Saarbrücken, 2010-02-19:

Among experts, CETECOM´s testing and certification services are highly valued. Recently, CETECOM has taken an important step to further prove the excellent quality of their services. Up to now accreditations for lab tests or certification services are generally taken for granted. Verified quality of non-regulated approval services, however, is something completely new for CETECOM and also for the market. CETECOM’s “International Type Approval and Global Certification Service” has passed this hard audit procedure and is now ISO 9001 certified.

Gerhard Schirra, Managing Director of the CETECOM location based in Saarbrücken says: “CETECOM differs from practically all competitors in this area. We are aware of the outrider position we take with this certification procedure. Only by means of proven stability and lastingness, a service, which issues the permission for various devices to enter the specific markets world-wide, can have the quality our customers expect from us.”

CETECOM's International Type Approval experts assist their customers in many different branches and more than 150 countries of the world to bring their customer’s products to the market.

The R&S©TS8980FTA from Rohde & Schwarz will assist CETECOM in deploying its LTE service portfolio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – CETECOM, a global leader in testing, certification and consulting for the wireless industry, has selected the R&S©TS8980FTA RF Conformance Test System to be part of its arsenal of LTE test equipment. The new test system from Rohde & Schwarz, a leading international manufacturer of test and measurement equipment, will help CETECOM support certification testing of mobile devices based on LTE technology. A massive rollout of LTE networks is predicted in 2010 and CETECOM has taken this step to ensure it has the full range of capabilities needed to provide cost-effective and efficient testing for certification programs in all major market regions.

The scalable RF Conformance Test System is designed to cover all GCF and PTCRB Rel-8 RF test cases conforming with the 3GPP TS36.521-1 §6 thru §9  for LTE FDD and TDD modes.

In addition to LTE (E-UTRA) conformance tests, tests cases for WCDMA will also be supported. Integration of HSPA+ is underway. In addition to GCF and PTCRB certification testing, the R&S©TS8980FTA also offers the industry's broadest range of network-operator-specific conformance tests. The highly flexible R&S©TS8980 test platform enables early collaboration with major chipset and device vendors and network operators. This concept provides R&S©TS8980 users access to an unprecedented scope of RF conformance and Network Operator acceptance tests. Early availability of 2 3GPP -- and operator-specific test cases -- helps R&S©TS8980 users radically reduce time-to-launch.

The RF Conformance Test System is a registered platform for GCF and PTCRB. It integrates a range of market-leading Rohde & Schwarz test instruments including the R&S©CMW500PT Protocol Conformance Tester, the industry's first LTE platform to offer validated conformance test cases.

In addition to pure LTE RF certification and Network acceptance, an optional and highly cost-effective integration of the Rohde & Schwarz RRM (Radio Resource Management) platform is available. This allows the implementation of test cases according to 3GPP TS36.521-3. The RRM add-on maximizes the usability of the new R&S©TS8980FTA RF Conformance Test System.

“CETECOM has always positioned itself aggressively with its test solutions for new technologies and standards,” said Dr. Harald Ansorge, CTO of CETECOM. “The R&S©TS8980FTA RF Conformance Test System from Rohde & Schwarz is a huge complement to our LTE roadmap, allowing us to build a strong portfolio of services that meet next generation market demands.”

About CETECOM

CETECOM (www.cetecom.com) is renowned as neutral, experienced partner of the telecommunications and information technology industries and offers a unique service portfolio which covers the entire life cycle of a mobile communications product, contributes to the smooth running of products and applications and ensures that they meet international standards. CETECOM’s portfolio includes consulting and training, development of test solutions, validation services, testing in accredited laboratories (LTE, 3G, GSM, Application Enabler, OTA Performance and EMC), field trials, certification and approval handling. Being a member of numerous specialist bodies, CETECOM is also actively involved in the development and standardisation of global specifications for future technologies.

About Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is an independent group of companies specializing in
electronics. It is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and
measurement, broadcasting, radiomonitoring and radiolocation, as well as 3 secure communications. Established more than 75 years ago,
Rohde & Schwarz has a global presence and a dedicated service network in over 70 countries. It has approx. 7400 employees and achieved a net revenue of € 1.2 billion (US$ 1.7 billion) in fiscal year 2008/2009 (July 2008 to June 2009). Company headquarters are in Munich, Germany. For more information visit www.rohde-schwarz.com

CONTACTS 

CETECOM GmbH
Im Teelbruch 116, 45219 Essen, Germany
Tel.: +49 2054 9519 0
Fax: +49 2054 9519 997
E-mail: info(at)cetecom.de
Internet: www.cetecom.com

Rohde & Schwarz
Customer Support Europe:
Phone: +49 89 4129 13774, Fax: +49 89 4129 63778
E-mail: customersupport(at)rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support Americas:
Phone: +1 888 837 8772,
From outside the US: +1 410 910 7988
E-mail: customer.support(at)rsa.rohde-schwarz.com
Customer Support Asia:
Phone: +65 65130 488, Fax: +65 68461 090
E-mail: customersupport.asia(at)rohde-schwarz.com

Radio / EN 301 406 v 2.1.1
The new version of the EN 301 406 v 2.1.1 standard referring to the radio interface testing of DECT devices has been harmonized by now. As a result, there are some significant changes compared to the old version EN 302 406. These changes consist mainly of a frequency range extension from 4.0 GHz up to 12.75 GHz for the testing of radiated spurious emissions. In addition it has been defined that starting from now the testing of conducted spurious emissions is only mandatory for devices with external antenna connectors. For devices without an external antenna connector this test is not applicable any more. EN 301 406 v 2.1.1 is suitable to prove CE Conformity with immediate effect; the previous version EN 301 406 v 1.5.1 is still valid until 30.4.2011 (date of cessation)
 
 
EMC / EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1
For the EMC testing of DECT devices the new version of standard EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1 has been harmonized by now. The revised standard defines that starting from now only the audio breakthrough must be checked during the immunity tests "RF electromagnetic field" and "RF common mode for DECT phones". The additional check of the bit error rate, which was necessary in the previous version, is not mandatory any more. For DECT devices without audio interface the bit error rate must still be checked as before. EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1 is suitable to prove CE Conformity with immediate effect; the previous version EN 301 489-6 v 1.2.1 is still valid until 31.5.2010 (date of cessation)
 
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Neuerungen bei Funk und EMV-Prüfungen an DECT Geräten

 
Funk / EN 301 406 v 2.1.1
Für Funkprüfungen an DECT Geräten ist mittlerweile die EN 301 406 v 2.1.1 harmonisert worden. Dadurch ergeben sich bei Funkprüfungen einige signifikante Änderungen gegenüber frühere Versionen der EN 301 406. Im wesentlichen sind dies die Erweiterung des Frequenzbereiches bei "radiated spurious enmissions" von 4.0 GHz auf jetzt 12.75 GHz, außerdem sind "conducted spurious emissions" nur noch für Geräte mit externen Antennenanschlüßen erforderlich. Falls das Gerät keinen externen Anschluß besitzt, entfällt dieser Test. Die EN 301 406 v 2.1.1 kann zum Nachweis der CE Konformität ab sofort angewendet werden, bis zum 30.4.2011 bleibt aber auch die Vorgängerversion EN 301 406 v 1.5.1 noch gültig (Übergangsfrist).
 

EMV / EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1
Für EMV ist die EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1 harmonisert worden. Mit dieser neuen Version sind für DECT-Telefone bei den Störfestigkeitsprüfungen "RF electromagnetic field" und "RF common mode" nur noch die Überwachung des "audio breakthrough" erforderlich. Die bislang zusätzlich geforderte Überwachung des Bit-Error rate ist nicht mehr erforderlich. Die EN 301 489-6 v 1.3.1 kann zum Nachweis der CE Konformität ab sofort angewendet werden, bis zum 31.5.2010 bleibt aber auch die Vorgängerversion EN 301 489-6 v 1.2.1 noch gültig (Übergangsfrist).

Saarbrücken / Düsseldorf, December 2009.

