UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has extended its agreements with Anritsu as the provider for Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) telecoms test equipment, becoming the first commercial independent LTE- Advanced 3 Carrier Aggregation conformance test facility in the world. UL currently operates one of the best equipped cellular mobile device conformance and certification laboratories in Europe at its centre of excellence in Basingstoke, UK.

UL’s choice of Anritsu’s new ME7873LA platform will enable customers to have access to the maximum coverage of newly validated test cases across the highest number of bands.  UL now offers the necessary conformance requirements for the GCF, and is a primary laboratory for PTCRB that can offer network operator approvals for Europe, North America and beyond. In addition to offering a full range of conformance and consulting services, UL will provide Test Case validation services for Anritsu’s class leading ME7873LA RF RRM Conformance test system.

“LTE -Advanced is the leading fourth generation wireless technology and UL’s investment is a clear demonstration of commitment to LTE Advanced both within the UK and globally. Choosing Anritsu was an easy decision.  Anritsu has a clear lead in LTE cellular conformance systems, with the largest test case coverage and a proven commitment to work with their customers,” said Robert Graham, Cellular Approvals, UL Consumer Technology Division.

“Anritsu is the established market leader in conformance testing and our intention is to continue this leadership by providing our customers with technology leading solutions along with cost saving features.  We are now releasing our next set of enhancements including support for the latest LTE Advanced features. We are excited to be working with UL as they share our commitment to making leading edge testing solutions available to telecommunication device makers,” said Jonathan Borrill, Marketing Director at Anritsu.

The first independent LTE-A test facility in the UK represents far more than a fast, efficient and cost-effective all-in-one solution.  It is the latest development of a deep understanding between two market leaders committed to the future.  UL and Anritsu have a long standing relationship and support each other’s efforts in the development, validation and provision of LTE certification equipment and services. 

The ME7873LA is the newest RF/RRM Conformance Test system to certify UE’s to GCF and PTCRB requirements, along with the leading capability of 3CA configuration of RF and RRM test cases. The system is the latest platform in theME7873 series, the world leader in RF/RRM testing for both test case coverage and stability. In addition, it will support 3CA/4CA test case coverage as commercial deployment of this technology starts to accelerate.