- 7layers has validated its Interlab Bluetooth® RF test solution for qualifying Channel Sounding functionality.
- Developed jointly with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chip manufacturers, this solution uses the R&S CMW series broadband radio communication tester.
Bluetooth® Channel Sounding is a new, secure telemetry function designed to provide greater positioning accuracy for applications using Bluetooth® devices. 7layers and Rohde & Schwarz have announced that their solution is the first test platform listed by the Bluetooth® SIG consortium. This solution enables qualification testing of the Channel Sounding functionality in accordance with the RF Physical Layer (RFPHY) requirements of Bluetooth® version 6.0.
For many years, 7layers, a Bureau Veritas Group company, and Rohde & Schwarz have collaborated in developing Bluetooth® RF test solutions for Bluetooth® Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF), Bluetooth® Recognized Test Facilities (BRTFs) as well as for chipset and module vendors. Thanks to this partnership with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chipset vendors, 7layers has now validated the Channel Sounding feature within its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF. Bluetooth® SIG has listed it as a validated test solution for Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth® RFPHY version 6.0.
Improved positioning accuracy
The rollout of Bluetooth® Low Energy devices supporting Channel Sounding will significantly improve positioning accuracy for ‘Digital Key’ and ‘Find My’ applications. In addition, these devices will feature improved power consumption and superior security, all critical features for Bluetooth® enabled products. Since September, the Bluetooth® SIG has introduced test cases to qualify these new features.
The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF fulfils all qualification requirements for Bluetooth® Classic, Low Energy (LE), including Direction Finding, as well as the latest Core feature Bluetooth® Channel Sounding. Comprehensive test automation and the accurate implementation of the Bluetooth® test cases are crucial to ensure compliance to the Bluetooth® specifications.
The Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding runs with a wideband radio communication tester of the R&S CMW platform and offers an integrated RF path calibration, required measurement accuracy as well as analysis capabilities. The test platform from Rohde & Schwarz supports the corresponding RF physical layer measurements for the usage in development and for prequalification tests as a standalone box.