Amarisoft CallBox and 1NCE SIM Usage for EoL Testing

[mjaszczykowski]

Dear Nordic,

We are currently evaluating the Amarisoft CallBox as an end-of-line (EoL) testing tool.

In an ideal scenario, we would like to use 1NCE production SIM cards and test every single unit during production. Amarisoft has informed us that it is possible to temporarily disable security on the base station side; however, this change would also need to be reflected on the UE side.

Could you please confirm whether this setup is feasible with the nRF9160? Alternatively, is there a recommended approach for performing end-of-line testing in this context?

For reference, our implementation is based on the LwM2M client integrated with AVSystem Coiote Device Management.

Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Best regards,

[Syed Maysum Abbas Zaidi]

Hi,

Thanks for reaching out. Before we suggest the best approach, it would help to know what exactly you need to check during the EoL test. Could you let us know which of these matches your goal?

1. Just hardware checks: making sure the antenna, SIM slot, and power are all connected correctly on the PCB
2. Network attach: confirming the device can actually register on a mobile network
3. Full end-to-end test: confirming the LwM2M connection to AVSystem Coiote is working

Also please provide the modem firmware version you are using.

Best regards,
Syed Maysum

[mjaszczykowski]

Hi Syed,

Thanks for the clarification.

We are currently using modem firmware version 1.3.6, and we are planning to upgrade to 1.3.7 in the near future.

For the EoL testing, our main goal is a combination of (2) network attach and (3) full end-to-end validation, but with a strong focus on network behavior metrics and RF performance rather than just connectivity success.

Specifically, we want to:

1. Confirm that the device can successfully attach to the network / server
2. Establish a stable connection to our server (LwM2M / cloud backend)
3. Capture radio and network quality parameters during the test, especially signal strength and %CONEVAL (and related modem metrics)
4. Use these measurements to identify outliers / marginal units (e.g. antenna issues, assembly variation, or RF degradation in certain batches)

In other words, we are aiming for a repeatable EoL procedure where we can both validate connectivity and profile RF/network performance per unit for quality control.

Additionally, we are currently facing issues with cellular signal availability at the manufacturing site, so having access to a controlled base station would also help us resolve this and ensure stable and repeatable production testing conditions.

[Syed Maysum Abbas Zaidi]

Hi,

Thank you for the detailed response, this really helps us understand what you are trying to achieve. We are currently checking internally to make sure we give you an accurate answer on the Amarisoft CallBox setup and the EoL procedure. Will get back to you soon.

Best regards,
Syed Maysum

[Syed Maysum Abbas Zaidi]

Hi,

Thanks for your patience, We can say that1NCE SIMs with Amarisoft (with security disabled) will not work with the nRF9160.

Here is why. Actually LTE has two security mechanisms encryption and integrity protection. Encryption can be disabled, but integrity protection cannot. Nordic has hardcoded this in the modem firmware as it is a requirement. The modem will always refuse a connection that skips integrity and no AT command or setting can change this. And Since 1NCE will not share their SIM authentication keys with Amarisoft, there seems no way for the CallBox to perform proper integrity protection with a 1NCE SIM. It looks a dead end.

Can you try using Amarisoft's own test SIM cards instead of 1NCE SIMs. You program the same credentials into both the SIM and the CallBox, authentication works normally, and the nRF9160 should connects fine. You can then capture all your %CONEVAL metrics as planned.

Best R

[mjaszczykowski]

Thank you.

[Syed Maysum Abbas Zaidi]

Hi,

Perfect, Do let us know if you have questions about anything else.

Best Regards,
Syed Maysum