Agilent adds WiMAX Wave 2 support to testers

Agilent Technologies has upgraded its Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA), Signal Studio and Mobile WiMAX Test Set measurement solutions to facilitate testing of the WiMAX Forum's Wave 2 system profiles.

Standardized profiles specify options such as Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), a capacity enhancing, multi-antenna technology fundamental to Mobile WiMAX that supports IEEE 802.16e-2005.

Specific capabilities of Agilent's 89601A VSA and N7615B Signal Studio measurement solutions now include matrix A and matrix B signals for downlink, uplink collaborative MIMO, and creation of HARQ bursts and uplink sounding zones.

N7615B Signal Studio also provides MIMO fading embedded in a waveform to enable testing of MIMO receivers without the added expense of fading hardware or software.

The Agilent E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set incorporates flexible base-station emulation, IP traffic support and a unique ability to make on-board RF parametric measurements in one integrated unit.

No external equipment is required to measure UL signals. The E6615A's Wave 2 enhancements include support for DL, STC, SM and UL collaborative MIMO measurements. It also offers the protocols to support operating with the DUT in MIMO modes.

Support for Agilent's MIMO and Wave 2 features is now available as part of the Agilent N7615B Signal Studio. These features will also be supported in future updates to the 89601A VSA and E6651A Mobile WiMAX Test Set. Availability for these products is expected in September 2007 and year-end, respectively.

More information is available at www.agilent.com.