7layers Successfully Validates Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF for Channel Sounding Qualification
7layers successfully validated its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF for Channel Sounding qualification, running with the R&S CMW wideband radio communication tester. Developed jointly with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chipset manufacturers, it is the first test platform listed by the Bluetooth® SIG to perform Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth® RFPHY release 6.0.
Bluetooth® Channel Sounding is a new secure fine-ranging feature that will enable unprecedented positioning accuracy for consumer and commercial applications.
Strong Industry Collaboration
For many years, 7layers, a Bureau Veritas Group company, and Rohde & Schwarz have collaborated in developing Bluetooth® RF test solutions for:
- Bluetooth® Qualification Test Facilities (BQTFs)
- Bluetooth® Recognized Test Facilities (BRTFs)
- Chipset and module vendors
Thanks to this close partnership with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chipset vendors, 7layers has now validated the Channel Sounding feature within its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF. Bluetooth® SIG has listed it as a validated test solution for Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth® RFPHY version 6.0.
Bluetooth® Low Energy Devices with Improved Positioning Accuracy
The rollout of Bluetooth® Low Energy devices supporting Channel Sounding will significantly improve positioning accuracy for ‘Digital Key’ and ‘Find My’ applications. In addition, these devices will feature:
✅ Improved power consumption
✅ Superior security
Since September, the Bluetooth® SIG has introduced test cases to qualify these new features.
The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF fulfills all qualification requirements for:
✔️ Bluetooth® Classic
✔️ Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE)
✔️ Direction Finding
✔️ Latest Core feature: Bluetooth® Channel Sounding
Comprehensive test automation and the highly accurate implementation of the Bluetooth® test cases are crucial to ensure compliance with Bluetooth® specifications.
Cutting-Edge Test Solution
The Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding runs with a wideband radio communication tester of the R&S CMW platform and offers:
✅ Integrated RF path calibration
✅ High measurement accuracy
✅ Precise analysis capabilities
The test platform from Rohde & Schwarz supports the corresponding RF physical layer measurements for use in:
- Development
- Prequalification tests (as a standalone box)
Expert Insights
Frank Spiller, Manager Interlab Test Products at 7layers, emphasizes:
“The industry is eagerly anticipating the qualification of a test solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding by the Bluetooth® SIG. We are proud to offer the first validated test solution, implemented thanks to the advanced test capabilities of our partner Rohde & Schwarz. We enable our customers to perform high-quality and automated testing as part of the internal verification and regression process for a smooth transition to qualify products.”
Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President for Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, adds:
“Thanks to our close partnership with 7layers, we were able to quickly integrate the required test cases into the test solution. This means that vendors of wireless chipsets and modules can now validate the new Bluetooth® Channel Sounding feature with an R&S CMW Bluetooth® RF tester and the Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding. This tester can be used for:
- R&D tests
- Pre-qualification
- Production testing
Using the same test solution as BQTFs and BRTFs increases the likelihood of their products achieving Bluetooth® qualification on the first attempt, significantly reducing time to market.”
Availability
The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF for Channel Sounding is part of the Interlab portfolio. It is now available from 7layers as a qualification test solution for BQTFs and BRTFs.
