NI (National Instruments, referred to as NI), a software-centric platform provider, helps to accelerate the development process and performance improvement of automated test and automated measurement systems, and announced the launch of NI-RFmx NB-IoT/eMTC measurement The software further enhances NI’s existing RF protocol testing capabilities for wireless technologies ranging from 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth to 2G/3G/4G/5G standards.

NB-IoT and eMTC realize various large-scale machine communication applications by meeting some key performance standards (such as longer working range and lower power consumption). Compared with the existing LTE technology, the NB-IoT and eMTC standards extend the working distance by optimizing the link budget, and reduce power consumption through narrower bandwidth and simplified radio design.

Because NB-IoT and eMTC technologies are mainly used for low-cost, low-power applications, engineers are also under pressure to reduce costs and power consumption. NI's NB-IoT and eMTC test solutions combine easy-to-use measurement software with a wide range of RF, DC, and digital instruments. These solutions can also test multiple aspects of NB-IoT/eMTC wireless design. By combining NI-RFmx software with NI vector signal transceivers, engineers can easily measure various RF performance characteristics, such as output power, modulation quality, and spectral characteristics. In addition, using NI's precision DC instruments, engineers can verify power consumption at fA (Fly Amp) resolution. Finally, users who are already using NI RF instruments for 3G, 4G, and 5G testing can take advantage of the new NI-RFmx NB-IoT/eMTC software features to easily enhance the tester's functions to meet changing needs and further support the equipment market.

Charles Schroeder, National Technical Director, said: "NI’s new solutions for NB-IoT and eMTC testing are part of our commitment to help engineers bring new wireless technologies to market faster. Using NI software-defined test and measurement methods, engineers The RF measurement capabilities of the test system can be quickly enhanced to meet new wireless standards in a cost-effective manner."

NI's newly developed technology for NB-IoT and eMTC uplink testing is integrated into a series of complete RF and semiconductor test products, including for 2G, 3G, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5G new radio, WiFi 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0 And other measurement software. In addition, engineers can choose from more than 600 modular PXI products with frequencies ranging from DC to millimeter waves to build a full-featured semiconductor characterization and production test system, covering solutions from laboratory verification to mass production testing.