CETECOM ICT Services, market leader for consulting, testing and certification services in the range of telecommunications has completed its Vodafone accreditations. After various benchmark tests and an on-site assessment Vodafone accredited CETECOM, located in Saarbrücken/Germany, for Acoustical Quality Evaluations for terminals carrying the Vodafone logo. Besides basic acoustic testing, CETECOM offers add on services such as voice quality tests using latest test equipment in combination with real background noise as well as real voice files. The established acoustic measurements are also relevant for many other products, such as devices with VoIP,DECT/CAT-iq, MP3 players or hearing aids. CETECOM verifies Vodafone devices according their conformance to Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), Over The Air Perfomance (OTA) and the Acoustical Quality Evaluation for terminals.

About CETECOM
CETECOM ICT Services is an independent and world wide recognised provider of test and certification services for telecommunications technologies, electronic modules and for systems making use of renewable energies. Beside product qualifications, system certifications and audits CETECOM supports the international market access of its customer's products with consulting and project management. More than 5500 m² laboratory space, latest test equipment and a team of more than 100 experts are available for a highly flexible and individual service. CETECOM's wide accreditation scope and the broad service portfolio ensure that many traditional technologies but also latest innovative solutions such as the photovoltaic can be covered. Although CETECOM has its roots in telecommunications, CETECOM is independent of any industry branch, serving very different market segments. The world wide operating CETECOM Group, a Division of the RWTÜVGroup, has locations in Germany, France, UK, USA, China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

Contact CETECOM ICT Services GmbH
Untertuerkheimer Str. 6 – 10
66117 Saarbruecken
Info(at)ict.cetecom.de
www.cetecom.com

CETECOM ICT Services erhält Vodafone-Akkreditierung für Audio-Tests

Saarbrücken / Düsseldorf, Dezember 2009.

Die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH, Marktführerim Bereich Konformitätstests an Telekommunikationsgeräten hat ihr Vodafone - Akkreditierungsspektrum erweitert. Nach einem Vor-Ort Audit und verschiedenen Verifizierungsprüfungen für Vodafone erhielt das Saarbrücker Unternehmen CETECOM ICT Services GmbH die Akkreditierung für Audiotests an Mobiltelefonen, welche unter dem Vodafone-Label vermarktet werden sollen. In ihrem Akustik-Labor testet die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH neben der klassischen Akustik für Telekommunikationsgeräte auch die Qualität der Sprachübertragung. Dies geschieht unter Verwendung neuester Technik- und Analyseverfahren und unter Einspeisung realistischer Hintergrundgeräusche sowie realer Sprache. Ebenso kann mit diesen Verfahren die Bewertung von VoIP, DECT/CATiq-Endgeräten, MP3-Playern, Hörgeräten und ähnlichen Lösungen sowohl im Schmalband- als auch im Breitbandbereich durchgeführt werden.

Mit dieser Akkreditierung vervollständigt die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH ihr Testspektrum nach Vodafone-Spezifikationen. Die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH qualifizierte bisher Vodafone Endgeräte hinsichtlich der Anforderungen an die Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (EMC), der Spezifischen Absorptionsrate (SAR) und der Over the Air Performance (OTA). Zur Abrundung der Prüfdienstleistungen nach Vodafone Spezifikationen kommen nun auch die akustischen Tests (Audio) hinzu.

Über CETECOM ICT Services GmbH
CETECOM ICT Services ist ein unabhängiges, weltweit anerkanntes Prüf- und Servicezentrum für Produkte der mobilen und drahtgebundenen Übertragungstechnik, für elektronische Baugruppen sowie für Systeme zur Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien. Neben Produktprüfungen, Systemzertifizierungen oder Audits unterstützt die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH den internationalen Marktzugang für Produkte Ihrer Kunden mit Beratung und Projektmanagement. Mit mehr als 5500 m² Laborbereich, modernste Messtechnik und einem Team von über 100 Fachleuten stehen Ressourcen für einen äußerst flexiblen und individuellen Experten-Service zur Verfügung. Durch den großen Akkreditierungsscope und das breit gefächerte Leistungsspektrum der CETECOM ICT Services GmbH können viele traditionelle, vor allem aber auch neue Technologien abgedeckt werden. Die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH arbeitet branchenunabhängig und bedient sehr unterschiedliche Marktsegmente. Das weltweite CETECOM-Netzwerk gehört zur RWTÜV-Gruppe und hat Standorte in Deutschland, Frankreich, UK, USA, China, Taiwan, Japan und Korea.

