Rohde & Schwarz Support EDGE Evolution

Rohde & Schwarz releases a new software option for its vector and baseband signal generators to support EDGE evolution signals (EGPRS2).

Rohde & Schwarz has released a new software option for its vector and baseband signal generators to support EDGE evolution signals (EGPRS2). Manufacturers of mobile terminals, base stations and components can now conduct tests at the physical layer for this evolution of GSM/EDGE as well. The Rohde & Schwarz solution permits configuration of the signals directly in the signal generator without the need for an external PC. The EDGE evolution functionality is also available with the R&S WinIQSIM2 simulation software solution (K241 software option).

EDGE evolution introduces several key enhancements to the physical layer, which will provide data rates higher than GSM/EDGE. This includes the 16QAM and 32QAM higher-order modulation schemes, an improved symbol rate (325 ksps) and new burst formats and filters. The cost-effective solution from Rohde & Schwarz supports all of these features. In addition, the Rohde & Schwarz vector signal generators exhibit a high level of modulation quality. The R&S SMU200A high-end signal generator typically boasts an EVM of only 0.2 percent (EDGE 32QAM, normal burst).

The signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz can be upgraded with a wide variety of other digital mobile radio and wireless standards such as LTE, WiMAX and WLAN. For this reason, only one signal generator is required to test DUTs that support more than one digital standard. Furthermore, the optional realtime fading simulator in the R&S SMU200A high-end signal generator or the R&S AMU200A baseband generator enables realistic fading tests.

The EDGE evolution option is now available from Rohde & Schwarz for the following instruments: R&S SMU200A R&S SMU200A (R&S SMU-K41/-K241), R&S SMBV100A (R&S SMBV-K41/-K241), R&S SMJ100A (R&S SMJ-K41/-K241) and R&S SMATE200A (R&S SMATE-K41/-K241) vector signal generators; R&S AMU200A (R&S AMU-K41/-K241) and R&S AFQ100A/B (R&S AFQ-K241) baseband signal generators.