Conformance test systems must obtain GCF approval for at least 80% of test cases as a condition for GCF acceptance of their use in terminal certification. Anritsu's ME7873L RF conformance test system achieved the first GCF carrier aggregation test case approvals worldwide in October 2013, followed by additional certification for new test cases in January 2014. As a result, it is the first test system worldwide to support RF/RRM conformance testing with 80% of GCF test cases. The approvals were performed using the 3GPP Band 1–5 and Band 3–8 frequency band pairs. This means the ME7873L is the first LTE test platform to achieve this approval milestone and the first to be used for carrier aggregation device certification.
LTE-Advanced is the latest high-speed 4G mobile standard, and network operators are deploying it widely following its initial launch in Korea in 2013. Network operators are deploying LTE-Advanced in response to market demand for greater capacity and significantly faster data transmission speeds. Carrier aggregation technology allows these networks to achieve data transmission speeds of up to 300 MB/s. The GCF self-certification method allows device manufacturers to certify their devices as 3GPP compliant, thereby increasing confidence in the devices' proper functioning on networks.
Michal Spatny, Managing Director of Anritsu EMEA Ltd, commented: “The ME7873x platform boasts a long history of GCF certification leadership, having been the first platform certified for 3G, the first platform certified for LTE, and now the first certified for LTE-Advanced. The system is the most widely used RF/RRM conformance test platform in the industry, offering the most stable and reliable operation, as well as the best coverage and capacity for test cases. Anritsu Corporation is proud to maintain this industry leadership for LTE-Advanced and to stay closely aligned with market needs.”.
