The IFR Aeroflex TM500 Mobile Test Platform is a software-defined radio solution for functional, performance, and conformance testing of cellular networks and mobile devices across 3GPP technologies. It validates GSM, WCDMA, LTE, LTE-Advanced, and pre-5G NR implementations with low-level user equipment control and detailed measurement capabilities.
Technical Specifications
Supported Technologies
• 3GPP GSM, WCDMA (Release 10), LTE, LTE-A (FDD/TDD), and 5G NR (pre-5G)
• LTE and LTE-A Releases 8, 9, 10, and 11
Data Rate Performance
• LTE FDD: up to 300 Mbps (20 MHz BW, 4×4 MIMO)
• LTE: up to 600 Mbps over 40 MHz; 75 Mbps UL
• WCDMA MC-HSDPA: up to 168 Mbps
• DC-HSDPA + MIMO (Release 9): 84 Mbps
Bandwidth & MIMO
• LTE-A: up to 60 MHz BW per UE
• WCDMA MC-HSDPA: 20 MHz BW per UE
• Downlink MIMO: up to 4×4
Cellular Capabilities
• Multi-cell operation with multiple connected UEs
• HSDPA Categories 1–28; HSUPA Categories 1–7
• Dual-cell HSDPA with seamless reconfiguration
• Soft handover across six cells
• DC-HSDPA, MIMO, and 64QAM support
• Simultaneous dual-mode LTE, WCDMA, and CDMA testing
• TD-LTE and CPRI support
• Layer 1 Continuous Packet Connectivity
– Key Features
• Scalable UE capacity: hundreds to thousands of active subscribers per cell
• Functional and conformance testing across Layer 1, Layer 2, and higher layers (RRC/NAS)
• End-to-end LTE load testing via RF connection to eNode-B
• Complex scheduler and capacity analysis
• HARQ and MAC test modes; PHY layer retransmission analysis
• Forced error injection and event triggering
• Scripted control and protocol corruption simulation
• Early module-level testing during development and integration
• PDCP header functionality with PDU duplication and discard detection
– Typical Applications
• 3GPP verification, validation, and network optimization
• Device conformance and performance measurement
• Infrastructure engineering diagnostics and troubleshooting
• Load and stress testing of cellular base stations
• Protocol layer validation and error analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
Multiple RF bands and CPRI interface support enable integration across diverse network deployments and vendor equipment.
