Facing the challenge of developing test solutions for dual mode, satellite and terrestrial mobile systems

Racal Instruments Limited has been involved in the development and manufacture of test equipment for digital radio communications systems since the inception of the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) in the late 1980s. Involvement in satellite mobile communication systems began with the development of production and service test equipment for the American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC) system in 1992. Racal Instruments has also been involved in the development of test equipment for the Asia Cellular Satellite System (ACeS). This paper discusses the experience of Racal Instruments Limited in developing test equipment for testing dual mode satellite mobile terminals particularly for the ACeS system. The topics covered include: (1) the test equipment requirements of the dual mode handset developers; (2) specific issues faced by test equipment developers; (3) how Racal Instruments Limited has responded to the requirements and issues; and (4) how test equipment may evolve to meet future requirements