The Case

Cambium Networks designs and manufactures point-to-point and point-to-multipoint data radios, some of which include integrated GPS receivers. The receivers are used to provide a common timing reference and position for each radio, allowing accurate calculation of delays and a precise, consistent reference for data transmission and receipt. This means the system can be managed and transmission/receipt time windows adjusted to improve data throughput where necessary.

Production line testing is critical to ensure each radio is fully functional and meets all accuracy standards – costly failures at the point of installation are not tolerated. With the radios being manufactured at multiple locations across the world, Cambium Networks required a bespoke production line testing solution that would deliver accurate and consistent testing at any manufacturing location and to allow control to be made remotely from offices in other countries.

The Solution

In developing a solution, several options were considered, including placing a receiver antenna outside the manufacturing locations with a buffer amplifier or using a large, high-specification simulator with a distribution amplifier to serve multiple test sets. Both options were dismissed due to cost and the inherent risk of user error in the testing process.

Cambium Networks decided to design a custom test rack solution that included an integrated GNSS simulator. After evaluating a range of products available on the market, they selected LabSat 3 as their simulator of choice. Nick McVernon from Cambium Networks explains why they selected LabSat 3:

„The technical capabilities of LabSat 3 met all of our needs and being able to select a single constellation, Replay Only model gave us an affordable solution without having to pay for a high-end simulator with functionality we didn’t need. The small size of LabSat was also key for us, as it can be installed in a standard size rack mount which made integration with our setup very easy.“

Cambium Networks produced an elegant solution for their testing needs with a 19” rack system, with an integrated LabSat GNSS simulator, connecting up to four test fixtures. Their ‘one box’ design is easy to deploy in their manufacturing sites across the world and is tamper resistant – ensuring they retain central control. As Nick explains, this was an important feature of the design. With a global production base, it was essential that Cambium Networks could control the test racks remotely to remove the need for travel and to ensure consistency in the test signals being used.

„The ability to connect to the LabSat unit via Ethernet and with API control was ideal for us and the ‘plug and play’ nature of LabSat helped to simplify the process.“