TMAccelerateAssureAnalyze

RF Channel Emulator

TAS4500 FLEX5

Spirent Communications541 Industrial Way West

Eatontown, New Jersey07724, U.S.A.

Tel: +1 732-544-8700Fax: +1 732-544-8347

Sales: +1 800-348-0080tas.sales@spirentcom.com

Sales Contacts:North America

+1 800-927-2660Europe, Middle East,

Africa+33-1-6137-2250

Asia Pacific+852-2166-8382All Other Regions+1 818-676-2683

www.spirentcom.com

Comprehensive, repeatableradio channel emulation fortesting 3G wireless systems.

The TAS4500 FLEX5 possesses uniquefeatures to evaluate a wide range ofwireless communications technologies,including:

■ WCDMA■ CDMA2000■ Wireless LAN■ Location Based Services

The FLEX5 provides accurate andrepeatable control of RF channelcharacteristics such as:

■ Multi-Path Fading■ Path Loss■ Delay Spread■ Log Normal Shadowing

These effects result in significant signaldistortion that can lead to errors andcommunication failures. Thorough andeffective testing can lead to designsthat mitigate the RF channel effects andrender robust, high-quality products.

FLEX5 gives you the bandwidth youneed to cover all CDMA2000, WCDMAand WLAN applications. The FLEX5 alsoprovides, flexible radio channelemulation to meet wide range of testing

standards from 3GPP2, 3GPP, ANSI, ITU,CDG and many more. It provides aneasy way to comply with industrystandards and to benchmark productperformance. In addition, FLEX5 givesyou the tools to go beyond merestandards compliance to completelyand objectively characterize productperformance.

Using the powerful DynamicEnvironment Emulation (DEE) feature,you can emulate dynamic channelconditions, or playback fieldmeasurements in the lab. FLEX5dynamic channel models meet WCDMAreceiver test requirements by emulatingreal-world propagation conditions. Thisis achieved by dynamically changingkey channel parameters versus time.FLEX5 can re-create a time-varyingpower-delay channel profile either fromsynthesized data or previously recordedfield measurements.

FLEX5 creates a wide range ofrealistic RF propagation conditions, sothat wireless communication productscan be thoroughly tested in a laboratorysetting. FLEX5 creates accurate,repeatable test conditions to facilitatesystematic testing. Thorough testingwith FLEX5 will reduce cost and time-to-market.

TAS4500 FLEX5preciselyemulates time-varying RFpropagationeffects tofacilitatethoroughevaluation ofwirelesscommunicationsequipment.

Major Features:■ Provides comprehensive channel

models for evaluating CDMA2000 and WCDMA communications equipment

■ Includes powerful, user programmable dynamic tests toaccurately reproduce real-world conditions

■ Expandable up to an eight branch diversity test system with fullcorrelation control

■ Vector channel model for adaptive antenna array testing

■ Combines with Spirent InterferenceEmulator to provide programmableinterference conditions across entirerange of operating frequencies

■ Supports JTC’94 models for indoor WLAN applications

■ Large Doppler emulation range meets high-speed mobile test specifications

■ Built-in and user-programmable environment models

■ Wide dynamic range provides accurate results even at the lowest signal levels

Applications:■ Product Development■ System Performance Test■ Quality Assurance■ Manufacturing Test■ Product Evaluation■ Design Verification Test■ Conformance Test

Advanced Test Equipment Rentalswww.atecorp.com 800-404-ATEC (2832)

®

Established 1981

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 2

TAS4500 FLEX5 addresses a wide rangeof wireless communications applica-tions. FLEX5 provides accurate, repeat-able emulation of the wireless commu-nication medium that is independentof transceiver technology, so the sameFLEX5 unit can be applied to a widerange of transmission schemes. FLEX5also operates over a broad frequencyrange, so applications as diverse asWLAN, audio/video broadcast, land-mobile radio, cellular and PCS can allbe addressed.

