nRF9160 XRFTEST command - contents payload data when using burst mode?

[frankz]

Hi , a few questions related to using XRFTEST command in burst transmit mode:

1. Having looked at 9160 AT command manual and TS 36.521-1 Table A.2.4-1 where the NB-IoT reference measurement channels are defined: is my understanding correct that the command will generate a complete uplink channel with NPUSCH and other channels? Or is this just described be delving deep into 36.521?

2. What is the content of the payload that is mentioned in Table A.2.4-1 ?

3. Is there a possibility to specify the contents of this payload  in some way?

4. What would you recommend at the eNB side to check whether the reference signal is well received at the eNB side? Could something like srsLTE be used, or will this need a professional NB-IoT network analyser or real eNB?

Thanks a lot ! Frank

[Albrecht Markus Schellenberger]

Hello Frank,

I unfortunately do not have any answer to your questions right away. I have to check this internally and come back to you as soon as possible!

Regards,

Markus

[Albrecht Markus Schellenberger]

Hello Frank,

my apologies for the late reply! Please find the answers to your questions from our modem team below: 

1. Having looked at 9160 AT command manual and TS 36.521-1 Table A.2.4-1 where the NB-IoT reference measurement channels are defined: is my understanding correct that the command will generate a complete uplink channel with NPUSCH and other channels? Or is this just described be delving deep into 36.521?

It's a complete NPUSCH channel. Format 1. Cell ID 0. That is something that a measurement equipment should be able to sync to.

2. What is the content of the payload that is mentioned in Table A.2.4-1 ?

The payload data is alternating 0/1 pattern, e.g. 0x55 or, 0101 0101b.

3. Is there a possibility to specify the contents of this payload  in some way?

 No.

4. What would you recommend at the eNB side to check whether the reference signal is well received at the eNB side? Could something like srsLTE be used, or will this need a professional NB-IoT network analyser or real eNB?

The signal generated using AT%XRFTEST is for lab use only. It should not be attempted to be transmitted to real eNB. eNB can't work with that, it only gets distorted by such signal, that should be obvious. In lab, the signal should be received by a signal analyzer measurement equipment. For example CMW100 is good for that. Customer should look in to options himself, what kind of measurement is needed. Typically only antenna testing would be of interest, because our SIPs are fully calibrated in production.

For further non-signalling mode testing you can also check this (and nwp034 generally). And also WMT by R&S

Also call-box testers (which CMW500 is) can be considered for testing in normal/signalling mode.

I hope this will help you!

Regards,

Markus