Rohde & Schwarz verifies Next Generation eCall for EN 17240:2024 Standard

Rohde & Schwarz, a global leader in test and measurement solutions today announced its work with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to verify the implementation of Next Generation eCall (NG eCall) on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® Auto 5G Modem-RF, in line with the most recent specification EN 17240:2024. Rohde & Schwarz’s work with Qualcomm Technologies aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of emergency response systems in vehicles via advanced testing solutions.

Introduced in 2015, eCall, an automated vehicle emergency call system, has been a mandatory requirement for all new cars sold within the European Union since 2018. However, as 2G/3G circuit-switched cellular networks become obsolete, emergency call systems will need to be adapted to 4G/5G packet-switched cellular networks. The European Commission has defined in its most recent regulation that NG eCall will be obligatory starting January 1, 2026. This standard establishes guidelines for testing eCall systems over IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks, including advanced 4G LTE and 5G NR technologies. Consequently, to incorporate the new NG eCall features in eCall modules, the automotive industry will require NG eCall testing solutions.

The Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF is a 5G automotive-grade platform that has paved the way for next-generation connected vehicles, delivering high-speed connectivity, advanced positioning, and support for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology. Designed to meet the demands of modern telematics, it supports reliable connectivity, precise multi-band GNSS navigation, and enhanced safety.

Through this joint effort, Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies have successfully verified the compliance of the Snapdragon Auto 5G Modem-RF’s NG eCall functionality with the most recent eCall standards. The verification process employed the Rohde & Schwarz CMX500 mobile radio tester, a comprehensive testing solution for NG eCall including voice and data transmission. This rigorous test, which was simulating a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), validated the compliance of the implementation at both ends with the EN 17240:2024 standard. Moreover, the CMX500 supports both 4G and 5G technologies, aiming to provide that the solutions are future-proof.

“We are pleased to have joined forces with Qualcomm Technologies on the verification of their chipsets’ NG eCall implementation,” said Juergen Meyer, Vice President Market Segment Automotive at Rohde & Schwarz. “This collaboration sets a new benchmark for the future of emergency call services, providing the automotive industry a robust and dependable solution to meet the latest eCall standards.”

As a highly versatile tool, the CMX500 with the CMX-KA098 software option can be effectively used for NG eCall testing under realistic network conditions. To accelerate the deployment of this technology, cooperation between companies within the industry becomes increasingly important. The work between Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies is aimed at mutually validating their solutions, reducing effort and accelerating time to market for their mutual customers.

Caption: Rohde & Schwarz’s work with Qualcomm Technologies aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of emergency response systems.