Keithley enhances Signalmeister software

Keithley Instruments has expanded its Signalmeister software platform to include RF signal analysis along with RF signal generation.

Signalmeister software has the capability of generating and analysing both single-input single-output (SISO) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals in the same environment.

Research, design, and test engineers can create and analyse signals with a block-diagram-based graphical user interface.

In addition, the Signalmeister RF Communications toolkit now supports the latest wireless, MIMO protocol standards, Wimax Wave 2 and 802.11n WLAN.

It also provides functionality such as WLAN channel modelling, beam forming, simulation studies, along with a set of IQ operations, and full utilities for data import and export.

Signalmeister allows MIMO signals to be created and analysed as easily as SISO signals, simplifying the challenging task of MIMO testing for manufacturers developing and supplying mobile phones, wireless infrastructure and RF chip sets.

The software's integration of signal generation and analysis eliminates the need for multiple software tools.

The user only has one program and a single user interface to learn.

Signalmeister integrates with Keithley's Series 2800 Vector Signal Analysers (VSA) and Series 2900 Vector Signal Generators (VSG).

Users can set up a test system for any number of channels from single channel to 4 x 4 MIMO and even up to 8 x 8 MIMO in minutes.

The software also supports all standard-defined channel models for WLAN 802.11n signals.

Channel modelling defines the various multi-path scenarios that must be tested for device certification.

The channel models included with Signalmeister support one to four inputs and outputs.

In addition to specific channel models, Signalmeister includes IQ impairments so that receiver performance can be evaluated when receiving signals from improperly-adjusted transmitters.

Channel impairments such as frequency shift and noise can be added to a signal to test a receiver's ability to accurately recover a distorted or low signal-to-noise ratio transmission.

Signalmeister features a simulation mode so that signals can be created and analysed without actual hardware.

Designers can study the effects of transmitter impairments and channel effects on signals for defining design and device performance goals.

Furthermore, the simulation mode can be an excellent training tool for engineers in industry or for students in wireless engineering academic programs.

Signalmeister offers an object-oriented GUI that is optimised for both SISO and MIMO testing.

It allows users to create and download complex signals by dragging objects into a project work area, defining their parameters, and connecting them, without code development.

It features form-based signal definitions that guide the user through creation of complex signals.

Users can save objects and projects for re-use and sharing, which saves time and eliminates compatibility problems.

Signalmeister is an evolving platform, with the ability to expand and encompass future testing needs such as 4G LTE and beyond, eliminating the need for new, multiple software packages that often have different user interfaces.

Its common user interface across all signal protocols allows engineers to develop in-depth knowledge on one signal creation and analysis program.

Users can import their own data files for general purpose research, which makes the overall system more flexible and adaptable.

With the Series 2900, Series 2800, and Signalmeister software, Keithley offers its customers a range of fast and accurate RF test solutions for SISO and MIMO transmission systems.

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