Anritsu Launches World’s First Full Suite of LTE Base Station Measurements for Handheld Analyzers

(Product News, 11 Sep 2009)

Anritsu Company, a global leader in LTE test solutions, introduces the first comprehensive LTE base station measurement suite that allows field engineers and technicians to conduct tests necessary for the proper deployment, installation, and operation of LTE networks. The measurement suite is a set of optional measurement capabilities for Anritsu’s industry leading MS272xB Spectrum Master™, and MT8222A and MT8221B BTS Master™ handheld analyzers that includes tests for RF signal parameters, modulation quality, and Over-the-Air (OTA) scanning.
The LTE RF measurement option allows users to accurately and quickly analyze the spectrum for interference and spectral compliance, as well as conduct occupied bandwidth and Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR) tests. With the LTE modulation quality measurement option, Error Vector Magnitude (EVM), frequency error, and Control Channel power tests can be conducted. OTA measurements with the third option are used to determine interference from co-channel transmitters, help troubleshoot problems with coverage area, and verify coverage of self-organizing networks.
LTE measurements are the most recent test capability added to the Spectrum Master and BTS Master platforms. Anritsu used its involvement in LTE standards committees and experience developing LTE test solutions for R&D and production to design the LTE measurement suite. The result is a highly accurate field test solution to ensure the successful deployment and installation of LTE networks.
Designed for Use with Handheld Analyzers
The LTE measurement suite supports the MS272xB Spectrum Masters, which are the most advanced ultra-portable spectrum analyzers on the market. With sensitivity of ≤–163 dBm Displayed Average Noise Level Typical @ 1 GHz, the MS272xB series can measure very low level signals, a critical feature as the RF spectrum becomes more congested. The handheld spectrum analyzers also feature a wide dynamic range to measure very small signals, even in the presence of much larger signals.
Three models are available in the MS272xB series. Leading the way is the MS2724B, which covers 9 kHz to 20 GHz. Other models include the MS2721B, with frequency coverage of 9 kHz to 7.1 GHz, and the MS2723B, which goes up to 13 GHz.
The BTS Master MT8221B base station analyzer has been designed to support both 4G standards and installed 2G/3G networks. Its platform provides a 20 MHz demodulation capability to support LTE and other 4G technologies, as well as a broad suite of options for measuring transmitters using virtually any popular RF communications standard. In addition, a Vector Signal Generator option is available for comprehensive receiver testing capability with the flexibility to generate two modulated signals plus noise.
A cost-efficient choice for deploying, maintaining and troubleshooting 2G/2.5G, 3G, and 4G base stations is the MT8222A analyzer. It combines spectrum analyzer and vector network analyzer capabilities in a handheld solution weighing 4 kg (9 lbs).
The measurement suite has a U.S. price of $10,075. Separately, the RF measurement option is $1,250, modulation quality option is $6,950, and the OTA option is $1,875. Delivery is 8-10 weeks ARO.