Rohde & Schwarz presents multistandard test solution for RF and audio tests on Bluetooth® modules

The modules used in Internet of Things (IoT) applications often combine Bluetooth® with other wireless interface technologies. The R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester is the only test platform on the market to offer a one-instrument solution for testing all cellular and non-cellular standards and Bluetooth. Rohde & Schwarzhas now expanded it leading test platform to include Bluetooth audio tests for manufacturers of Bluetooth headsets and audio car kits.

Today, Bluetooth modules are used in mobile, automotive, smart home and other IoT applications. Accordingly, manufacturers and integration specialists have higher testing requirements. Rohde & Schwarz helps them to optimize test performance, minimize test times and thus save considerable costs. The R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester is the only testing solution that combines all 38 RF signaling tests defined by the Bluetooth SIG together with other cellular technologies such as LTE, LTE-Advanced and WCDMA as well as non-cellular technologies such as WLAN and GNSS. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has qualified the solution for RF measurements.

RF signaling tests and fast spectrum measurements

Developers can use the R&S CMW500 to perform extensive tests on their Bluetooth products and optimize their design before taking it to a Bluetooth Qualification Test Facility. The test platform offers unparalleld flexibility since the parametric test concept allows developers to set all the parameters themselves. Thanks to the easy-to-use R&S CMWrun sequencer software tool, they can also use the compact solution to perform automated prequalification tests for Bluetooth Basic Rate, Enhanced Data Rate and Bluetooth Low Energy in line with Bluetooth core specifications for versions 1.2, 2.0, 2.1, 3.0+HS, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2.

The extremely fast R&S CMW500 greatly benefits developers, e.g. when performing the complex spectrum measurements that are part of the Bluetooth qualification tests. The R&S CMW500 delivers the first test results in less than one second, which simplifies optimization tasks. The solution is also ideal for general integration and coexistence tests, for example, to check whether WLAN and Bluetooth transmitters in certain frequency bands interfere with each other.

New R&S CMW-KS602 option for Bluetooth audio tests

Those who do not have their hands free when using a computer or driving rely on Bluetooth headsets and Bluetooth hands-free car kits to make telephone calls. Manufacturers of headsets or hands-free car kits can now ensure the quality of their products by using the R&S CMW500 to test the audio properties of their products as well as to perform RF signaling tests. The Rohde & Schwarz test platform can be used in the development phase to optimize products and in production to verify audio characteristics.

When establishing the Bluetooth connection, the flexible R&S CMW500 can operate as master or slave. It supports the hands-free audio gateway mode, authentication when pairing Bluetooth devices with headsets, etc. and the volume control function on the microphones and headsets. it supports various voice codecs, including CVSD and mSBC.

R&S CMW platform: the right solution for all M2M/IoT requirements

For users who only perform Bluetooth® and WLAN non-cellular integrations tasks, the R&S CMW270 wireless connectivity tester offers a cost-effective solution. The R&S CMW270 was also qualified by the Bluetooth SIG for RF measurements. The R&S CMW290 functional tester supports all common cellular and non-cellular mobile communications standards. Wireless module integrators require extensive functional tests for hardware and applications. The R&S CMW290 offers all essential measurements and an excellent price/performance ratio.

Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate its R&S CMW platform for Bluetooth tests at booth C40, hall 6 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The new R&S CMW-KS602 option for Bluetooth audio tests will be available fromRohde & Schwarz in March 2016.