RF Test and Simulator

An increasing number of multimedia-based devices is integrated into passenger cars. RF modules do not only supply infotainment services but also provide navigation and security services such as eCall. In addition to that many different broadcast standards have been established all over the world. All of them have to be tested properly in one test field.

In order to reduce test times and costs while increasing throughput and diversity, free field recording and playback of naturally and environmentally impaired signals as well as signal generation become more and more important. Generation and playback of real word RF signals in the lab reduces the need for expensive field test drives and enables manufactureres to do fast and simultaneous lab testing of multiple RF devices, even if a certain signal is not broadcast in the area.

In order to meet these constantly increasing demands on RF products, NOFFZ and its RF Solutions have developed a special series of RF test equipment, which not only allows the exact recording of RF signals in the field, but also includes numerous options for the reproduction, generation and distribution of RF signals and even includes comprehensive options for FKT and non-signalling test.

The recording and playback devices of this RF product series are capable of generating signals within a frequency range of 250 kHz to 2.7 GHz. These signals include various radio standards, GNSS signals and numerous digital TV standards.

Signals can be generated not only based on recordings from the free field. There are numerous toolkits available that are capable of generating AM/FM radio, TMC, RDS, DAB and Sirius/XM signals.

The RF product range also includes individual amplification and signal distribution units that can both feed in additional antenna signals and perform signal conditioning. These units are mainly used to distribute the received and generated signals to a large number of test stations or DUTs.

NOFFZ’s RF solutions are suitable for numerous test and validation applications where disturbed real RF signals with different frequency ranges and modulation types are required at the same time.

The different components for recording, playback, generation and distribution of RF signals can be used for parallel integration tests in the automotive sector, if the parallel testing of numerous UUTs is to be performed. Identical signal quality and signal strength can be guaranteed for all test stations.

Since the signal generation and distribution units can also be integrated into FKT and non-signaling test systems, the RF solutions enable manufacturers of radio, GNSS, TV or eCall modules to test transmitters or receivers, assess signal quality (BER, SNR, spectrum, etc.), perform non-signaling tests or sequential or parallel functional tests of several chip sets, modules or terminals.

Using the UTP GNSS Generator, the test of GNSS navigation devices can be performed under real conditions without test drive. This system enables the test of navigation devices based on once driven and recorded routes in combination with CAN bus signals.

The RF product range includes tools and modules for numerous and very different applications, ranging from simple and stand-alone signal generator/recorder to fully integrated FKT and non-signaling test systems.