Broadcast test set spans audio, video, RF and multimedia applications
Rohde & Schwarz’ BTC – broadcast test centre – is designed to provide a complete testing environment for nearly all audio, video and multimedia applications in a single device. The BTC takes the form of a mainframe/chassis that can host up to eight functional modules, that comprise signal generation, analysis and test automation of RF, video, audio and data. The RF reference signal generator generates RF signals for all global TV and broadcasting standards and simulates transmissions. The generator can also analyse the audio/video functions of DUTs in real-time. The Unit can accept up to eight modules in a half-width format; some more complex functions use larger modules that occupy the space of two smaller plug-ins.
The R&S BTC reference signal generator enables users to perform complete end-to-end tests in realtime over all open systems interconnection (OSI) levels. DUTs can also be integrated into fully automated test sequences. This all-in-one generator handles today’s and tomorrow’s transmission standards. Video and audio streams can be generated, played back, fed externally and output in modulated form. The R&S BTC combines signal generation, DUT embedding and video/audio analysis while simultaneously determining the picture failure point (PFP). The result is fast, convenient and reproducible objective picture quality assessment.
The unit’s broadcast signal generator has two separate real-time signal paths, each with a modulation bandwidth of 160 MHz. The BTC comes with a comprehensive range of analysis features and supports all common digital and analogue standards for cable, satellite and terrestrial television as well as digital and analogue audio broadcasting standards and second-generation DVB standards such as DVB-T2, DVB-C2, DVB-S2 and their interfaces.
To test target equipment under conditions, you can include up to eight arbitrary waveform generators (AWG) per RF path, in addition to the two independent real-time signal paths, that can draw on four independent noise sources. The AWGs generate complex interference scenarios with a maximum dynamic range over the entire frequency bandwidth. Realistic environmental conditions can be simulated using various noise sources (broadband and band-limited AWGN, impulse or phase noise), predistortion, nonlinearities, filtering, fading and MIMO. Scenarios are provided for real-world channel impairments such as rain fading and multipath effects. A range of single/multiple input – single/multiple output systems can be handled. For developers who need I/Q data to be highly flexible in terms of data rates and data formats, the units has digital I/Q data interfaces and flexible I/Q data input/output.
A typical configuration of the instrument, according to a R&S spokesman, might be to laod two RF channels, plus fading impairments, and to add an HDMI module so that the system can use real and demanding video traffic. The modular design supports varied setups without the need for multiple instruments. Integrated, automated test sequence control and test suites, such as DTG d-book, e-book and NorDig, reduce test times. The repeatable tests allow otherwise time-consuming certification and logo tests to be carried out quickly and reliably.
R&S anticipates applications in development, certification and quality assurance for chipset and receiver manufacturers as well as in test houses. Manufacturers of professional satellite equipment, network operators, rental companies, regulatory authorities and the A&D industry will also benefit from this scalable test solution. The consumer product market alone, where more and more devices are being designed to handle multiple types of media signals, is a potentially large market for the BTC, the company believes.
Operation of the BTC is via a high resolution, 8.4-inch touchscreen display and the graphical user interface with hierarchical function blocks. The unit wakes with a start screen configured according to the modular functions loaded, and offers graphical and menu-structured access to set up signals and to analyse measurements. The screen also shows the status of the instrument at any time. Remote control commands are compatible with the R&S SFx family, and also with the R&S SFU multistandard reference signal generator. This simplifies the integration of the BTC in existing test environments.
Depending on the configuration of modules loaded, a basic configuration of the BTC will be priced from around €40k.
Rohde & Schwarz, https://cdn.rohde-schwarz.com/dl_downloads/dl_common_library/dl_brochures_and_datasheets/pdf_1/BTC_bro_en_3606-8550-12_v0100.pdf.