7 layers upgraded its Irvine test and service center with High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) test capabilities from Rohde & Schwarz. 7 layers operates independent laboratories for wireless technologies, accredited in accordance to ISO 17025. By adding these new services to their already extensive test capabilities for the mobile industry, it will become the first independent laboratory in North America that can run the required HSUPA test cases locally.

HSUPA is a 3G mobile telephony protocol belonging to the HSPA family. This advanced technology facilitates more creative applications demanding high data throughput; for example, uploading multimedia data to the Internet and person-to-person gaming.

“2008 has seen a large increase in the number of HSUPA available devices and we expect this trend to continue, especially since more and more networks are now able to support the HSUPA technology”, said David Bissonette, vice president business development of 7 layers Inc. “Extending our laboratory capabilities with HSUPA services is a logical development regarding the way the market is taking to this new technology.”

“In order to make 7 layers Inc. capable to offer these new services we will upgrade their existing Rohde & Schwarz test equipment, the R&S CRTU-W’s, R&S TS8950W and R&S CRTU-RRM system”, said Michael Gieselman, US western region sales manager from Rohde & Schwarz. “We expect all test systems to be fully functional in Irvine by End of August.”

The 7 layers group has already gained experience with HSUPA testing and certification via their laboratory in Germany. By offering HSUPA services now also in the US, clients can benefit from these experiences and enjoy the convenience of local service at the same time.