Anritsu Company has introduced a Bluetooth low energy testing option that allows

designers and manufacturers of Bluetooth products to conduct radio layer testing that is in compliance

with the newly adopted Bluetooth Core Specification 4.0. With the option, engineers can use the

MT8852B to complete a test script covering Bluetooth Basic Rate, Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) and low

energy measurements in <15 seconds by pressing a single key, greatly simplifying production test

programs.

The new Bluetooth low energy measurement option adds six low energy test cases to the base

MT8852B test set. These new test cases can be run as part of a test script to simplify creation of test

programs and reduce test times.

Bluetooth low energy measurements are performed directly on the MT8852B which controls the DUT

using defined HCI or 2-wire control commands. For development applications, the MT8852B low energy

measurement option is supplied with a PC application that displays low energy reference test packets in

graphical format, as well as providing clear pass/fail status for all supported measurements against the

specified limits. This facilitates the identification of the causes of any device failure during the critical

design and development stages.

Anritsu developed the option based upon its active involvement in the Bluetooth SIG. Anritsu

representatives have been instrumental in the development of the radio layer test specification for the

new standard. The low energy option was developed by working with leading Bluetooth chip developers,

who used the MT8852B for their silicon design and development.

Bluetooth low energy is ideal for applications that require occasional data transfer from devices that run

for over a year from a single button cell battery. Typical applications include sports and fitness devices

such as heart rate monitors, as well as medical products such as blood glucose meters and industrial

sensors.