Rohde & Schwarz, in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, will conduct a comprehensive set of tests for NB-IoT in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) to accurately verify bi-directional Internet of Things (IoT) data in various operational modes using GSO and Constellations GEO in line with 3GPP Release 17.
At MWC Shanghai 2023, Rohde & Schwarz will hold a live demonstration of the test solution at the company's booth with NTN Release 17 IoT chipsets from Qualcomm Technologies.
NB-IoT Tests over NTN
Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies will conduct a wide range of NB-IoT over NTN tests that address the many challenges inherent in satellite-based non-terrestrial networks that use geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) constellations. The test suite covers time and frequency synchronization of long delays and Doppler shift, low signal-to-interference plus noise ratio (SINR), power saving mechanisms, satellite ephemeris, GNSS acquisition, and more.
These tests will be a validation tool for Qualcomm Technologies' latest NTN chips, the Qualcomm 212S and Qualcomm 9205S. The Protocol Testing Framework scenarios and R&S CMW 3GPP Release 17 NTN IoT protocol enabler in a single R&S CMW500 broadband radio communication tester will help engineers evaluate their NTN NB-IoT devices powered by Qualcomm Technologies' NTN chips under realistic conditions.
The R&S CMW500 Broadband Radio Communication Tester emulates GSO and GEO satellite base stations in combination with the R&S SMBV100B, which generates GNSS signals. Establishing a comprehensive, real-time connection to the simulated GSO/GEO satellite network allows engineers to test relevant signaling and RF scenarios in accordance with 3GPP Release 17.
Innovators like Qualcomm Technologies are enabling satellite IoT applications by integrating satellite connectivity options into low-power wide area (LPWA) chipsets. Non-terrestrial networks are revolutionizing global coverage on land, sea and air for IoT applications by providing uninterrupted connectivity.
Geosynchronous orbit (GSO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites ensure consistent communication, improving performance and user experience, even under challenging conditions. The advancements are vital for the agricultural, maritime, logistics and asset tracking sectors, which rely heavily on extensive coverage, acceptable latency and reliability.
IoT device developers must understand the unique aspects of GSO and GEO, as each orbit brings special benefits. Despite their apparent movement, GSO satellites cover higher latitudes, such as the Earth's poles, increasing the reach of IoT. GEO satellites are fixed to the Earth and provide continuous regional coverage, which is ideal for constant IoT connectivity and simplifies antenna design, reducing costs. Selecting the right orbit is vital when optimizing IoT device performance, connectivity range, and overall techno-economics.
As a leading provider of test solutions for the aerospace and satellite industries, Rohde & Schwarz has enabled 5G NTN with several satellite launches. The wide range of solutions offers research and development testing and production of satellite payloads, ground stations, user terminals and link monitoring and maintenance.
“We are excited to leverage our deep knowledge of these industries and work with our partner on customized test solutions that meet the specific needs of the 5G NTN satellite and aerospace industry,” said Alexander Pabst, vice president of wireless communications for the NTN segment. Rohde & Schwarz market.
“Having been close collaborative partners with Rohde & Schwarz for years, we are happy to utilize their simulation tools to validate that Qualcomm Technologies IoT-NTN solutions are compliant with 3GPP Release 17,” added Vieri Vanghi, vice president of product management at Qualcomm Technologies, “Our combined expertise ensures that OEMs integrating the Qualcomm 212S or Qualcomm 9205S SoCs benefit from best-in-class, low-power, standards-compliant solutions to achieve superior performance in a rapidly evolving.”
At Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2023, Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies will showcase cutting-edge 3GPP NTN test and verification solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, employing Qualcomm Technologies GSO and GEO 3GPP NTN Release 17 IoT chipsets at booth N1.B70 at Shanghai New International Exhibition Center.
