Aeroflex Significantly Extends Test Case Support for 6103 AIME / CT Mobile Terminal Protocol Test System
13 January 2006
Aeroflex announced that it has significantly extended the capability of its 6103 AIME / CT GSM, GPRS, EGPRS mobile terminal protocol test system to include the first DTM (Dual Transfer
Mode) test cases, a comprehensive suite of DARP (Downlink Advanced Receiver
Performance) test cases including three that are unique to Aeroflex and the complete suite of 3GPP Release 4 and EGPRS test cases as defined by the GCF (Global Certification Forum) and PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board).
DTM provides the ability to make a circuit-switched connection at the same time as a packet switched connection that enables users to surf the Internet or use applications such as MMS and IMPS at the same time as making a voice call using a single handset. DTM is a standard feature of WCDMA but test cases are needed for EGPRS to ensure a seamless service when moving between 3G and 2G networks. With Aeroflex the first company to submit DTM test cases for validation, the 6103 AIME / CT supports all the DTM protocol test cases at the GCF that do not also require a WCDMA protocol test system. The DTM test case support on the 6103 AIME / CT is the most comprehensive currently available on any 2.5G mobile terminal protocol test system.
In any network there is a direct correlation between signal strength and call capacity. The development trend with regard to both handsets and base stations has been to introduce technologies that enable greater dynamic resilience to interfering signals such as AMR and EDGE. With DARP, interference resilience is improved still further as a new algorithm is used in the handset to remove multiple interfering signals. Interfering signals of significant amplitude and even those that are out of time due to a reflected path or synchronization can be successfully removed such that the wanted signal can be reconstructed with few errors. Aeroflex was the first to submit DARP test cases to the PTCRB and so far eight have been validated and approved including 14.10.03, 14.10.04 and 14.11.2.3, which are unique to the Aeroflex platform.
In relation to 3GPP Release 4 (Rel'4) and EGPRS, Aeroflex has again been highly responsive in developing the required Rel'4 and EGPRS protocol test cases, having submitted the first test cases to both the GCF and PTCRB.
Today, the 6103 AIME / CT has 100 percent of the Rel'4 and EGPRS test cases as prioritized by the GCF and PTCRB.
Aeroflex has a long track record of being first to market with test cases for new features," said Steve Smith, Business Manager, Aeroflex Test Solutions Wireless Division. "Through our continuing strategy of partnering with the leading handset and chipset manufacturers we have been able to build on our past achievements with first-to-market solutions for DTM, DARP and 3GPP Release 4 testing. By providing early access to such technology, we are once again ensuring that our customers can minimize their time-to-profit when it comes to the introduction of new network features and technology."
The 6103 AIME/CT is a complete protocol conformance test solution for GSM, GPRS and EGPRS mobile terminals. It provides users with a powerful and flexible development tool, as well as full conformance test capabilities in the 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands. The system retains the full capacity of Aeroflex's successful GSM, GPRS and EGPRS 6103 AIME, and in its basic configuration is capable of simultaneous emulation of both a serving and neighbor cell. The platform/test case combination is independently validated with a comprehensive suite of GSM, GPRS and EGPRS test cases.
About Aeroflex
Aeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense, cellular and broadband communications markets. The company's diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. The company's common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the company's website.
About Aeroflex Test Solutions, Wireless Division
Aeroflex Wireless offers a full range of protocol, physical layer and parametric test solutions for the cellular communications industry. Its products address infrastructure and mobile handset testing and support all stages of mobile phone and radio access network equipment development and deployment. Applications include R&D, conformance, production, installation and commissioning, field service, and network optimization. Aeroflex's wireless products test all key 2G, 2.5G and 3G wireless technologies including UMTS, cdmaOne, CDMA2000, TD-SCDMA, GSM, GPRS, and EDGE worldwide.
All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex's business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of Aeroflex's management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Aeroflex does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.
