Signal processing libraries for 802.11ac WLAN and 60GHz 802.11ad

The release provides new digital signal processing reference libraries for emerging connectivity standards IEEE 802.11ac and 802.11ad, and delivers updates for 4G-LTE, 3G-HSPA and wideband digital predistortion libraries. The libraries are designed to help PHY system architects and component designers accelerate product design cycles and achieve higher overall system performance. According to Agilent, the 802.11ac WLAN connectivity standard promises data throughputs of more than 1Gb/s for short range media streaming, gaming and computer networks. The W1917EP WLAN baseband verification library is said to provide more than 50 new baseband signal processing blocks, built into working, user modifiable transmit and receive reference designs in a closed loop physical layer. Agilent says that the library will enable system architects to see system level effects of 802.11ac algorithms and models, predistortion, impairments, interferers, and fading on signal quality and bit error ratio. The W1917EP library helps validate baseband algorithms, nonlinear rf components and system performance when integrating SoC chipsets into next generation wireless products. It interoperates with other Agilent test equipment and software, providing a consistent, structured approach from simulation to hardware test. Similarly, the W1915EP mmWave WPAN baseband verification library targets system architects working at 60GHz, where measurement challenges are even more difficult. The library provides transmit and receive reference designs for simulation based validation of the 802.11ad physical layer. The 802.11ad physical layer (which is also compatible with WGA PHY specification version 1.1) is used in the development of next-generation high-bandwidth HD video streaming systems and set-top boxes. According to Agilent, a key advantage of the W1915 library is earlier R&D validation of rf transceivers and system designs, using simulation, accurate waveforms and high fidelity modeling to mitigate verification challenges at millimetre wave frequencies. The W1915EP library also connects directly to Agilent's M8190A wideband arbitrary waveform generator, enabling direct hardware testing of both baseband and RF components using the same precisely degraded test vectors used in simulation. "SystemVue continues to provide designers of emerging communications products the tools they need to design, validate and test early algorithms, components and systems," said Todd Cutler, general manager of Agilent's EEsof organisation. "Simulation assisted measurements are a powerful enabler for SoC designers and system integrators working to deliver early 60-GHz product designs."