Using the R&S CMW wideband radio communication tester, 7layers successfully validated its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF for Channel Sounding qualification. It is the first test platform approved by the Bluetooth® SIG to conduct Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth® RFPHY release 6.0, having been developed in collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and top chipset manufacturers.
Unprecedented positioning accuracy for consumer and business applications will be made possible by Bluetooth® Channel Sounding, a new secure fine-ranging function.
Rohde & Schwarz and 7layers, a Bureau Veritas Group subsidiary, have been working together for many years to provide Bluetooth® RF test solutions for chipset and module vendors, as well as for Bluetooth® Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF) and Bluetooth® Recognized Test Facilities (BRTFs).
The Channel Sounding capability in 7layers’ Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF has now been verified, thanks to a tight collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and top chipset makers. It is a verified test solution for Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth® RFPHY version 6.0, according to Bluetooth® SIG.
Bluetooth Low Energy Devices with Improved Positioning Accuracy
For “Digital Key” and “Find My” applications, the introduction of Bluetooth® Low Energy devices with Channel Sounding will greatly increase positioning accuracy. These devices will also have better security and lower battery consumption, two essential characteristics for Bluetooth®-enabled electronics. In order to certify these new features, the Bluetooth® SIG has been introducing test cases since September.
All Bluetooth® Classic, Low Energy (LE) qualification standards, including Direction Finding and the newest Core feature, Bluetooth® Channel Sounding, are met by the Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF. To guarantee adherence to the Bluetooth® requirements, thorough test automation and the extremely precise execution of the Bluetooth® test cases are essential.
The R&S CMW platform’s wideband radio communication tester is compatible with the Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding, which provides high measurement accuracy, precise analytical capabilities, and integrated RF path calibration. As a stand-alone box, Rohde & Schwarz’s test platform enables the relevant RF physical layer measurements for use in prequalification testing and development.
Key Comments
Frank Spiller, Manager Interlab Test Products, at 7layers emphasizes: “The industry is eagerly anticipating the qualification of a test solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding by the Bluetooth® SIG. We are proud to offer the first validated test solution, implemented thanks to the advanced test capabilities of our partner Rohde & Schwarz. We enable our customers to perform high quality and automated testing as part of the internal verification and regression process for a smooth transition to qualify products.”
Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President for Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “Thanks to our close partnership with 7layers, we were able to quickly integrate the required test cases into the test solution. This means, that vendors of wireless chipsets and modules can now validate the new Bluetooth® Channel Sounding feature with an R&S CMW Bluetooth® RF tester and the Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding. This tester can be used for R&D tests, pre-qualification and production testing. Using the same test solution as BQTFs and BRTFs increases the likelihood of their products achieving the Bluetooth® qualification on the first attempt, significantly reducing time to market.”
The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF for Channel Sounding is part of the Interlab portfolio. It is now available from 7layers as qualification test solution for BQTFs and BRTFs.