FLEX5 is a modular system thatcan be configured to fit the needs of aspecific application. In addition, FLEX5works inconjunction with other Spirentequipment such as our InterferenceEmulator and automatic test softwareto form complete test systems. All FLEX5models come equipped with convenientfront panel controls as well as TASKIT®

software for Windows PC control.

Standard Test Systems forCellular, PCS, and NextGeneration WirelessApplications

TAS4500 FLEX5 emulates all RFpropagation conditions required forwireless voice and data applicationstesting in one compact enclosure.FLEX5 tests both mobile station andbase station equipment. Each FLEX5unit can be configured with up to twelveindependent signal paths, and caneasily accommodate the required test

The FLEX5 family includes standard test systems forcellular, PCS, and next-generation wireless applications.

conditions for both existing andemerging wireless communicationstandards. In addition, built-in localoscillators keep the test systemintegrated and easy to operate. TASKIT®

software includes a pre-defined libraryof test conditions for popular wirelessstandards.

FLEX5 Capabilities

TAS4500RF Channel Emulator

RF TestSignal

Channel1

Channel2

Channel1

Channel2

TAS4500 FLEX

In the past, the methods available tobenchmark the performance of wirelesssystems under dynamic environmentconditions were extremely limited. Thistype of comprehensive performanceevaluation was typically restricted totime-consuming, costly, andunrepeatable field tests. Now, using

FLEX5’s innovative DynamicEnvironment Emulation (DEE) feature,real-world conditions can be recreatedin the lab via TASKIT/4500 PC-software.Propagation conditions can be eithersynthesized or imported from fieldmeasurements to allow full, repeatablecontrol over time-varying RF channelcharacteristics. DEE can help isolatepotential field problems beforedeployment – saving both time andmoney.

Dynamic Environment Emulationmakes it possible to synchronouslyemulate multiple forward and reverselinks. When used in a multi-channelmode, DEE synchronizes the fading andmulti-path characteristics across FLEX5instruments enabling precise cause-and-effect correlation between channelconditions and system performance.

Test time-sensitive system handoffperformance algorithms, usingDynamic Environment Emulation

SYNC ∑

Channel1

Channel2

TAS4500

Base StationSector A

Base StationSector B

Base StationSector C

Base StationSector D

TAS4500

Channel2

Channel1

Handoff Performance Test Setup

TAS4500 FLEX

TAS4500 FLEX

Play-back field propagationconditions in the lab usingDynamic Environment Emulation

TASKITSoftware

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 3

TAS4500 FLEX5 Applications

WCDMA UE Test Configuration

C2K-ATS CDMA2000 AutomaticTest System for EvaluatingMobile Devices

Wireless LAN Test Configuration

C2K-ATS is acomprehensivetest setup thatprovides completeand automatedcoverage of IS-98and IS-898 (CDGStage 2)

Universal Diagnostic Monitor

Network Emulation

C2K-ATS System Configuration

TASKIT/C2KSoftware

TAS3450CDMA Network

Emulator

TAS5048 TCU

TAS4500 RFChannel Emulator

RF Channel Emulation (Impairments)

TAS5600 UniversalInterference Emulator

TAS4600 Noise& Interference

Emulator

TAS3450 CDMA NETWORK EMULATOR

TAS5200RF Converter TAS5048 Test Configuration Unit

TAS5600 UNIVERSAL INTERFERENCE EMULATOR

TAS4600ATAS4500 FLEX

TAS5200 RF CONVERTER

Spectrum Analyzer

One Box RadioTest Set

U-ATS is acomprehensive testsetup that providesautomated WCDMAperformance testcoverage, including3GPP standards

Spirent solutionsenable both physicaland MAC layertesting for WLANapplications.

