DVB-C2 software coder for R&S SFU signal generator

Rohde & Schwarz has launched a DVB-C2 software coder for its R&S SFU signal generator. The coder enables manufacturers of broadcast receiver equipment and chipsets to perform standard-compliant tests on their products with DVB-C2 signals. Certification bodies and cable network operators can also use the new option. The R&S SFU already supports all common digital and analog radio and TV standards. Now it can handle all second-generation broadcast standards as well. As a result, users need only a single signal generator for all performance and compliance tests on broadcast receivers.

The DVB-C2 digital broadcast standard was adopted about a year ago. At the end of last year, an initial DVB-C2 trial network was put into operation in Berlin. This equipment has scheduled to be put on the market as early as summer 2011. To run performance and compliance tests on the new DVB-C2 receivers, manufacturers need a signal source that delivers standard-compliant test signals.

Rohde & Schwarz has met this need by developing the DVB-C2 coder as a software option for its R&S SFU reference signal generator. Using this new option, manufacturers of TV sets, set-top boxes, tuners and broadcast-receiver chipsets can run all required DVB-C2 performance and compliance tests on their products. The R&S SFU supports the most important test standards, including the D-book test specifications of the Digital TV Group (DTG) as well as those of NorDig, the Scandinavian standardization organization. It is just as suitable for development work as it is for quality assurance in the production process. The instrument provides cable network operators, certification bodies and EMC labs with a reference signal generator for their tests.

Since the R&S SFU supports all common broadcast standards, users need only one instrument to test receiver components for a wide range of transmission standards. Even multistandard receivers, such as those for DVB-C/C2, DVB-T/T2 or DVB-S/S2, can be tested. By means of an option key, users can enable new standards as a software option.

The DVB-C2 software option for the R&S SFU signal generator is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. It can be installed on all R&S SFUs already delivered. Detailed information on the R&S SFU can be found at www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/SFU.