Tektronix' NetTek test platform was Frost & Sullivan's Product of the Month in its March 2003 review. Having the tag of one of the largest test and measurement companies in the world, products by Tektronix often need no introduction.
With its huge presence in the wireless communication test equipment market as well, Tektronix offers a wide range of testing equipment and solutions. Its products have been designed futuristically to be able to be upgraded to suit constantly changing standards, especially seen in the wireless industry.
With new and improved standards hitting the stands almost every quarter, wireless communication test equipment manufacturers have to be constantly on their toes to match up to their customers' testing requirements. Base station testing has taken on paramount importance due to the need to effectively test the integrity, signal strength, air interface and protocol of base station equipment.
Customisation the name of the game
Following a trend in the I&M and especially in the base station test equipment market toward single box equipment, NetTek is a handheld, multistandard field tester that is touted to be ideal for field applications. The analyser offers a host of applications that include effective resolving of transmitter problems, BTS (Base Station Transmitter System) transmitter analysis, BTS antenna and transmission line analysis, optical system fault location, effective testing of T1 circuits and some of the most outstanding fibre-optic installation/acceptance testing.
The NetTek YBT250, YBA250 and TBAC1 support NetTek Y350C to enable RF and demodulation measurements that are important in field testing, distance-to-fault measurements for antenna, and transmission line location. All these modules can be attached to the Y350C platform analyser to test for different standards.
Frost & Sullivan viewpoint
One of the biggest challenges faced by test equipment manufacturers is changing standards in the wireless communications industry and being capable of providing for their testing needs. Meeting this challenge head-on, Tektronix' NetTek series of RF field testers is designed to keep pace with changing standards. Simple upgrading of several software options and space for additional modules enable the equipment to present a whole new face. Also, these are not limited by restraints that require the product to be reengineered.
Technologically, the end-user market for this family of testing equipment is rapidly developing and the desire for customer-friendly products has become the need of the day. Tektronix realised and recognised the fact that technicians in the field do not necessarily have the skills to use testing equipment that is traditionally used for R&D applications. An easy-to-use instrument, NetTek allows field technicians to make all the complex measurements with easy options and operations. The YBT250 is particularly known for its versatility as well as range of testing capabilities that include antenna testing, transmitter testing interference measurement, etc.
What is most exciting about NetTek platform analyser is the fact that it is one box that houses all the aforementioned functionalities adding and taking away modules. This makes the equipment an effective R&D instrument as well. Recognising the fact that R&D and I&M testing equipment are increasingly lacking in clear boundaries and that there is a spillover to both the application segments, NetTek's modularity seems perfect for use in both application spaces. However, although features of the NetTek are well-suited for R&D as well, a large majority of its application has been in the I&M area.
Despite the slump in the communications industry worldwide, wireless communication in particular is expected to continue to grow and the industry is expected to witness a series of developing and improving standards and technologies. Test equipment vendors are hardpressed for keeping pace with these trends and providing adequate testing equipment and solutions. The NetTek is a fine example of a test and measurement equipment company's successful assay to offer high-quality testing that upgrades to suit the changing pace of the industry.
For more information contact Ronel Chickory, Channels Measurement Services, 0800 11 7850, [email protected]
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