Test & verification challenges in the next generation mobile devices  

The fast and continuous change in mobile technology and growing complexity of next generation user equipment gives a new challenge to test & verification activities. Efficiency and focus on test methodology becomes more important than ever before. Teleca is experienced in latest technology test engineering as well as state of the art test facilities for all our customers' requirements.

Within the last 10 years, mobile devices have become computers that contain 3 radio interfaces, integrated with multimedia applications with complex and secure services.  In the future we will see this current technology develop into multiprocessor architectures with open platforms, such as Linux or Windows Mobile.

Mobility and mobile office applications are becoming increasingly important and the service packages, which are offered by wireless network operators, are expected to be as secure and as rich as in the landline equivalent, combined with the additional advantage of mobility.

This particular technology trend, which is impacting all communication and information industries, is now embedded in the Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC), requiring the introduction and integration of a variety of key technology enablers.  These include: SIP, Voice Over IP (VoIP), IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) (including VCC, ICS and network selection), Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) and Fixed & Wireless Broadband.

Long Term Evolution

A step closer to this goal is "LTE" (Long Term Evolution), a completely new access technology based on OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) and MIMO (Multiple In Multiple Out antennas) with initial data rates of up to 50 MBits/sec in uplink and 100 MBits/sec in downlink.

When prototyping for next generation mobile devices began in 2006, standardization of LTE at 3GPP was in its infancy and the prototype development used specific assumptions in order to close a few gaps in the specification.
Not only was the access technology completely new, but also a completely new approach for test methodology was devised by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).  From now on, all protocol testing would be performed using TTCN-3.   

TTCN-3 Testing

TTCN-3 will consolidate test concepts, be applicable in telecom and datacom domain and be also used for standardization as for generic software development. The underlying test model (the standardized interface to the test equipment) is still under development.

Ways of Testing

Testing can prove to be tedious in an unstable environment of parallel development of

  • mobile user equipment
  • network equipment
  • TestBeds and test equipment

where interfaces are rudimentary, unavailable or incomplete.

To cope with all these challenges in the test and verification of prototypes, it is essential to be able to

  • define internal test and log points
  • test the different APIs
  • integrate different test interfaces for application development

These dependencies show the importance of thoroughly plan and define a test strategy before entering the test execution. A typical example how to plan and execute a test of mobile user equipment is shown in the pictures below.

   



Planning and Preparation of Mobile User Equipment Test

 



Test Execution Strategy of Mobile User Equipment Test

 

Teleca's Testing Solutions

Having an in depth experience in platform development and design, we have developed a variety of different test tools. These solutions enable test automation in early stages of development and can be easily adapted to the different equipments.

  • The TestController is a Java software application and a central element for test automation with an easy to use self-explanatory GUI automated for any kind of scripts. Several devices and test equipment can be controlled via GPIB or serial port.
  • The AT Test Script Sequencer based on the 3GPP standardized set of AT commands for simulating key presses in a mobile phone. It can control two phones in parallel. Logging can be easily adapted to the individual customer SW and interfaces. An add-on module can also be used to control and automate testing of peripheral devices like Bluetooth headsets.
  • The Data Logger is an easy logging device for parallel and unattended data collection in IOT testing - with the possibility to adapt the SW to each phone vendor, as the logging SW is vendor dependent.
  • The LogPet – an evaluation tool in order to post process the logging data from the tested mobile phone – such as cell re-selection criteria, handovers, cell measurements. This automated search improves the efficiency of mobile phone log evaluation significantly.
  • The Ftpsingle to set up consecutive ftp up and downloads in an automated manner where only file size and number of iterations is to be specified.
  • The DriVE is a tool that visualizes the drive test logging data in maps.  


The Teleca Testing Advantage

A high level of competence in engineering is required for the high demands on test & verification set by the mobile industry. Efficiency and test coverage considerations are more important than ever before. We have many years’ experience in testing and test design and recently have been actively involved in planning and testing the latest technologies and platforms. We always deliver solutions that match the high quality expectations of our customers. We help our customers meet test budgets and quality control with the help of our unique mix of dedicated local Project Managers and off-shore expertise.

Find out more. Contact Helmut Hechler, Department Manager Test & Verification
Tel: +49 911/88190-4441, Helmut.Hechler@teleca.com