U-ATS System Configuration

Test Executive

TAS4500 RFChannel Emulator

RF Channel Emulation (Impairments)

TAS5600 UniversalInterference Emulator

TAS4500 FLEXTAS5600 UNIVERSAL INTERFERENCE EMULATOR

TAS5048 TCU

TAS5048 Test Configuration Unit

Spectrum Analyzer

One Box RadioTest Set

Wireless LAN System Configuration

Spectrum AnalyzerSpirent SmartBits

600/6000

TAS4500 RFChannel Emulator

TAS4500 FLEX

WLANAccess Point W-NIC

Client

SmartBits

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 4

Powerful Dynamic EnvironmentEmulation (DEE) Lets YouAccurately Pinpoint Real-WorldPerformance Problems

Dynamic Environment Emulation varieskey channel parameters at precise timeintervals. This innovative feature allowscomplete performance evaluation oftime-sensitive communicationsalgorithms such as Rake demodulator,channel equalizer, or mobile hand-offscheme. By moving the testenvironment into the lab, this advancedcapability enables different designiterations to be evaluated overrepeatable test conditions and reducesthe cost of testing.

Employing an easy-to-useWindows-based GUI, DEE makes it easyto generate and play-back a series ofexhaustive channel conditions. TheDEE test software allows control overeight synchronous RF emulationchannels from a single PC. Multi-channel synchronization makes itpossible to construct a comprehensivetest bed for evaluating the performanceof several forward and reverse linkssimultaneously. State transitions canbe managed by internal timers orsynchronized to system events via anexternal trigger signal.

FLEX5’s dynamicchannel modelsmeet WCDMAreceiver testrequirements

3GPDP simplifies receivertesting by allowing pre-definedWCDMA/3GPP channel modelsto be recalled with a touch of abutton

FLEX5 with 3GPDP provides the abilityto go beyond the two-path dynamicmodels defined in 3G standards byallowing the relative delay of theinstrument’s entire path to be variedover time. 3GPDP’s Moving propagationand Birth-Death channel models

3GPDP makes it easy to recallpre-defined 3GPDP channelmodels or to create moresophisticated dynamic multi-path test scenarios.

emulate the temporal variations in theradio channel by changing delay-spreadcharacteristics versus time.

■ Emulates time-varying power-delay profiles (PDP’s)

■ Evaluates performance of RAKEfinger management and channelestimation algorithms

■ Built-in Moving Propagation andBirth-Death Channel Models

■ Surpasses requirements definedin CDMA2000 and WCDMA(3GPP) test specifications

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 5

Advanced multi-branch andvector channel models forevaluation of diversity andantenna array systems

Many wireless systems utilize diversityreceivers to optimize performance.Emerging networks are deployingantenna arrays to further reduce theeffects of interference and increasesystem capacity. Diversity and antennaarray systems require advancedchannel models capable ofsynchronously emulating multiplepropagation channels. Dual-branchdiversity systems can be evaluated ina single TAS4500.

Diversity systems with more thantwo branches require additional FLEX5instruments to be synchronized. A

system utilizing four diversity branchesrequires the channel characteristics ofa pair of TAS4500’s. Additional FLEX5instruments can be added to emulateup to an eight-branch diversity modelwith full correlation control betweenbranches.

Evaluation of antenna arraysystems requires a new class of channelmodels. These vector channel modelsrequire control of both fadingcorrelation and relative phase betweenemulation channels. The TAS4500provides the advanced vector channelmodels required to evaluate antennaarray systems.

The FLEX5 is the firstfading emulator thatexpands to an eight-branch diversity testsystem. TAS4500provides full correlationcontrol by synchronizingfading characteristicsacross four instruments.

TAS4500 - Primary Unit

TAS4500 - Secondary Unit(s)

Branch 1

Branch 2

RF 1 In

RF 2 In

RF 1 Out

RF 2 Out

TransmitSignal

Branch M-1

Branch M

RF 1 In

RF 2 In

RF 1 Out

RF 2 Out

SYNC

Channel1

Channel2

ChannelM-1

ChannelM

TASKIT/Smart Antenna provides accessto all the parameters necessary toconfigure multi-branch channel models.At the heart of the Smart Antenna TestSystems, the PC-based software makesit possible to program the spatialcharacteristics of the antenna arrayusing simple geometric parameters.