Contact CETECOM ICT Services GmbH
Untertuerkheimer Str. 6 – 10
66117 Saarbruecken
Info(at)ict.cetecom.de
www.cetecom.com

CETECOM’s Over-The-Air (OTA) Performance test centre in Essen (Germany) has recently been officially authorized by the CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance® to execute RF Performance Evaluation of Wi-Fi Mobile Converged Devices on their behalf and according to their test plan.

This program was jointly developed by the CTIA and Wi-Fi Alliance® to provide detailed information on the performance of the Wi-Fi® IEEE 802.11a/b/g and cellular radios in a converged handset. The test plan includes measuring

- the transmit power (TRP) and the receiver sensitivity (TIS) of the Wi-Fi radio
- the compatibility and interoperability between Wi-Fi and cellular radios
- the effects of the Wi-Fi and cellular radio performance when operated simultaneously.

To complete testing the device must be Wi-Fi CERTIFIED^TM for core interoperability and WPA2TM security as well as CTIA certified for cellular performance.

The test results provide network operators the necessary data to choose the best handsets for their networks, thereby offering high performance converged handsets to their subscribers.

Second OTA chamber enables A-GPS tests according to CTIA OTA Test Plan Rev. 3.0

In order to enhance the existing test capacities and capabilities CETECOM has invested in a second test chamber at its OTA test centre in Essen (Germany). The new fully anechoic chamber enables fast and automated measurements of TIS, TRP efficiency and radiation patterns and complies with the CTIA OTA Test Plan Rev. 3.0. In addition to 2G, 3G and Passive Antenna measurements CETECOM can now also perform tests for A-GPS, Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi®.

Essen/Germany, 10. December 2009

CETECOM ICT Services has successfully been registered for the execution of “radiated disturbance measurements above 1 GHz” by VCCI (Voluntary Control Council for Interference, Japan).

Passing these Tests will be required by VCCI for the verification of ITE-Products (Information and Telecommunications Equipment) from October 1st, 2010 onwards. The execution of the measurements is already available at CETECOM ICT Services. With this registration, CETECOM ICT Services completes its acceptance for VCCI-related services. For many years already CETECOM is VCCI registered for radiation measurements up to 1 GHz for both telecommunications and mains ports conducted interference measurements.

PRESS RELEASE

Leading players in the Test industry working to enable Test capability for certification of next generation mobile devices

Anritsu’s LTE RF Test System ME7873L selected for use in CETECOM laboratories

As leading players in the mobile test industry, Anritsu and CETECOM have revealed to the industry their efforts and co-operation to enable Certification testing of the new generation ‘LTE’ mobile devices. As the expected launch dates in 2010 for LTE networks come closer, and various suppliers reveal plans and trials results for LTE devices, the test industry has shown that they are also prepared for the certification process for the launch of LTE devices.

CETECOM and Anritsu will together provide test services on the new industry-leading ME7873L RF Conformance Test System, which provides test capability for GCF/PTCRB Approved RF Conformance Test Cases. This capability will enable test and certification of LTE devices according to the 3GPP RF Conformance Test Specifications. The system is already installed and available at CETECOM’s mobile communications test centre in Essen, Germany.

Jonathan Borrill, Director of Marketing for Anritsu, commented that “Anritsu is already a leading supplier of LTE test equipment for handset testing, collaborating with leading chipset/device manufacturers to develop LTE technology and test cases and to ensure a stable platform for early device certification. By further extending this early development collaboration to include a leading test house, this ensures that the industry ‘eco-system’ is aligned and ready to test and certify the first LTE devices to enable a successful service launch”.

“CETECOM has always been a pioneer in implementing new technologies and standards in commercially available services for the mobile communications industry. The test and certification services that we can offer thanks to the new Anritsu test system at such an early stage of the LTE rollout will underscore CETECOM’s market leadership”, says CETECOM’s CTO Dr. Klaus Matkey. “CETECOM has elaborated a comprehensive service package for supporting companies that plan to enter the LTE market. Anritsu’s ME7873L is one major element of the different test services within this package”, he adds.

