Receiver Signal Processing and Test Challenges
Engineers designing, integrating and/or verifying baseband signal processing components and devices face intense pressure to be first to market. Unfortunately, evolving and unclear standards have led to design uncertainty and difficulty meeting schedules. When standards change, engineers need to change signal content quickly. But testing to these standards is not enough. Testing corner cases early in development requires either broad or no limits on test parameters. Otherwise, devices can fail under real-world conditions, causing significant rework downstream.
Comprehensive Diagnostics for Receiver Signal Processing
The Keysight N5106A PXB baseband generator and channel emulator is the ideal solution for receiver signal processing test, effectively able to keep pace with rapid design changes and evolving standards (Figure 1). The PXB is the only instrument that combines up to 12 digital signal processing (DSP) blocks to construct over 20 calibrated configurations for multi-format baseband generation, real-time fading and signal capture (up to 4x2 MIMO). The DSP blocks can be redefined in seconds using the instrument user interface.
Figure 1: Keysight N5106A PXB Baseband Generator and Channel Emulator |
1. Baseband generation: With up to 120-MHz modulation bandwidth and 512-MSa playback memory, the PXB is ideal for playing back long test scenarios to better approximate real-world signals.
2. Real-time fading: With up to 120-MHz fading bandwidth or up to 24 paths per fading channel, the PXB supports standard-based channel models. Engineers can modify them or create their own channel correlation scenarios with the PXB's custom correlation table and antenna setup menu.
3. Signal capture: RF and digital I/Q signals can be captured from the engineer's device to the PXB, up to 512 MSa. The captured signals can be monitored using Keysight's 89600 VSA software or post-processed with the engineer's simulator.
With such capabilities, the PXB can be counted on to:
Minimize design uncertainty with the most flexibility to test beyond standard requirements
The PXB lets the engineer customize test cases and validate designs under real-world conditions with the broadest range of test parameters. Fully parameterized signals can be created for established and evolving standards with Keysight Signal Studio (Figure 2). Wireless formats include LTE, HSPA, W-CDMA, GSM/EDGE, TD-SCDMA, Mobile WiMAX®, WLAN, digital video, and GPS. Agilent's SystemVue software can be used for ESL design or to play back customized MATLAB® waveforms. The PXB also enables the engineer to model the signal-propagation environment with fully parameterized real-time channel emulation. Additionally, the engineer can use pre-defined standards-based channel models, modify them or configure their own.
Figure 2: Run Signal Studio software on the PXB in a familiar Windows®environment |
With the PXB, engineers can configure the greatest number of fading and interference test cases in a single instrument—up to 6 baseband generators and 8 faders. And, with the largest playback memory available, longer test sequences can be run to better approximate real-world signals. Signals can also be captured, up to 512 MSa, from the engineer’s own device for post-processing.
Reduce the time, cost and complexity of system setup and calibration
Testing a multi-format device can be time-consuming and expensive. To stay on schedule, engineers need simple ways to connect and calibrate equipment, and to generate independent, calibrated signals.
With less instrumentation to manage, the PXB simplifies test setup. Only one box is needed for multi-format baseband generation, real-time fading and signal capture. With it, over 20 configurations can be constructed to meet the engineer’s test needs. These configurations, along with external instrument connections, can be redefined in seconds using the instrument user interface (Figure 3). The PXB eliminates the time-consuming work of combining cables, splitters and power meters to connect and calibrate instruments. Plus, signal routing, summing, sync, and calibration are all managed seamlessly inside the PXB.
Figure 3: The PXB supports over 20 configurations that can be redefined in seconds |
Engineers can use the Windows-based PXB to run Keysight Signal Studio or 89600 VSA software right inside the box, without the need for an external PC. The PXB also enables them to match the performance and integrity of RF faders with a direct digital connection to the Keysight 8960 Series 10 (E5515C) wireless communication test set.
Maximize the investment value through higher instrument utilization and easy upgrades
Testing receiver signal processing, today and in the future, requires a toolset that can adapt as standards evolve. To get the greatest value from investment, the instrument used should support multiple functions, future technologies, frequent use, and easy upgrades.
With the PXB, engineers can leverage one multipurpose diagnostic toolset across the R&D lifecycle, from design, integration and verification to pre-conformance (Figure 4). It's the only solution that lets the engineer configure numerous combinations of baseband generation, real-time fading and signal capture in one box.
Figure 4: The PXB allows engineers to maximize their investment value |
To extend the longevity of the engineer's test equipment, the PXB features license-key upgrades to add new capabilities and signal formats, and quick on-site upgrades to add hardware for higher-order configurations. Plus, engineers can use their existing RF signal generators and analyzers or add them incrementally to their setup, then redeploy them when they're no longer needed.
Figure 5: Quick on-site upgrades in less than an hour, no calibration required |
At any stage of the R&D lifecycle, the Keysight PXB can be used to quickly diagnose and troubleshoot designs. The PXB simplifies test setup too, with over 20 calibrated configurations (up to 4x2 MIMO) that can be redefined in seconds using the instrument user interface. And, by providing multiple functions, easy on-site upgrades and performance that can handle future technologies, the PXB ensures that the initial investment returns ongoing value.
Keysight Technologies is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 18,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Keysight had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Keysight is available on the Web at www.keysight.com.
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| Press Release: | Keysight Technologies Announces Significant Performance Enhancements to its PXB Baseband Generator and Channel Emulator |
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| Contacts: | Janet Smith, Agilent Sarah Calnan, Europe Iris Ng, Asia |
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