This powerful channel modelingsoftware precisely calculates the phaserelationships between each of theantenna elements based on the user-defined antenna geometry. The resultis an accurate and repeatable channelmodel that emulates the propagationenvironment seen by the diversityantenna system.

TASKIT/Smart Antenna’s innovativeRandom Angle of Arrival Test recreatesreal-time dynamic test conditions.Based on the antenna array geometryand user-defined angle of arrivalstatistics, TASKIT/Smart Antenna playsback a time-varying multi-branchchannel model. The multi-branch test

system fully evaluates theadaptive algorithms employed bySmart Antenna systems byrandomly varying the angle ofarrival characteristics of eachpropagation path.

Spirent’s SmartAntenna TestSystem can beprogrammed torandomly varyangle-of-arrivalcharacteristicsover time basedon statisticaldistributions.

TASKIT/Smart Antenna softwareprovides quick and easy accessto powerful multi-channelmodeling capabilities

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 6

Matrix of FLEX5 Models

FLEX5-ATT1Atten. For 800-2500 MHz Range (eachchannel) — This option provides a precisionRF attenuator to cover the 800-2500 MHzfrequency range. A separate attenuatoroption must be purchased for each channelin the FLEX5 unit.

FLEX5-ATT3Atten. For Extended Freq. Range (eachchannel) — This option provides an RFattenuator to cover the extended (25-3000MHz) frequency range. A separate attenuatoroption must be purchased for each channelin the FLEX5 unit. ATT3 control not availablewhen using DEE.

FLEX5-EFXEnhanced Feedthrough Suppression (eachchannel) — This option adds LO and ImageFeedthrough suppression filtering over the800 - 3000 MHz frequency range. A separatesuppression filter must be purchased foreach channel in the FLEX5 unit.

FLEX5-CBPChannel Bypass Option (each channel) —This option for the enhanced front endprovides software controlled bypass of thechannel. This option is not available withthe FLEX5-FBP option.

FLEX5-EXTnnExtended Delay Option — Extended delayis available for all FLEX5 models. The FLEX5has a 2000 msec relative path delay rangewhen equipped with the extended delayoption. The part number for extended delaydepends on the number of paths containedin the FLEX5 system, as follows:■ 12-path systems – FLEX5-EXT12■ 6-path systems – FLEX5-EXT06■ 3-path systems – FLEX5-EXT03

FLEX5 System Componentsand Options

FLEX5 Application-SpecificSystems

TAS4500 FLEX5 can be ordered in oneof two ways:■ Pre-configured system, targeted for

specific test applications■ A la carte, to create a custom system

configuration

The following text provides adescription of each available systemproduct. The “Matrix of FLEX5 Models”shows how each specific 4500 modelis equipped. The “FLEX5 SystemsComponents and Options” provides abrief description of each available FLEX5option. Note that FLEX5 products arelisted with the format: PartNumber/Description. Please use thesesame part numbers and descriptionswhen placing an order.

FLEX5/3G - Complete RF channelemulator for third generation (3G)cellular and PCS applications. Includestwo 6-path channels, two LO’s,enhanced feedthrough suppression,channel bypass function and RF outputattenuators. Covers 800-2500 MHzrange.

FLEX5/CELL - Complete RF channelemulator for cellular and personalcommunications systems (PCS)applications. Includes two 3-pathchannels, two LO’s, enhancedfeedthrough suppression, channelbypass function and RF outputattenuators. Covers 800-2500 MHzrange.

SMART-LAB - Complete system fortesting Smart Antenna and AntennaDiversity systems with up to eightbranches. Includes up to foursynchronized FLEX5 channel emulators.

Systems include the nessaryaccessories and TASKIT/Smart Antennasoftware for easy control of the testsetup.

C2K-LAB - Complete emulation of RFFading, AWGN and low-phase noiseinterference conditions required bycdma2000 test specifications. Includestwo LO’s, enhanced feed-throughsuppression, channel bypass function,5600W Universal Interference Emulator,and TASKIT software for Windows PCControl. Covers 800-2200 MHz range.

