Keysight Technologies

Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple

Application Brief

The Long-Term Evolution (LTE) cellular standard includes thousands of

pages of specifications. It can be very challenging to first understand
the LTE specifications and then implement products and systems that
meet the needs of real-world consumers. Signal analyzers are a key
measurement tool often used test LTE designs. These instruments have
evolved, providing greater flexibility through software capabilities such as
embedded measurement applications that automate standards-compliant
measurements. Today, the touch-enabled user interface (UI) technology
widely used in smartphones and tablets can be readily adapted to the
large displays that are increasingly common in signal analyzers. Conse-
quently, signal analyzers now provide new levels of interaction that enable
intuitive connections between cause and effect during development,
debugging and troubleshooting.
02 | Keysight | Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple - Application Brief

Viewing and analyzing multiple component carriers

Frequently Used Settings
simultaneously
Available on Touchscreen
Release 10 of the LTE specifications introduced carrier aggregation (CA) based on the
The Keysight Technologies, Inc.
component carriers (CC) defined in Release 8. The purpose of CA is to increase the
N9020B MXA signal analyzer,
available bandwidth to and from the user equipment (UE) by aggregating two to five CCs
multi-touch provides a touchscreen
to create an instantaneous bandwidth of up to 100 MHz. The channel bandwidths of the
UI that includes features such as
aggregated carriers need not be the same and the aggregation can be contiguous or
drop down menus and customizable
non-contiguous. The non-contiguous CCs can occupy non-adjacent channels in a single
user menus. Rather than navigating
band (i.e., intra-band) or in separate bands (i.e., inter-band) (Figure 1).
through hardkeys, softkeys and long
menus, most of the capabilities can
be accessed with the tap of a finger.
In addition, many frequently used
display settings can be modified
in the menu bar, measurement bar
and annotation hotspot areas. It’s
as easy as tapping the settings
tables and diagrams, or you can
interact with the selected trace by
stretching, pinching, dragging or
tapping.

Figure 1. In this example the LTE measurement application is measuring non-contiguous CA with three CCs.

Because the CCs are part of an aggregated transmission bandwidth, it is useful to view
them simultaneously on a signal analyzer display (Figure 2). The N9080C/N9082C
LTE FDD and TDD measurement applications provide quick and intuitive display
configuration, supporting up to five CCs and six window views. Additionally, the LTE
modulation-analysis measurement provides more than 20 measurement views for
in-depth signal analysis.

Figure 2. Simultaneous modulation analysis of three CCs makes it possible to view spectrum and constellation
data together.
03 | Keysight | Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple - Application Brief

Simplifying conformance tests

Release 10 defines extensive E-UTRA Test Configuration (ETC) conformance tests for
multi-carrier (MC) and CA operation. The N9080C/N9082C LTE FDD and TDD measure-
ment applications have pre-defined ETC configurations that make measurement set-up
fast and efficient. After you enter a few measurement parameters, the signal analyzer
pre-populates the necessary measurement information based on the selected ETC
definition (Figures 3a and 3b).

Figures 3a and 3b. The ETC1 carrier configuration preset accelerates the measurement process.
04 | Keysight | Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple - Application Brief

Characterizing higher-order modulation

Demand for higher data throughput and greater efficiency continues to grow, especially
in areas that have high-density cellular networks. 256QAM is the most recent high-
er-order modulation scheme added to the LTE standard and it will help maximize data
throughput in areas with limited wireless spectrum. The latest version of the X-Series
LTE application supports 256QAM measurements (Figure 4).

Figure 4. The LTE application makes it easy to configure and display the constellation of higher-order modulation
such as 256QAM.

It is often necessary to isolate a segment of a signal’s time record for further viewing and
analysis. When you set up a measurement window with Meas Interval and Meas Offset,
the analyzer will test an individual signal at a specific position and within a specific
length in the LTE frame. All modulation-analysis results in different traces will corre-
spond to the specified measurement window. The Capture Time Diagram automatically
accesses the CC configuration parameters and displays the time-capture information in
a configurable, easy-to-view window (Figure 5).

Figure 5. You can use the Capture Time Diagram to diagnose CC2 higher-order modulation in a 256QAM symbol.
05 | Keysight | Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple - Application Brief

Conclusion
The X-Series signal analyzers are the benchmark for accessible performance that puts
you closer to the answer by easily linking cause and effect. Across the full spectrum—
from CXA to UXA—you’ll find the tools you need to design, test and deliver your next
breakthrough.
The MXA is the optimum choice for wireless as you take new-generation devices to
market. It has the flexibility to quickly adapt to evolving test requirements, today and
tomorrow.
06 | Keysight | Characterization of LTE Devices Made Simple - Application Brief

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© Keysight Technologies, 2017
Published in USA, December 1, 2017
5992-1361EN
www.keysight.com