Handheld analyzer offers fixed WiMAX test options

Test equipment maker Anritsu Co. has introduced fixead WiMAX IEEE-802.16-2004 test options for its existing MT8222A BTS Master RF analyzer. They render the MT8222A handheld field equipment ready for measuring WiMAX emitters.

The options add RF measurements and demodulation to the BTS Master, joining cable and antenna analysis, interference analysis and spectrum analysis. The unit also provides a power meter and bit error rate tester, and can operate as a channel scanner and power monitor.

With the fixed WiMAX options, the BTS Master can serve as a single instrument for anyone responsible for the deployment of WiMAX networks, measuring transmitted signal strength and signal shape of a selected BTS transmission.

The options include familiar channel spectrum, power vs. time, adjacent-channel power ratio and RF summary screens. A demodulator option analyzes OFDM signals and displays detailed measurements for evaluating transmitter modulation performance. The BTS Master's pass/fail mode can also be used with the options. The feature allows a test procedure to be selected, then the BTS Master displays the test results in table format with clear pass or fail indications.

Anritsu's Master Software Tools can also be used with the fixed WiMAX options. This data management and analysis software suite permits custom tests to be created and downloaded into the BTS Master.

In addition to fixed WiMAX analysis, the BTS Master can do W-CDMA/HSDPA and GSM/GPRS/Edge measurements.

Fixed WiMAX RF measurement options starts at $1,250. The demodulation option starts at $4,950. Prices for a basic MT8222A BTS Master start at $18,950.

- Alex Mendelsohn
eeProductCenter