UMTS-LAB - Complete emulation of RFfading AWGN, and interferenceconditions required by WCDMA testspecifications. Includes TAS5600WUniversal Interference Emulator andTASKIT software for Windows PC control.Covers 800-2200 MHz, including IMT-2000 frequency bands.

Channels Band Channel Enhanced 800-2500 MHz 25-3000 MHzModel X Width Internal Bypass Feed Through Output Output

Paths (MHz) LO Type (CBP) Suppression Attenuator Attenuator(EFX) (ATT1) (ATT3)

FLEX5/ 2C12P 2 X 6 26 opt opt opt opt opt

FLEX5/ 2C06P 2 X 3 26 opt opt opt opt opt

FLEX5/ 1C06P 1 X 6 26 opt opt opt opt opt

FLEX5/ 1C03P 1 X 3 26 opt opt opt opt opt

FLEX5/ 3G 2 X 6 26 LO4 yes yes yes no

FLEX5/ CELL 2 X 3 26 LO4 yes yes yes no

FLEX5/ Q1 2 X 6 26 LO4 yes yes yes no

BaseModels

Pre-Configured

Models

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator 7

RF Channel SpecificationsRF Input SignalFrequency Range 25 to 3000 MHzRF Bandwidth 26 MHz

Number of IndependentRF Channels 1 or 2

RF Input Signal LevelRange +5 to -30 dBm

RF Bandwidth Peak to PeakTypical Amplitude Variation 1 dB

RF Channel OptionsRF Image and LO FeedthroughSuppression (EFX Option)

Frequency Range 800 to 3000 MHzRF Image Feedthroughon RF Out -50 dBc maximum

RF LO Feedthroughon RF Out -75 dBm

RF Output Attenuator

ATT1:Attenuation Range 0 to 80 dBResolution 0.1 dBFrequency Range 800 to 2500 MHz

ATT3:Attenuation Range 0 to 90 dBResolution 0.1 dBFrequency Range 25 to 3000 MHz

Local Oscillator (LO) CharacteristicsInternal Local Oscillators (LO4 option)(All specs refer to LO OUT unless noted)

LO Frequency Range 940-2860 MHzCarrier Frequency Range

(RF IN) 800-3000 MHzLevel +13 dBm

External Local Oscillators(All specs refer to LO IN unless noted)

LO Frequency Range 165-3860 MHz

LO Offset fromCarrier Frequency (Fc) Fc >800 MHz

Fc - 140 MHzFc <800 MHzFc + 140MHz

Level Range +12 to +15 dBm

Channel Emulation CharacteristicsNumber of IndependentPaths per Channel 3, 6 or 12

Path Modulation None, Rayleigh,Frequency Shift,Phase Shift,Rayleigh withFrequency Shift,Rician withFrequency ShiftNakagami, Rician

Fading Emulation MethodProgrammablewith 2 modes: Jakes, Filtered

Noise

Fading Power Spectrum Classical 6dBFlatClassical 3dBRounded

Fading (Rayleigh)Amplitude Distribution

Deviation fromTheoretical CPDFexceeds the followingrequirements(exceeds IS-137/138,and TIA/EIA-97/98requirements):

From +10 to -30 dBof mean power level <± 0.5 dB

Level Crossing Rate(LCR) Accuracy exceedthe followingrequirements(exceeds IS-137/138,and TIA/EIA-97/98requirements):

From +3 to -30 dBof mean power level < ± 2.5% deviation

theoretical LCRcurve of thesimulated vehiclevelocity

Fading Repetition IntervalEmulation Method =Filtered Noise Programmablewith3 modes: 27 seconds, 20

minutes, 24 hours

Correlation Coefficient(Between Channel 1 and Channel 2 Paths)

Range 0 to 1Resolution 0.01

VelocityRange (fc = 900 MHz) ± 0.1 to ± 1199.2

km/hr(± 0.1 to ± 745.1mph)

