The R&S CMW platform of Bluetooth® testers supports the new Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) 5.2 power control test routines. These are the only instruments that conduct all specified RF tests up to Bluetooth LE 5.0 via the air interface. This unique solution has already been submitted to the Bluetooth® SIG for the specification of a new Bluetooth LE test mode. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG) adopted the first BLE 5.2 specifications in late 2019, initially affecting new power control features. Rohde & Schwarz has already integrated specific tests into the Bluetooth test software of its wireless communications testers on the R&S CMW platform. In addition, Bluetooth LE 5.2 will offer extended audio features similar to those of Bluetooth Classic. As soon as the specifications have been completed, Rohde & Schwarz will expand the range of functions of its Bluetooth testers accordingly.
The new Bluetooth LE test mode
In addition, Rohde & Schwarz introduces the new Bluetooth LE test mode for Bluetooth LE 5.0. As with Bluetooth Classic, it allows manufacturers to perform all RF and pre-conformance tests on their Bluetooth LE components over the air interface (OTA). This greatly simplifies testing as no additional control cable is needed as in Direct Test Mode (DTM). Trials are just as short as when using DTM. The OTA test procedures have already been submitted to the Bluetooth® SIG to obtain the specification of a new Bluetooth LE test mode. The new mode is based on the R&S CMW platform of wireless communications testers from Rohde & Schwarz and is suitable for measurements during development and production, as well as in shielded cameras. Another special feature for developers is that the R&S CMW measures the bit error rate (BER) of a transmission in Bluetooth LE receivers in addition to the specified packet error rate (PER).
Covers all Bluetooth RF compliance tests
The R&S CMW can perform all Bluetooth RF conformance tests, from Bluetooth Classic to Bluetooth LE and Bluetooth 5.2. You can also perform various audio tests on Bluetooth BR/EDR (Basic Rate/Enhanced Data Rate) connections.
Checking other wireless technologies
The R&S CMW500, R&S CMW290 and R&S CMW270 are also suitable for testing other wireless technologies. They have a measurement bandwidth of 160 MHz and can test all RF parameters specified in the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards, including 802.11ax. They can also perform RF tests on Zigbee components for smart home applications. More information available at www.rohde-schwarz.com/ble-testing.
