Sunnyvale, Calif. – November 1, 2011 — China Academy of Telecommunication Research (CATR) a leading Chinese test laboratory, has selected Spirent Communications’ solutions for over the air (OTA) testing of CDMA, UMTS and LTE mobile devices. To ensure the performance of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna schemes used in high-speed mobile technologies such as LTE, and of integrated GPS/A-GPS positioning functionality in mobile devices, testing needs to take into account the mobile device antenna. However, the traditional conducted approach used in lab-based certification testing bypasses the device antenna and testing devices on live networks does not yield repeatable results. This has led to the widespread adoption and ongoing standardization of OTA testing techniques.

CATR is an active participant in development of standards for OTA testing of MIMO antenna schemes in mobile devices, both locally and globally. Although MIMO antenna techniques are a key factor in achieving the high data rates promised by next-generation wireless technologies such as LTE and LTE-Advanced, they impose significant challenges on the design and development of devices, greatly complicating the associated RF testing.

CATR is using Spirent’s SR5500 and VR5 wireless channel emulators, in conjunction with an anechoic chamber, to investigate and validate approaches to MIMO OTA testing. The Spirent SR5500 and VR5 are ideally suited to this type of investigative work, since their unique real-time engine enables CATR to immediately see the impact of changes made to the RF environment on MIMO device performance.

“As a leader in wireless channel emulation, Spirent has been working with the major chamber manufacturers and making key contributions to the development of methodologies and standards for MIMO OTA testing,” said Randy Oltman, director of product management at Spirent’s Wireless business. “We are delighted to be working closely with CATR, another leader in the field, to advance the testing of this important technology.”

CATR is also in the forefront of testing the GPS/A-GPS positioning capability in CDMA and UMTS mobile devices over the air. The lab makes use of Spirent’s C2K-ATS and 8100 OTA location technology test systems to ensure devices meet minimum performance requirements, including those from the CTIA. CATR was one of the first CTIA Authorized Test Labs (CATLs) in Asia. CATR is also active in adapting standardized GPS/A-GPS test plans and methodologies to the specific needs of the Chinese mobile market. As the global leader in GPS/A-GPS OTA testing, Spirent’s solutions enable CATR to easily characterize the impact of antenna placement, form factor, interference and more in an anechoic chamber under real-world conditions.

“We are glad to cooperate with Spirent to expand our capability, especially in the MIMO and GPS area,” said Xiao Li, director of the antenna lab of CATR. “With the testing demand of LTE/MIMO increasing rapidly, we believe this new system can help our customers to enhance the quality of their products.”