mainframe. The tester’s performance is unequaled, with 160 MHz VSA and VSG bandwidth to support even the highest bandwidth 802.11ac signals, as well as aggregation of five contiguous carriers required by LTE Advanced.
Anritsu is pleased to support UE OEMs and ODMs with the test speed and flexibility needed for manufacturing today’s complex smartphones,” said Wade Hulon, General Manager and Vice President of Anritsu Company. “As UEs become more complex, consumers still expect device cost to remain the same. We understand this means ever-increasing test speeds for more complex devices, and we are happy to provide capabilities to meet these needs in the MT8870A.”
The MT8870A mainframe can be configured with one to four VSA/VSG modules supporting 10 MHz to 6 GHz (option), as well as the 160 MHz bandwidth. Each module has two duplex and two simplex RF connectors, enabling connection of two UEs with RX diversity to each module without external switching. Both GPIB and Ethernet control of the VSA/VSG modules are available, with completely parallel GPIB control connections and separate Ethernet addresses to eliminate potential bottlenecks common with internal controllers. Anritsu’s CombiView software is available to control and configure the MT8870A to display graphical and numerical test results, and a utility program aids in licensing and firmware upgrades.
