7layers has successfully validated its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF for the Channel Sounding qualification, running with the Rohde & Schwarz CMW wideband radio communication tester.
Developed jointly with Rohde & Schwarz and chipset manufacturers, it marks the first test platform listed by the Bluetooth SIG to perform Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth RFPHY release 6.0. Bluetooth Channel Sounding is a new secure fine-ranging feature that will enable unprecedented positioning accuracy for consumer and commercial applications.
For many years, 7layers, a Bureau Veritas Group company, and Rohde & Schwarz have worked together in developing Bluetooth RF test solutions for Bluetooth Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF), Bluetooth Recognised Test Facilities (BRTFs) as well as for chipset and module vendors.
Due to this close partnership with Rohde & Schwarz and chipset vendors, 7layers has now validated the Channel Sounding feature within its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF. Bluetooth SIG has listed it as a validated test solution for Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth RFPHY version 6.0.
The rollout of Bluetooth Low Energy devices supporting Channel Sounding will significantly improve positioning accuracy for ‘Digital Key’ and ‘Find My’ applications. Additionally, these devices will feature improved power consumption and superior security, all critical features for Bluetooth enabled products. Since September, the Bluetooth SIG has introduced test cases to qualify these new features.
The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth RF fulfils all qualification requirements for Bluetooth Classic, Low Energy (LE), including Direction Finding, as well as the latest core feature, Bluetooth Channel Sounding.
Comprehensive test automation and the highly accurate implementation of the Bluetooth test cases are crucial to ensure compliance to the Bluetooth specifications. The Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth Channel Sounding runs with a wideband radio communication tester of the R&S CMW platform and offers an integrated RF path calibration, high measurement accuracy as well as precise analysis capabilities. The test platform from Rohde & Schwarz supports the corresponding RF physical layer measurements for the usage in development and for prequalification tests as a standalone box.
“The industry is eagerly anticipating the qualification of a test solution for Bluetooth Channel Sounding by the Bluetooth SIG,” said Frank Spiller, Manager Interlab Test Products, at 7layers. “We are proud to offer the first validated test solution, implemented thanks to the advanced test capabilities of our partner Rohde & Schwarz. We enable our customers to perform high quality and automated testing as part of the internal verification and regression process for a smooth transition to qualify products.”
“Thanks to our close partnership with 7layers, we were able to quickly integrate the required test cases into the test solution,” added Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President for Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz. “This means, that vendors of wireless chipsets and modules can now validate the new Bluetooth Channel Sounding feature with an R&S CMW Bluetooth RF tester and the Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth Channel Sounding.
“This tester can be used for R&D tests, pre-qualification and production testing. Using the same test solution as BQTFs and BRTFs increases the likelihood of their products achieving the Bluetooth qualification on the first attempt, significantly reducing time to market.”
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