- The independent testing laboratory cetecom advanced has validated the compliance of Rohde & Schwarz’s testing solution for next-generation and hybrid on-board emergency call (eCall) systems with the latest European standards.
The evaluation protocol for the test solution for hybrid eCall and NG eCall (Next Generation eCall) developed by Rohde & Schwarz has been validated by the independent testing laboratory cetecom advanced. This technical evaluation is based on the CMX500 series radio communication tester, supplemented by a software update specifically tailored to the regulatory requirements of the automotive and telecommunications sectors.
Specifics of Hybrid eCall and NG eCall
Mobile networks are progressively phasing out 2G and 3G infrastructure in favor of the IP protocol on 4G (LTE) and 5G networks. This transition necessitates an update of in-vehicle emergency call systems (IVS).
The EN 18052 technical specification governs Hybrid eCall. This system must combine different transmission channels and protocols to ensure data is routed to emergency call centers (PSAPs – Public Safety Answering Points).
In practice, the in-vehicle system primarily uses NG eCall functions (voice and data based on IP/IMS via 4G or 5G). In the event of degraded network coverage or quality of service, the system must automatically switch to conventional circuit-switched eCall (CS eCall via 2G or 3G).
For automotive manufacturers and suppliers, validating these hybrid implementations involves verifying several criteria:
- Effective initiation of the emergency call,
- Conforming transmission of the Minimum Set of Data (MSD),
Maintaining satellite positioning (GNSS), - Clear voice communication across various network scenarios, including Voice over New Radio (VoNR), Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and fallback to circuit switching (CSFB).
Testing must demonstrate system stability during cell handovers and in degraded radio conditions, while complying with the requirements established by CEN, ETSI, 3GPP, and national regulations.
Software Compliance and Test Scenarios
To meet these requirements, Rohde & Schwarz has updated its eCall evaluation solution, model CMX-KA09x, to align with the EN 18052:2025 and EN 17240:2024+A1:2026 standards.
Specifically, the CMX-KA099 software option has validated all PSAP test scenarios defined by the EN 18052:2025 standard for hybrid systems. Simultaneously, the CMX-KA098 option has successfully passed the PSAP test scenarios dictated by the EN 17240:2024+A1:2026 standard. This validation confirms the conformity of the test architectures to the European criteria applicable to NG eCall test systems.
Thomas Reschka, senior technical consultant at cetecom advanced, explains the use of this configuration: “We use this solution for functional testing, protocol compliance testing, and type approval of embedded systems (IVS) integrating hybrid eCall and NG eCall. The test environment allows us to simulate real-world mobile network conditions and emulate various network scenarios, which is crucial before certifications and the market launch of new vehicle models.”
