The conversion of broadcasting networks to digital is now a reality. When installing and maintaining a digital network, network operators need to be able to measure and verify network coverage. Regulatory authorities also need to be able to verify the coverage level of the new digital broadcasting technologies. The necessary measurements are usually carried out using drive tests performed from a mobile unit.
The new drive test solution offered by Rohde & Schwarz is based on the R&S BCDRIVE software installed on the R&S ETL TV analyzer. Measurements can begin immediately after connecting the R&S ETL to the vehicle's measurement antenna and a GPS receiver, without the need for a computer or any other external component. The drive test software supports all modern digital terrestrial television standards, such as DVB-T2, DVB-T/H, ISDB-T(B), ATSC, ATSC Mobile DTV, T-DMB/DAB, and DTMB. Future standards can be integrated with a simple software update.
The R&S ETL, together with the R&S BCDRIVE software, is currently the only solution suitable for both transmitter site measurements and mobile units. This combination is useful, for example, for local network providers who do not routinely perform drive tests and who typically use the TV analyzer primarily for transmitter site measurements. The R&S BCDRIVE software is user-friendly and allows even less experienced users to obtain the desired results. These results can then be exported to street maps, enabling users to immediately visualize the most critical receiving stations.
The new drive test software also allows for the parallel control of multiple R&S ETLs. Measured values from all analyzers are stored with a common time reference. Users can measure multiple broadcast channels during a single test, resulting in significant time savings. Parallel measurements can also be used for comparative testing when evaluating new antennas. Some car manufacturers, for example, often equip their vehicles with both a new technology antenna and a conventional vehicle antenna. Rohde & Schwarz's coverage test solution allows for a comparison of the performance of the two antennas.
