Alternative protocol for measuring multiple power level of GSM/GPRS mobiles

An alternative protocol for measuring multiple power levels of GSM/GPRS mobiles is proposed. The protocol makes use of the slow associated common control channel to signal the mobile to change the transmission power in consecutive steps with the issue of a single command. Such an arrangement can reduce the overall overhead time required compared with the conventional method in mobile testing equipment, which makes use of the fast associated common control channel to issue consecutive commands to demand the mobile to change its transmission power level. By reducing the testing time, the production throughput of the mobiles can be improved. The theoretical minimum testing times required based on these two protocols are computed. Finally, the new protocol is implemented in the testing equipment and the actual testing times based on these two protocols are compared.