Zigbee Test Solutions: Litepoint IQxel-M vs. Keysight 33522b

This article explores Zigbee test solutions, comparing the Litepoint IQxel-M and Keysight 33522b for Zigbee testing.

About Zigbee

Zigbee is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard designed for low-bit-rate communication over short distances. It’s built upon the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for its physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers, while the Zigbee Alliance defines the upper layers. Key characteristics of Zigbee include:

• Frequency Bands: 868/915 MHz and 2450 MHz
• Data Rates: 20 to 40 Kbps for lower bands, 250 Kbps for the 2.45 GHz band.
• Modulation Types: BPSK, OQPSK
• Distance: Approximately 10 meters.

Zigbee Test Solution: Litepoint IQxel-M

The Litepoint IQxel-M is a hardware platform designed for comprehensive wireless testing, including Zigbee. Here are its key features:

• Hardware Model: Litepoint IQxel-M™
• Frequency Support: 860-1000MHz, 1770-2660MHz, 3300-3800MHz, and 4900-6000MHz bands.
• Output Power: +10 to -95dBm for frequencies <= 2700MHz, and 0 to -95dBm for frequencies > 2700MHz.
• Zigbee Testing: Compliant with IEEE 802.15.4 standards.
• Parallel Testing: Can test up to four Zigbee devices simultaneously.
• Multi-Standard Support: Beyond Zigbee, it supports WLAN, Bluetooth, TD-LTE, and other standards.
• MIMO Configuration: Supports up to 8x8 MIMO configurations.

The complete Litepoint Zigbee test solution includes the IQxel-M hardware and the IQfact+ test software. This software handles transmitter and receiver tests, as well as complete Zigbee device control and data logging.

Zigbee Test Solution: Keysight 33522b

Keysight Technologies provides a Zigbee testing solution utilizing a combination of instruments. Here’s a breakdown of the hardware used:

For Zigbee receiver testing, the Keysight 33522b waveform generator and the N9310A RF signal generator are employed. Zigbee transmitter testing is handled by the N9320B/N9322C RF spectrum analyzer and N9000A CXA X-series signal analyzer.

The Keysight solution uses hardware in conjunction with Zigbee software. This software allows users to load Zigbee .csv files or to create custom PPDU Zigbee packets. Frequency and sampling rate can be configured directly in the corresponding hardware.

The VXA Zigbee measurement application (model: W9064A) is used to demodulate and decode the transmitted Zigbee packets, providing analysis and insights into signal quality.