The enhancements to the Signal Studio software include generation of the metrology-grade 256QAM reference signals needed to test physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) and physical multicast channel (PMCH) implementations. Signal Studio's updated Test Model Wizard now supports the new 256QAM Rel-12 test models, E-TM2a and E-TM3.1a, used to evaluate BTS power amplifiers.

"Our ongoing goal is to provide timely enhancements that enable our customers to test their new designs versus the latest LTE specifications and get them to market faster," said Mike Griffin, applications marketing and sales technical support manager of Keysight's Microwave Communications Division. "Because Signal Studio supports our benchtop and modular signal generators and wireless test sets, engineers can now easily deploy signals across their entire product lifecycle."

The software updates also support the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH) with limited data rate channel coding for the new Category 0 UE defined by Rel-12. These Internet of things (IoT) devices will use robust machine-type communications (MTC) based on low data rates, limited modulation schemes and limited multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) functionality, all of which are intended to improve battery life.

Other additions include multi-UE scenarios for eNB load testing through emulation of up to 100 UE devices using a single Keysight X-Series signal generator.