The Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) from Hong Kong has successfully verified its TD LTE Femto base stations using advanced test solutions provided by Rohde & Schwarz. In accordance with the latest 3GPP specification TS36.141, transmitter and receiver characteristics as well as receiver performance under fading conditions must be tested. As part of the verification process, the two companies tested the HARQ and timing-advance functionality of the base stations under realtime conditions for the first time.
To generate the TD LTE signal, Rohde & Schwarz uses either the R&S AMU200A baseband signal generator or the R&S SMU200A RF signal generator. For conformance testing, the LTE realtime uplink feedback option is now available for both instruments. The Femto base station under test, designed by ASTRI using picoChip’s platform, sends a realtime feedback in line with 3GPP specifications to the generator. In this way, the HARQ as well as the timing-advance functionality can be verified for the uplink. Both functions are needed to simulate the correct feedback behavior between the base station and the terminal. In addition, it is possible to determine the current data throughput that the base station achieves under defined fading conditions. This throughput is a measure of the base station’s receiver performance.
Rohde & Schwarz instruments have long been used in the development of ASTRI TD LTE Femto base stations and test terminals. The additional test solution is also being successfully implemented in LTE FDD base station testing.