The evolution of wireless communications technology, in combination with the incorporation of GNSS positioning into mobile devices and the increasingly crowded frequency spectrum, is increasing reliance on over-the-air testing and forcing the creation of new specifications, standards and testing procedures for electronic devices.
Consumer electronics continue to strive for more accurate positioning technology in all environments as 4G-LTE technology grows in popularity. GNSS systems are considered one of the leading technologies for positioning; however, GNSS signal levels indoors are generally too low to be usable, requiring the assistance of other technologies to provide accurate positioning.
According to Ron Borsato of Spirent Communications and Michael D. Foegelle of ETS-Lindgren, an overall trend has emerged towards using “over-the-air testing to account for the radiated performance of GNSS receivers … despite its greater complexity.”
“Unlike conducted testing that uses a physical RF cable to connect signals between test equipment and user equipment, bypassing the antenna, A-GNSS OTA testing takes place in a controlled radiated environment … and provides a thorough ‘snapshot’ of the performance of the device under test in all directions,” Borsato and Foegelle explain.
The two engineers stress that since GNSS receivers will be frequently paired with 4G-LTE technology in the near future, “testing the two in conjunction with one another is a necessity.”
“Over-the-air testing is emerging as the best way to ensure that GNSS and LTE performance meets user expectations and industry mandates,” they said.
