The UMTS Automatic Test System (U-ATS) platform from Spirent Communications has earned certification as the first automated RF-conformance test system for Region 2 wideband code-division-multiple-access (WCDMA) terminals. The Region 2 band, also known as UMTS1900 (which covers the Americas and the Caribbean area), will be used for initial deployment of 3G WCDMA in North America. Prior to earning certification, the test system underwent 29 tests according to the 3GPP TS 34.121 specification, performed by an independent test company. The results of these tests were validated for Region 2 certification by the PCS Validation Group (PVG) of the PCS Type Certification Review Board (PTCRB). The automated test system is driven from Spirent's TestDrive UMTS test executive software for seamless test configuration and execution without any requirement for scripting or programming.
According to Rob Van Brunt, vice-president of product marketing for Spirent Communications' wireless business, "we are delighted with the 'first-to-certify' status of our Region 2 RF conformance test solution." Tests for terminals intended for use in this band must first undergo validation by the PVG before they are certified by the PTCRB. The 3GPP RF test cases for the U-ATS system have been verified with several Region 2 W-CDMA terminals from top-tier manufacturers. The validated tests include transmitter, receiver and performance test cases defined in TS 34.121. Spirent Comm --> http://lists.planetee.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/eA0JtlqC0Gth0BM580AX