Sony, Rohde & Schwarz pioneer satellite-based IoT

Test equipment and services company Rohde & Schwarz has teamed with Sony to achieve an industry-first performance verification for non-terrestrial IoT coverage.

NTN stands for non-terrestrial networks and encompasses satellite and airborne platforms. Picture: Pixabay

Rohde & Schwarz and Sony Semiconductor Israel achieved the 3GPP Rel. 17 NTN NB-IoT RF performance verification. They also successfully validated PCT-based test cases.

According to Rohde & Schwarz, the twin milestones contribute to the market readiness of NTN NB-IoT technology.

NTN stands for non-terrestrial networks and encompasses satellite and airborne platforms. It is hoped that NTN NB-IoT will play a vital role in expanding 5G IoT coverage to remote and underserved areas, ensuring no device is out of reach.

In collaboration with Sony, Rohde & Schwarz successfully validated and verified Sony Altair’s device for its NTN NB-IoT capability.

Using a Rohde & Schwarz mobile radio tester platform, Sony was able to verify all 3GPP defined RF parameters on their chipset in an interactive testing mode, in both geostationary orbit (GEO) and geosynchronous orbit (GSO).

The company also validated the released protocol conformance test cases (PCT) for compliance, demonstrating exceptional performance and reliability of the Sony device. Both companies have also committed to completing Skylo's certified test plan on the R&S CMW500 as part of the carrier acceptance program.

Rohde & Schwarz said it will provide a live demonstration of NTN NB-IoT testing using the Sony device at the Mobile World Congress 2024, taking place in Barcelona later this month.