Electronics Automation

Anritsu has developed a 'first-to-market' MBMS test solution for its highly successful PTS (Protocol Test System), confirming its leadership position in 3G research and development test.

A heritage of collaboration with industry leading terminal manufacturers enables Anritsu to announce a 'first-to-market' MBMS test solution for its highly successful PTS (Protocol Test System), confirming its leadership position in 3G research and development test. MBMS physical layer test capability was first launched in the MD8480C W-CDMA signalling tester in January 2007. Initial layer 3 test functionality will be introduced into the Protocol Test System (PTS) in February with further MBMS enhancements planned during the year.

An MBMS protocol conformance test capability for GCF certification is also planned.

MBMS (Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service) introduced in 3GPP Release 6, is a feature which offers two new bearer services, Broadcast Mode and Multicast Mode, enabling the delivery of multimedia content directly to handsets via point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission.

This is achieved either as a stream which is played back at the receiver in near-real time or as one or more files downloaded to the device for playback at a convenient time.

The growth in demand for point-to-point high bandwidth content delivery such as real time streaming and video services is currently being constrained by available network capacity.

By providing MBMS test functionality Anritsu is meeting industry demand head on, playing a pivotal role in enabling the delivery and transmission of content via MBMS which in turn provides improved network resource sharing, enabling the efficient usage of radio-network and core-network resources.

MBMS is an attractive upgrade to current infrastructure services as it requires no hardware modifications and will not affect current capacity for voice and data communications.

It is envisaged that MBMS will be the primary vehicle for, streaming and downloading services over the UE and as such will provide operators with a method of user initiated content targeting and greatly improved revenue streams.

Pixelmetrix, the global expert in Preventive Monitoring for digital television and IPTV networks, will present its latest line of innovative devices come April at NAB 2007, Las Vegas.

Pixelmetrix, the global expert in Preventive Monitoring for digital television and IPTV networks, will present its latest line of innovative devices for preventitive monitoring in April at NAB 2007, Las Vegas. Its new portfolio of solutions is targeted at IPTV, terrestrial, satellite and cable market players to clinch optimum system performance and service delivery. Highlights at the Pixelmetrix booth SU12109 will include the integration of its DVStation-IP and DVStorIP-Gen, featuring end-to-end commissioning and testing of IPTV networks.

Exclusive previews of DVB-S2 and DVB-H are also on the agenda.

'At NAB 2007, we are introducing the bundling of our slew of advanced tools to fulfill the need for IPTV quality of experience and quality of service, disaster recovery, compliance recording and streamlined headend monitoring, just to name a few', says Danny Wilson, President and CEO of Pixelmetrix.

'The aim is to help operators and service providers bolster their confidence to create an efficient infrastructure, align their IPTV deployments and assure successful implementation and execution'.

Pixelmetrix will also exhibit the dynamic enhanced features of its DVShift MPEG-TS time shifter and DVStor transport storage and playback system.

On the Visualmpeg showcase, real-time elementary stream and video quality analysis will be covered.

Pixelmetrix develops a host of IPTV and preventive monitoring systems that offer unique attributes and versatility, allowing operators to achieve end-to-end visibility and keep tabs on their network architecture.

EXFO Electro-Optical Engineering has launched the IQS-3150 Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for optical network testing and active component manufacturing applications.

Exfo Electro-Optical Engineering has launched the IQS-3150 Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) for optical network testing and active component manufacturing applications. The VOA offers an attenuation range of 65dB and spectral uniformity (+/-0.03dB over the C-band) as well as an optional intelligent function (integrated power meter). This new IQS module can be used in an automated testing environment to simulate the loss of optical power or increased link attenuation.

It combines reliable performance, complete control of the signal level, advanced programming capabilities and user-friendliness inside a one-slot singlemode or multimode module within the IQS-500 Intelligent Test System.