Resolution 0.1 units

Fading Doppler FrequencyRange ± 0.1 to ± 1000 HzResolution 0.1 Hz

Doppler Shift Frequency(Frequency Shift)

Range ± 0.01 to ± 1000 HzResolution 0.01 Hz

Line of Site (LOS) Arrival Angle(Modulation = Rician or Nakagami)

Range 0 to 360 degreesResolution 0.1 degrees

Relative Phase Between Paths(Modulation = Phase)

Range 0 to 360 degrees

Resolution 0.1 degrees

The following specifications describewarranteed performance over thetemperature range 0-50 degrees C andinclude a 30 minute warm-up time fromambient conditions. Supplementalcharacteristics are in italics and provideuseful information by giving non-warranteedperformance parameters.

FLEX5 Technical Specifications

TAS4500 FLEX5 RF Channel Emulator

Spirent Communications541 Industrial Way West

Eatontown, New Jersey07724, U.S.A.

Tel: +1 732-544-8700Fax: +1 732-544-8347

Sales: +1 800-348-0080tas.sales@spirentcom.com

Sales Contacts:North America

+1 800-927-2660Europe, Middle East,

Africa+33-1-6137-2250

Asia Pacific+852-2166-8382All Other Regions+1 818-676-2683

www.spirentcom.com

Copyright © 2002 Spirent Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Spirent and the Spirent logo are trademarks of Spirent plc.All other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged.Specifications subject to change without notice. 11/02 v.9.1

FLEX5 Technical Specifications: (continued)

Channel Emulation Characteristics - (Continued)

Rician K Factor(Modulation = Rician)

Range -30 to +30 dBResolution 0.1 dB

Nakagami M Value(Modulation = Nakagami)

Values 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 25,100

Relative Path DelayRange

Standard System 0 to 125 µsecExtended Delay 0 to 2000 µsec

Resolution 0.5 nsec

Relative Path LossRange 0 to 50 dB

Resolution 0.1 dB

Log Normal Fading Standard Deviation(Relative Path Loss = 25 dB)

Range 0 to 12 dB

Resolution 1 dB

Log Normal Fading RateRange 0 to 20 Hz

Resolution 0.001 Hz

Channel Models

FLEX5 performs these standard multi-path fadingenvironments and many more:

3GPP

WCDMA TS 25.141TS 34.121TS 25.142TS 34.122TR 25.943

3GPP2 IS-97-DIS-98-D

Dynamic Environment Emulation

Number of States >2 billion

Minimum State Duration 10 msec.

State Duration Resolution 1 msec.

State Transition Trigger internal, external

ProgrammableParameters Delay, Path loss, RF

Attenuation(ATT1 only),Modulation type,Doppler frequency,velocity, LOSComponent,Spectrum Offset,Rician K, NakagamiM, Phase Shift,Fading PowerSpectrum

3GPDP

Test Profiles MovingPropagationBirth-Death

Minimum State Duration 1 msec

State Duration Resolution 1 msec

State Transition Trigger Internal/External

Modified Parameters Path Delay

Moving PropagationPeriod of Oscillation(10-3 rad/sec) 1 to 32767Number ofMoving Paths 1 to 6

Birth-DeathNumber of Delay Bins 1 to 64Number ofActive Paths 1 to 6

Interface and EnvironmentalCharacteristic

Power Requirements

Voltage 85-265 VAC(auto sensing)

Frequency 47 - 63 Hz

Operating EnvironmentTemperature 0 to 50 degrees

C (32 to 122degrees F)

Dimensions and WeightHeight 6.9 inches,

175 mm

Width 17.7 inches,450 mm

Depth 19.9 inches,505 mm

Weight 45 pounds,20.5 kg

Control InterfacesInterfaces Provided RS-232 (DCE)

and IEEE-488(GPIB)

External 10 MHzReference Requirements

Input Frequency 10.000 MHz