Signalling test solution for Bluetooth LE uses OTA measurements
Bluetooth low energy (LE) has emerged as a major transmission technology for the Internet of Things (IoT). Bluetooth LE components are found in a variety of applications in the automotive industry, in sports and healthcare, in consumer electronics and smart homes and in other areas.
Many of these radio sensors are small and integrated into equipment. When drafting the Bluetooth LE test specifications in 2010, Bluetooth SIG specified a direct test mode via a control line but did not specify an OTA signalling test mode. Many small Bluetooth LE devices offer no port or interface to connect a control line. With this in mind Rohde & Schwarz has introduced a solution for Bluetooth LE signaling tests, facilitating device and component tests for manufacturers.
The Rohde & Schwarz signalling test solution uses OTA measurements on an R&S CMW270 wireless connectivity tester to verify the RF properties and performance of Bluetooth LE devices in operating mode.
The DUT’s signal level, modulation and receiver sensitivity, among other parameters, can be determined in this way. The Bluetooth LE signaling functionality of the R&S CMW270 provides the basis for the complex measurements and variety of Bluetooth applications that have emerged as a result of the growth in the IoT sector.
The R&S CMW270 delivers the full range of Bluetooth RF tests, including Bluetooth Classic, Bluetooth LE, and the latest standard, Bluetooth 5. Users can perform signalling tests and tests in direct test mode, as well as numerous audio tests on Bluetooth basic rate/enhanced data rate links. The R&S CMW270 is especially suitable for tests during development and for preconformance tests in preparation for Bluetooth SIG qualification.
The R&S CMW270 wireless connectivity tester relies on a parametric test concept that allows the creation of application-specific test sequences. The tester’s bandwidth has been extended to 160 MHz, which also enables WLAN RF tests covering the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and 802.11ax standards. RF tests for ZigBee components, which are often used in smart home environments, are also available.
