Rohde & Schwarz SMBV100A vector signal generator validates eCall modules
From April 1, 2018, all newly registered cars and light trucks in the European Union must be equipped with the eCall automatic emergency system. Rohde &Schwarz has introduced a new option for the R&S SMBV100A vector signal generator, which, together with test automation software, delivers standard-compliant, fully automated performance tests for the GNSS receiver integrated in the eCall module.
Before eCall, or the Russian ERA-GLONASS, modules can be integrated into cars, they need to be certified. They have to undergo a series of conformance and performance tests, in line with applicable standards.
The GNSS receiver integrated into the eCall module typically evaluates signals from GPS, Galileo and satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) to determine the vehicle position. In an emergency, the module automatically places a call to the nearest emergency call centre and transmits vehicle position data and other information via a cellular link. To make sure the accuracy of the reported position as well as a number of other performance parameters are within certain limits, the built-in GNSS receiver has to be tested against the criteria defined in the EU2017/79, Annex VI and UNECE 2016/07 specifications.
The R&S SMBV100A combined with the R&S SMBV-K361 option and the R&S CMWrun sequencer software performs fully automated GNSS performance tests on eCall modules to EU2017/79, Annex VI and UNECE 2016/07 specifications. All test cases specified in these documents can be configured, scheduled and conducted automatically. Users can verify the positioning capabilities of their eCall modules and to simplify and accelerate the certification process.
The R&S SMBV-K361 eCall test suite is available now.
The GNSS performance test for eCall modules joins Rohde & Schwarz’s offering of standard-compliant conformance and performance test solutions for both eCall and ERA-GLONASS based on the R&S CMW500 and R&S SMBV100A. For a limited period, special promotion packages are available for both platforms, with discounts up to 30 per cent.
