BLE packet loss testing

[OleksandrLisovyi]

Hi,

We are currently in the process of performing radio certification according to the RED directive for our device based on nRF52810.

To finalize a Receiver Blocking radio test we are requested to provide a test set-up on the devices. We need to have software that can count package loss (Package Error Rate or Frame Error Rate). The package loss must not exceed the 10 % ratio of all sent packages to grant the PASS test result (See description below).

Are there any ready tools (software / firmware) that we can use for this test?

Thanks in advance,

Oleksandr

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Receiver Blocking

4.3.1.12.2 Definition

Receiver blocking is a measure of the ability of the equipment to receive a wanted signal on its operating channel without exceeding a given degradation due to the presence of an unwanted input signal (blocking signal) on frequencies other than those of the operating band and spurious responses.

4.3.1.12.3 Performance Criteria

For equipment that supports a PER or FER test to be performed, the minimum performance criterion shall be a PER or FER less than or equal to 10 %. For equipment that does not support a PER or a FER test to be performed, the minimum performance criterion shall be no loss of the wireless transmission function needed for the intended use of the equipment.

[Kenneth]

I assume you refer to receiver blocking test in RED, 300 328, where you should be testing packet loss on fixed channel. 

So, based on that you may consider to use Direct Test Mode (DTM) for RED, 300 328 for your test. You should then have UART exposed, and you can use nAN34 as reference on how to setup this test:
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/struct_appnotes/struct/appnotes_nan34.html

I did make a modification to the above example in this thread, this will make it easier to only run receiver or transmitter for test:
https://devzone.nordicsemi.com/f/nordic-q-a/62935/direct-test-mode-receiver-answer/259137#259137 

The DTM for the nRF52 is part of the nRF5 SDK:
https://infocenter.nordicsemi.com/topic/sdk_nrf5_v17.0.2/ble_sdk_app_dtm_serial.html 

Fyi or others finding this thread:

There is also a blocking test that is part of EMC, 301 489, where it is the functionality of the end product that is tested during test (with the protocol running). The intention is to test the final product and verify that the product can operate as intended, for this test it's up to the manufacturer what is the pass criteria, e.g. it can be that if you are making a keyboard that your button presses are displayed on the screen, then the test is passed.

Best regards,
Kenneth