LTE and WiMAX systems employ MIMO technology which exploits real-world channel conditions, such as multipath and fading, to constructively improve channel performance. As a result, laboratory-based testing of MIMO systems necessitates the use of channel emulation techniques such as dynamic channel conditioning, shadow fading, complex antenna correlation and more that are provided by the ACE MX. The ACE MX's rich channel modeling and emulation capabilities enable equipment manufacturers and service providers to reliably and accurately characterize the operation and performance of MIMO-based systems under a multitude of "real-world" RF conditions.

"As we roll out and deliver wireless broadband data services on our 3G network, the reliability of the network and its components is critical," said Michel Allard, Vice-president Technology Development of Videotron Ltd. "We needed a high-quality, feature-rich test tool that would provide the broadest coverage available to determine how devices work under the best and worst conditions. We chose the Azimuth ACE MX channel emulator because it will suit our current testing needs and will also service us for many years to come with more advanced testing of future technologies such as LTE."

The ACE MX provides a powerful set of highly-differentiated features that focus on flexibility and scalability, RF fidelity and performance, and ease-of-use. Key features include:

MIMO channel emulation to test multi-antenna functions like spatial streaming, Tx and Rx diversity, collaborative uplink and multicast/broadcast under diverse RF conditions;

Superior RF performance (e.g. noise floor, EVM, SNR) necessary for error-free conformance and performance testing across a wide frequency range (450 MHz - 5.9 GHz);

Dynamically programmable parameters (e.g. propagation delay, output power, Doppler) with wide ranges and many pre-programmed, standard industry channel models (e.g. 3GPP, 3GPP2, ITU, SCME) to enable comprehensive test coverage;

Extensive scalability achieved through numerous, rapidly-configurable combinations of test configurations, from 1x1 SISO to 8x4 MIMO and uni- and bi-directional, to satisfy all organizational needs;

Self contained solution includes fully bi-directional channel emulation, including circulators, attenuators, AWGN and self-calibration, delivering the highest fidelity test configurations in an instant;

Easy to use graphic interface and automation API with five simple steps from power up to operation, and advanced channel model control to allow scanning, fast forward, rewind and looping to enable quick and easy access to analysis tools.

"The introduction of the universal frequency ACE MX platform is a natural expansion of Azimuth's market leadership position in providing channel emulators that are specifically built to meet the advanced needs of MIMO-based channel emulation testing," said George Reed, vice president of marketing and product management at Azimuth Systems. "The Azimuth ACE portfolio represents the first and only family of channel emulators designed to accurately test the complex smart antenna performance requirements of 3GPP, IEEE 802.16 and IEEE 802.11n standards, in a flexible and scalable solution that dramatically reduces the time-to-market and ensures the delivery of high-quality LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi and 2G/3G cellular infrastructure equipment and devices."

The first ACE MX systems have been deployed at a leading cellular operator and at a tier one LTE original equipment manufacturer (OEM), and will be generally available in February 2009. Based upon the significant market interest to date, the ACE MX is expected to continue to expand Azimuth's leading market share position in MIMO channel emulation.

By Robert Hoskins

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