Anritsu’s ME7873L is based on the established market leading ME7873F 3G RF Conformance test system, and it is widely expected to lead the LTE test industry in capability and functionality. The system is available either as an upgrade to existing ME7873F systems, or as a ‘stand alone’ LTE test platform. “This flexible architecture is to allow users to upgrade and protect their investment; the ME7873L solution provides both the right technical solution and the best flexibility for companies that are transitioning from 3G to LTE technology” comments Jonathan Borrill.

About Anritsu

Anritsu Corporation (http://www.anritsu.com/) has been a provider of innovative communications solutions for more than 110 years. The company's test and measurement solutions include wireless, optical, microwave/RF and digital instruments, operations support systems and solutions that can be used during R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed devices for design into communication products and systems. With the addition of OSS monitoring solutions it has expanded its offering to provide complete solutions for existing and next-generation wireline and wireless communication systems and service providers. Anritsu sells in over 90 countries worldwide with approximately 4,000 employees.
For more information, visit http://www.anritsu.com/

About CETECOM

CETECOM (http://www.cetecom.com/) is renowned as neutral, experienced partner of the telecommunications and information technology industries and offers a unique service portfolio which covers the entire life cycle of a mobile communications product, contributes to the smooth running of products and applications and ensures that they meet international standards. CETECOM’s portfolio includes consulting and training, development of test solutions, validation services, testing in accredited laboratories (LTE, 3G, GSM, Application Enabler, OTA Performance and EMC), field trials, certification and approval handling. Being a member of numerous specialist bodies, CETECOM is also actively involved in the development and standardisation of global specifications for future technologies.

For further information please contact: 

• Jonathan Borrill
  Director of Marketing
  Anritsu EMEA
  P.O. Box 1192
  164 26 KISTA
  Sweden
  Tel: +46 (0)8 534 707 05
  Fax: +46 08-53470730
  Email: Jonathan.Borrill(at)anritsu.com
• Tanya Erasmus
  TKO Marketing Consultants
  Tel: +44 (0) 1444 473555
  Email: Tanya(at)tko.co.uk
• Claudia Fischer
  Manager Corporate Marketing
  CETECOM GmbH
  Tel.: +49 (0) 2054 95190
  Email: Claudia.Fischer(at)cetecom.de

WB-AMR (Wideband Adaptive Multirate) technology will soon be supported by mobile devices entering the market. Thanks to the double bandwidth for WB-AMR the voice quality will be much better with this new feature integrated in terminals and networks.
To ensure a minimum level of conformity the Global Certification Forum (GCF) has decided to include WB-AMR conformance testing in its certification scheme. The certification requirements and relevant test cases have been defined within work item WI-109. CETECOM has validated these test cases that have now all been accepted by GCF.

Currently, three test platforms are accepted by GCF as official certification test platforms: Rohde & Schwarz (TP70) and Head Acoustics (TP89 and TP90). CETECOM has already installed the three platforms at one of its mobile communications test centres so that customers can start conformance testing at CETECOM at this early stage of WB-AMR introduction.
Essen/Germany, 13. November 2009

CETECOM Newsletter: Special edition LTE

The availability of the first commercial LTE roll-outs is expected during 2010. CETECOM has elaborated a comprehensive service package for companies that plan to enter or have already become active in the field of LTE and offers

• Laboratory Services (testing, validation, support)
• Field Tests & IOT (network & terminal testing, evaluation of test equipment, LTE test mobiles)
• Test Solutions (RF & protocol test platforms)
• Consulting & Solutions (TOM database, certification).

View CETECOM's current LTE Newsletter: CETECOM-Newsletter_LTE-Special_Sept-2009

If you are interested in our LTE services, please do not hesitate to contact our editorial department for further details.

