User's Manual

Testing
Rev 4 Sep.11 Proprietary and Confidential - Contents subject to change 81
• Power consumption
• Originate and terminate data and voice (if applicable) calls
• Cell hand-off
• Transmitter and receiver tests
• FER (Frame Error Rate) as an indicator of receiver sensitivity / performance
• Channel and average power measurements to verify that the device is trans-
mitting within product specifications
• RF sensitivity tests
• CDMA:
· FER testing — Test receiver sensitivity for conditions of minimum cell power.
FER can be measured for the specified receiver sensitivity of -104
dBm.
The objective of this test is to determine if the FER measured is within the
acceptable limits for the specified receiver sensitivity of the module. Unlike
the FER tests performed during production testing, this test determines the
receiver performance without the influence of the noise factor (AWGN), but
with extremely low cell power. The reported FER and the confidence level
must be <1% and >95% respectively for the test to be considered a pass.
Suggested testing equipment
To perform production and post-production tests, you will require appropriate
testing equipment. A test computer can be used to coordinate testing between the
integrated module (on the development kit or host) and the measurement
equipment, usually with GPIB connections. The suggested setup includes a
power meter to test RF output power and a signal generator to evaluate the
receiver.
Testing assistance provided by Sierra
Wireless
Extended AT commands have been implemented to assist with performing FTA
GCF tests and portions of CE Mark tests requiring radio module access. These
are documented in the
[2] AirCard / AirPrime UMTS Devices Supported AT
Command Reference (Doc# 2130617) and [3] AirPrime MC8xxx Embedded
Modules Extended AT Command Reference (Doc# 2130616).
Sierra Wireless offers optional professional services based assistance to OEMs
with regulatory approvals.
IOT/Operator testing
Interoperability and Operator/Carrier testing of the finished system is the
responsibility of the
OEM. The test process will be determined with the chosen
network operator(s) and will be dependent upon your business relationship with
them, as well as the product's application and sales channel strategy.
Sierra Wireless offers assistance to OEMs with the testing process, if required.