Last October, SpaceNews reported that “the pieces are falling into place” for the IoT network of Silicon Valley startup and software-defined non-terrestrial network (NTN) operator Skylo. That same month, Electronics360 reported on a strategic partnership and ongoing collaboration between Skylo and test and measurement solutions provider Rohde & Schwarz, with the goal of reinforcing and expanding the testing capabilities for NTN. And earlier this month, Keysight Technologies featured a discussion on its podcast network of the potential for NTNs to reshape wireless communications.
Now, another company familiar to E360 readers is playing a role in growing Skylo’s footprint: Anritsu Corp. will enable OEMs and third-party test houses to conduct Skylo-defined testing of NTN devices using its test platforms. The new initiative is aimed at ensuring that devices are fully compatible with the Skylo network, which specializes in extending connectivity to remote and traditionally underserved regions.
According to Anritsu, the testing methodologies and equipment will play a crucial role in evaluating the robustness and efficiency of devices intended for use on the network. This testing process is designed to rigorously assess each device's functionality, signal integrity and radio frequency (RF) characteristics, guaranteeing that they can withstand diverse and potentially challenging environmental and RF conditions.
Anritsu will be supporting several test areas, including device RF parametrics, over-the-air (OTA), performance, protocol conformance and RF conformance tests.
At MWC 2024 in Barcelona, Anritsu will demonstrate RF measurement of NTN narrowband IoT — a key topic for “direct to device” satellite deployment — using its MT8821C Radio Communication Analyzer. That device, designed for R&D on mobile devices and user equipment, offers preset measurement parameters based on 3GPP-specified RF test cases and automatic pass/fail judgment of measurement results. According to Anritsu, the MT8821C’s windows-based GUI and easy-to-use large touch panel significantly enhance operability and visibility compared to other instruments. Its built-in internal RF front end with switches and RF dividers also eliminate the need for external combiners or a test set, simplifying test setup and calibration.
Skylo co-founder and chief technology officer Dr. Andrew Nuttall characterized the partnership with Anritsu as “a significant step towards ensuring that our customers and partners can get their devices certified on our network in the quickest, easiest ways possible. Anritsu's expertise in testing and certification is invaluable in our mission to provide seamless connectivity everywhere.”
