- Anritsu has introduced software options for its MT8862A wireless connectivity tester, enabling the evaluation of RF characteristics for equipment compatible with Wi-Fi 8 (IEEE 802.11bn) technology and Bluetooth Low Energy (LE).
- These enhancements allow both technologies to be tested on a single platform, meaning users who already own an MT8862A-series tester do not need to purchase a new measurement system.
Wi-Fi 8 technology is currently under development, with standardization expected to be finalized in 2028. Its primary goals include improving communication reliability and reducing latency.
These developments are particularly relevant for equipment requiring reliable wireless connectivity, such as robotic systems. Furthermore, the common integration of both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE in connected devices, wearables, and smartphones underscores the value of having a unified testing environment.
Wi-Fi Measurements Under Operating Conditions
The MT8862A-series tester is designed to characterize the transmission and reception capabilities of wireless equipment. It supports both Wi-Fi 8 and Wi-Fi 7 standards—including 320 MHz channels and 4096-QAM modulation—as well as earlier IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac generations and the three frequency bands used by Wi-Fi 6E.
In “Network Mode,” the instrument establishes a connection with the device under test, allowing measurements to be taken while the device is in operation. Testing can be performed via a direct wired connection or over-the-air (OTA) using the device’s own antenna. These include, in particular, transmit power, modulation accuracy, and receiver sensitivity, with the option to perform measurements at various transmission data rates.
This approach makes it it possible to evaluate RF characteristics under actual operating conditions and helps identify the root causes of any malfunctions.
Evaluating Bluetooth LE devices
For Bluetooth Low Energy, the MT8862A series tester supports RF characteristic testing as defined in the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) RF physical layer (RF PHY) test specifications. These measurements are used to verify the communication performance of devices and to analyze potential transmission or reception issues.
Since the new options are provided as software, users of the MT8862A tester can expand the capabilities of their existing platform to cover both technologies without needing to replace their measurement system.
