Many manufacturers of Bluetooth Low Energy components find it challenging to test modules and sensors in compliance with the standard. These devices often have no port or interface to connect to a control line for testing them in direct test mode (DTM) as stipulated by the Bluetooth LE standard. The R&S CMW test platform from Rohde & Schwarz now enables over-the-air (OTA) tests as well as conducted measurements on these devices.
Rohde & Schwarz will present its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signaling test solution for signaling RF tests under realistic conditions at Bluetooth World 2018 (booth 333) in Santa Clara, California, on September 18 and 19.
Bluetooth Low Energy has emerged as a major transmission technology for the internet of things (IoT). When drafting the BLE test specifications in 2010, Bluetooth SIG specified a direct test mode (DTM, non-signaling) but did not specify an OTA signaling test mode. DTM requires a dedicated control line to be connected to the device under test. The control line, however, does not allow RF tests under realistic conditions since the measured RF characteristics are distorted compared with a realistic test.
Testing BLE components in direct test mode at the board level during development is a complicated but feasible task. In contrast, it is difficult or even impossible to carry out DTM RF tests in production and for OTA applications, e.g. in shielded chambers. Many BLE devices offer no port or interface to connect to a control line but nevertheless need to be tested under realistic conditions. Rohde & Schwarz now presents the first solution for BLE RF signaling tests under realistic conditions.
Fast OTA RF tests under realistic conditions
Comprehensive Bluetooth RF tester
R&S CMW270: Bluetooth, WLAN and Zigbee tests in a single box
Rohde & Schwarz will present the R&S CMW270 with signaling test functionality for Bluetooth Low Energy at Bluetooth World 2018 (booth 333) in Santa Clara, California, on September 18 and 19. Detailed information on test solutions for Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) and Bluetooth Classic is available at www.rohde-schwarz.com/ad/press/bluetooth.
