Anritsu and Sony Achieve First GCF Certification for NTN NB-IoT RF Conformance Testing

The ME7873NR, developed by Anritsu, has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Global Certification Forum (GCF) certification for NB-IoT RF conformance testing in the Certification Agreement Group (CAG) #78. This achievement marks the first time in the industry that such certification has been granted, highlighting Anritsu's commitment to innovation and quality in the field of telecommunications.

The conformance tests conducted on the ME7873NR are in accordance with the standards set by 3GPP in TS 36.521-4, aligning with the core requirements specified in TS 36.102. These test results have been submitted by Anritsu to the 3GPP Radio Access Network Working Group 5 (RAN WG5), further solidifying the system's credibility and reliability in the industry.

"Our combined expertise means that our customers benefit from enhanced capabilities to meet their own evolving needs," stated Levana Asraf Fouks, Sr. Director, System Validation & PM Manager, System Engineering at Sony Semiconductor Israel. By collaborating with Anritsu from the early stages, the certification process for modules and devices can be expedited, ultimately driving innovation and progress within the industry.

Keiji Kameda, General Manager of the Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu Corporation, emphasized the significance of NTN NB-IoT, defined by 3GPP Release 17, in enabling new use cases and monetization opportunities for vertical industry segments. The partnership between Anritsu and Sony facilitates the validation of new features, ensuring a swift market entry and certification in GCF/PTCRB for cutting-edge devices that support innovative applications.

The ME7873NR serves as an automated system designed for 3GPP TS 38.521/TS 38.533 5G NR RF and RRM tests, with support for NB-IoT NTNs as outlined in 3GPP TS36.521-3 and TS36.521-4. This system also anticipates future compatibility with 5G NTNs, offering customers the flexibility to upgrade from ME7873LA to ME7873NR by simply adding a control PC. Anritsu's commitment to facilitating a seamless transition from NB-IoT NTN to NR NTN underscores its dedication to advancing telecommunications technology.