Essen/Germany, 23. September 2009

September 2009: Milpitas, CA

CETECOM Inc. has announced its specialized “EMC Hybrid” chamber is in full operation.  The EMC Hybrid is capable of testing both Radiated Spurious Emissions and Over the Air Performance for:

• GSM, GPRS, EGPRS, WCDMA, CDMA, 1xRTT, EvDO
• Wi-Fi / mobile converged devices
• A-GPS over GSM, WCDMA, CDMA
• Bluetooth, WLAN
• Passive antenna

Designed and built by ETS Lindgren, the EMC Hybrid is a fully anechoic rectangular chamber supporting testing in the 30 MHz - 8 GHz frequencies.  The addition of the EMC Hybrid triples CETECOM’s OTA testing capacity and doubles its EMC emissions capacity.  This allows customers to benefit from shortened test lead times in areas such as PTCRB and FCC.  CETECOM is committed to providing the best possible service to its customers and will continue to expand its test capabilities.

September 16, 2009: Minneapolis, MN

During last weeks PTCRB meeting #57, the board decided to make FCC (Federal Communications Commission) approval mandatory for PTCRB certification.  Prior to this decision, a manufacturer was given the choice to file for either FCC or IC (Industry Canada) approval to satisfy the regulatory requirements of PTCRB certification. 

CETECOM Inc. is a PTCRB accredited lab actively involved with all technical meetings related to PTCRB certification.  We will always keep you updated with the latest information pertaining to testing and certification.

For more information on the latest PTCRB certification updates contact your CETECOM representative or email sales(at)cetecomusa.com for more information

Die CETECOM ICT Services GmbH hat einen weiteren wichtigen Schritt in der Erweiterung ihres Dienstleistungsspektrums erreicht. Dieser Tage erlangte das Labor für SmartCard-Anwendungen der CETECOM die umfassende Akkreditierung durch EMVCo zur Durchführung von Type Approval Tests an kontaktlosen Bezahlterminals (EMVCo contactless). Damit können Hersteller und Distributoren von Komponenten für den kontaktlosen Zahlungsverkehr ihre Zulassungstests ab sofort bei CETECOM ICT Services in der gewohnt professionellen und schnellen Weise durchführen lassen. Mit dieser Akkreditierung baut die CETECOM ihren Vorsprung im Bereich der kontaktlosen Applikationen weiter aus.

"Wir freuen uns, dass wir nun unsere Kunden auch auf dem Gebiet der kontaktlosen Bezahlapplikationen allumfassend bedienen können.", sagte Jens Feldmann, Kompetenzmanager Smart Card Technologies für das CETECOM Netzwerk, der gleichzeitig auf die schon vor Monaten erhaltene Zulassung für MasterCard PayPass Prüfungen hinwies. Tatsächlich erreicht die CETECOM mit dieser jüngsten Akkreditierung einen Stand, den kaum ein anderes Prüfzentrum aufweisen kann. Dies unterstreicht die Kompetenz und Marktorientierung der CETECOM-Experten, die stets bestrebt sind, ihre Kunden mit den aktuell erforderlichen Dienstleistungen zu unterstützen.

Das Fahren mit elektrischem Strom ist schon in wenigen Jahren eine
Selbstverständlichkeit. Immer leistungsfähigere Batterien werden
immer größere Reichweiten erlauben. Bei aller Euphorie darf jedoch
auch die Sicherheit dieser Energiespeicher nicht vernachlässigt werden. (Link zu Pressemitteilung_IAA.pdf)

CETECOM gibt das erfolgreiche Bestehen des Akkreditierungsaudits ihres Test- und Zertifizierungsservices für Photovoltaik-Module bekannt. Damit bietet die CETECOM ab sofort die Qualifizierung von PV-Modulen nach den gängigen Standards sowohl für kristalline als auch für Dünnschicht-Module an.

September 2009: Milpitas, CA

CETECOM Inc. is now offering Assisted GPS (A-GPS) testing according to the CTIA Test Plan for Mobile Stations Over the Air Performance V3.0.  A-GPS testing was included as one of the test plan’s requirements when it was released back in May of this year.  Although it will not be required for PTCRB certification until the second quarter of 2010, major US carriers have made it a requirement for mobile devices incorporating the technology. 

For more information on A-GPS OTA testing contact your CETECOM representative or email: sales(at)cetecomusa.com for more information