The IQS-3150 VOA has been designed to meet the requirements of the most extensive manufacturing applications in which 24 x 7 operation over a period of five years or more is needed.

When equipped with the optional power meter, the instrument can be set to reach a calibrated output power level instead of a known level of attenuation.

This two-in-one option eliminates the need for an external power meter and simplifies test setups.

'Our variable optical attenuator represents a key building block in the development of a multitude of automated test stations for manufacturing, system verification or RandD applications', says Etienne Gagnon, Exfo's Vice-President of Optical and Protocol Product Management.

'A wide range of optical and protocol test modules can be combined to create high-performance test stations like those required for BER testing of transmission cards or gain and noise characterisation of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs)'.

'Combined with the integrated power meter option, this new VOA increases the flexibility and stability of such test stations'.

The DTX CableAnalyzer can now validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan power-over-Ethernet controllers, in accordance with TIA/EIA standards.

Fluke Networks has added a new capability to its industry-leading DTX CableAnalyzer Series. The DTX CableAnalyzer can now validate twisted-pair cabling links that use midspan power-over-Ethernet (PoE) controllers, in accordance with TIA/EIA standards. DTX AC Wiremap tests the wiring in each link to assure that VoIP phones, wireless access points, security cameras and other PoE devices will work with midspan power supplies before deployment, and to identify failures that may appear after deployment.

'This capability solves a testing issue that has been problematic for Power-over-Ethernet consumers', said John Schmidt, Senior Product Manager, Structured Cabling Systems for ADC.

'The ability to properly test through a PoE midspan is essential to certifying modern Ethernet networks'.

Ordinary wiremap tests fail when working with midspan power supplies, as the power supplies block the wiremap test signals from flowing in the direction of the Ethernet switch or hub.

As the name implies, the new DTX AC Wiremap test uses Alternating Current and innovative analysis methods that are unaffected by a midspan supply to provide accurate wiremap tests.

'We believe this new capability will enable current and future PoE installations to be easily tested with a single device making PoE Midspan devices easy to test and integrate into structured cabling systems', said Michael K Pula, Product Line Manager, Panduit Managed Network Solutions.

The DTX AC Wiremap test also diagnoses failures by determining the distance to the point of failure, possible reason(s) for the failure and corrective actions, saving time and allowing technicians with a wide range skill levels to understand and correct the problem.

The use of PoE is growing 20 to 30% per year.

Rapid increase in the use of VoIP phones, wireless access points and other PoE devices has made the powered network essential to businesses.

This is especially true where existing infrastructure, such as expensive switches and routers, is being coupled with new midspan power supplies.

The need for accurate testing on PoE networks is now mission critical.

The new DTX AC Wiremap test is now a standard feature on all DTX CableAnalyzers, can be added to existing units as a no-cost upgrade.

The Cropico DO4A is a versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of engineering and power system safety applications.

The Cropico DO4A is a versatile digital ohmmeter used for low resistance measurement across a diverse range of engineering and power system safety applications. The DO4A uses True 4 Wire measurement to eliminate lead resistance errors across a push button selectable range from 40mW to 4kW with respective resolutions between 10mW and 1W. Contained in an aluminium case with a tilted carrying handle, the robust unit can be used in the workshop, by field or maintenance engineers or as part of more comprehensive electrical test facilities.

Input protection is provided up to 415V RMS.

For ease of operation the control functions have been kept to a minimum and a four-digit LCD gives direct readings of the resistance measured, with over-range and low-battery indicators also provided.

Other special features include an auto zero facility where thermal EMF may cause a large measuring error and warning LEDs to indicate an open circuit lead condition.

Rechargeable batteries provide full portability with over 14hr of continuous working on the lowest ranges and 28hr operation on others.

The Cropico DO4A is supplied ready for immediate use and comes complete with battery, mains cord and measuring leads.

In addition, a wide range of optional accessories including duplex handspikes, other specialist clips, long length leads and wire clamps further extend the instrument's versatility.