Anritsu Achieves GCF Validation for Next Generation eCall Test Cases on LTE and 5G

Vienna, Austria – 29 October 2024 – Anritsu Corporation is proud to announce full support for 5G and LTE Next Generation eCall (NGeCall) validated test cases on its 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR enabling GCF certification.

eCall is a European initiative designed to provide rapid assistance to motorists involved in accidents. It uses an In-Vehicle System (IVS) equipped with sensors that, when triggered (e.g., by airbag deployment), automatically place an emergency call to the pan-European Emergency Number 112. Along with the voice call, essential data such as location, passenger count, and vehicle direction is sent to the PSAP. Since March 31, 2018, all new M1 (passenger cars) and N1 (light-duty) vehicles sold in the EU must be equipped with eCall capability.

Mobile networks operators (MNOs) are phasing out 2G/3G networks and transitioning to 4G/5G networks built on IMS. Consequently, there is a growing need for a harmonized shift, to NGeCall, which also operated on IMS.

“3GPP Release 14 for LTE and Release 16 for 5G, the next stages for eCall technologies, enable the automotive industry to certify NGeCall test solutions to deliver eCall modules that incorporate new NGeCall functions,” said Keiji Kameda, General Manager of Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu Corporation

The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 34.229-5 for 5G and TS 34.229-1 for LTE, aligned with the core requirements in TS 24.229. These tests have been submitted by Anritsu to 3GPP’s Radio Access Network Working Group 5 (RAN WG5) and validated by GCF.

Product outline

5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR

The 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR is registered as Test Platform 251 with both the GCF and PTCRB.

This platform supports 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Test (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) of mobile devices incorporating Multiple Radio Access Technologies. It covers 5G NR in both Standalone and Non-Standalone modes, along with LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-A Pro, W-CDMA and now NTN. When paired with Anritsu’s OTA RF chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR supports testing in sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G NR frequency bands.

GCF: The Global Certification Forum (GCF) is a non-profit, global membership driven organization offering mobile and IoT certification programs based on conformity to agreed standards. It provides assurance of device-network interoperability, reduction in testing costs and accelerated time-to-market (https://www.globalcertificationforum.org/).