Anritsu Corporation has developed the industry’s first 4x4 MIMO 256QAM evaluation function supporting all 3CC CA band combinations and strengthening the functions of the company’s Radio Communication Analyzer MT8821C. With this new release, tests of LTE-Advanced DL 3CC CA 4x4 MIMO 256QAMmobiles are supported with no restrictions on frequency and signal bandwidth combinations. This software update is available from October 26.

With built-in LTE-Advanced RF TRx test base station emulation functions, the all-in-one MT8821C already supports all DL 2CC CA 4x4 MIMO and DL 3CC CA standards. Combining two MT8821C units with this firmware update adds support for evaluating 4x4 MIMO 256QAM RF Rx performance for all DL 3CC CA band combinations  as part of Anritsu’s measurement solutions for facilitating deployment of LTE-Advanced broadband multi-function networks.

The explosive increase in rich-content services, such as mobile video on demand, is driving deployment of the faster LTE-Advanced technology by network operators worldwide.

The key technologies for increasing the speed of LTE-Advanced are carrier aggregation, which aggregates several component carriers into one, and MIMO, which uses multiple antennas for communications.

Anritsu launched its DL 4x4 MIMO measurement software in March 2016 and supports evaluation of LTE-Advanced DL 2CC CA 4x4 MIMO terminals with its all-in-one MT8821C. The MT8821C outputs up to 8 independent signals but by synchronizing two MT8821C units using this newly developed software, up to 12 signals can be output for 4x4 MIMO 256QAM measurements, supporting all DL 3CC CA band combinations.

Product Outline

Product: Radio Communication Analyzer MT8821C
Key Functions: RF TRx tests and base-station emulation
New Function: Using a configuration of two synchronized MT8821C units in which the previously released LTE-Advanced DL 3CC CA measurement software and this new 4x4 MIMO measurement software have been installed supports evaluation of 4x4 MIMO256QAMUE for all DL 3CC CA band combinations.

Target Markets and Applications

• Target Markets: Chipset and UE makers, communications carriers
• Target Applications: Development of chipsets and UE hardware, carrier acceptance inspection tests