Microwave Vision Group (MVG) and Anritsu have announced the availability of a joint testing solution supporting over-the-air (OTA) validation of non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications for mobile and IoT devices.
MVG has adapted its multi-probe OTA systems to integrate the capabilities of Anritsu’s Radio Communication Analyzer MT8821C, providing a lab-based environment for realistic satellite link emulation in compliance with 3GPP requirements.
As NTN deployments grow and gain momentum, particularly through LEO satellite constellations, mobile and IoT devices need to demonstrate robust performance under conditions that are different to terrestrial operation. This includes Doppler shift due to satellite motion, increased signal propagation delays, complex network reselection mechanisms between satellite and ground networks,and roaming across regulatory domains.
Emulating these variables accurately in the lab is crucial to ensure device readiness. To address this, MVG has configured its OTA systems – such as the SG system and StarLab – to host Anritsu’s MT8821C as the core signal generation and analysis platform. The MT8821C, recognised for its reliability in LTE and IoT testing, offers advanced RF and protocol capabilities into MVG’s controlled OTA measurement environments.
This means manufacturers can evaluate essential metrics such as Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and receiver sensitivity under satellite-like test conditions.
“By adapting our test chambers to operate with the MT8821C, we’re giving R&D teams the ability to emulate key NTN communication scenarios directly in the lab,” said Sebastien Gaymay, OTA Product Manager, MVG. This, “enables earlier debugging and faster development cycles for satellite-capable mobile and IoT devices”.
The MT8821C supports a wide frequency range and provides stable, high-throughput RF testing for LTE, LTE-Advanced, Cat-M1, and NB-IoT terminals. Within the MVG system, it allows for synchronised measurements through WaveStudio software, enabling test engineers to simulate and assess device performance under realistic NTN conditions aligned with 3GPP TS 36.521-4.
“Thanks to our collaboration with MVG, we are now able to conduct testing of NTN-compatible mobile and IoT devices under conditions that closely resemble real-world environments. Thereby, we are pleased to contribute to the realisation of a truly connected society enabled by NTN technology, where connectivity is available anytime, anywhere,” added Toshiya Otowa, Manager of Solution Marketing Department, Mobile Solutions Division, Anritsu.
This solution is well suited to OEMs and integrators working on global asset tracking, remote monitoring, and industrial IoT applications – where NTN networks will be key for expanding coverage.
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