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The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) triggered by industrial IoT (IIoT) will offer significant revenue expansion through new digital service provider markets. The main technology enablers for the IIoT revolution will comprise of 1.) 5G wireless converged automation protocols which will eliminate wires and support time synchronous operations, 2.) private edge cloud for secure and scalable local computing, 3.) deep slicing for IIoT networks so that multiple stakeholders can be supported using one infrastructure and 4.) machine learning (ML) enabled automated operations for monitoring, prediction and optimization of IIoT networks. Further, the IIoT network will be scalable in connectivity and number of devices and will be designed to deliver optimal performance for all industrial applications using key LTE and 5G New Radio (NR) features like ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), massive machine type communication (mMTC), 5G positioning, time sensitive communications (TSC) and, to a lesser degree, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the more challenging issues facing Wi-Fi equipment suppliers today is that devices are unable to adapt well to high interference in an open air environment. Consequently, they do not provide optimum throughput at all times, with results that frustrate end users. Manufacturers try to make improvements, but often cannot accurately replicate problematic scenarios in their test labs. A promising test solution is to use a set of small, stackable anechoic RF isolation chambers as a test bed, along with a mixed domain oscilloscope (MDO). An MDO is an oscilloscope that is integrated with logic, spectrum and protocol analyzers in one instrument, all synchronized together to provide one view. This combination makes it possible to create repeatable, controlled test conditions for Wi-Fi signals, as well as replicate adverse conditions such as interference and multipath. In this way, engineers can characterize device performance under real-life conditions and perform an in-depth root cause analysis on the device itself. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the coordinated multipoint operation (CoMP) technology component in long-term evolution (LTE)-Advanced 3GPP standard Release 11. It states that the 3GPP Release 11 set improvements in the core network and radio access protocols. It mentions that CoMP will allow the optimization of transmission and reception from multiple distribution points. Moreover, CoMP is an important component that improves the system capacity in the LTE-Advanced 3GPP Release 11.

The article discusses the use of smart devices for managing LXI engineering instruments. It mentions that various network hierarchies for applying such devices when connecting to the instruments like the Wi-Fi nonlocal network, Wi-Fi local network and the wireless cellular network. According to the author, the LXI standard is important for smart device users to access a Web interface through a Web browser.

The article focuses on the standards that govern the use of embedded test instruments. The author discusses the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) standards also called the JTAG after the Joint Test Action Group that was developed to achieve high fault coverage. He also mentions the efforts of the JTAG working group or the P1687 in introducing the standard.

The article offers information on the IEEE 1588 precision timing protocol (PTP). According to Doug Arnold, a product architect at Symmetricom, the 1588 protocol is easy to be integrated into products and would be a pervasive technology. The IEEE 1588 enables devices with low-cost commercial Ethernet cable, hubs and switches to undergo synchronization within almost 500 microseconds using only software. Equipping with hardware-assisted PTP clocks would allow devices to boost accuracy within the nanosecond range.

The article focuses on test instruments that can analyze data and communications network protocols. In data and communications networks, protocols define how information must be organized for it to be correctly interpreted. A typical protocol is the PCI Express (PCIe) which consists of several distinct layers. A proper protocol analyzer is necessary in order to analyze high-speed data buses and for complex applications with many different protocols. GL Communications' protocol analyzers handle wireless and wired T1, E1 and Ethernet networks with as many as 50 separate protocols for each of data. NGenius® Network Monitor from NetScout is optimized to work with the protocols encountered in virtual private networks (VPN).

The article focuses on the use of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) in accessing voice and data services as well as lowering communications costs. This convergence is based on the idea that wireless IP networks and 802.11a/b/g/n devices can deliver the underlying quality of service necessary to guarantee a satisfying end-user experience. The demand for this kind of application is also driven by the capability to provide cost savings not available from alternative wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) cellular-only services.

The article discusses the use of cross-bus analysis, which include various buses such as serial ATA, HDMI and PCI Express (PCIe), in resolving problems related to communications network. In a standard-specific protocol analyzer with a logic analyzer, the former takes care of the serial acquisition while the logic analyzer captures parallel bus data. In a system integrating both serial and parallel acquisition modules into the logic of analyzer mainframe, a mix of PCIe serial and parallel acquisition modules within a single system is allowed.

The article offers information on how to determine the radiated performance testing (RPT) and the total radiated power (TRP)of mobile WiMAX devices. It mentions the Mobile WiMAX promises wireless data connections of 10 to 15 megabits per second in a typical cellular radius which exceeds from the capabilities of 2.5-3G wireless networks. It suggests that the wireless mobile station must be connected to the base station emulator (BSE) and made to transmit uplink packets at full power to simulate usage at the edge of the link in order to determine the TRP.

The article discusses the significance of beaconing protocol to WiMedia Alliance's ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless architecture which handles multiple protocols with a common radio platform that uses the same physical/ medium access control (PHY/MAC) layer. The beaconing protocol performs discovery of nearby Wi-Media-based devices. It provides a distributed mechanism for identifying which beacon slots neighboring devices occupy and advertising which beacon slot a given device will occupy, among others. Identifying in which slot or time interval a given device will transmit its frame is among the primary roles of the protocol.

The article discusses the functional testing of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. MIMO is the center of the upcoming Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11n standard. MIMO is considered as the basis for the next generation of Wi-Fi products. According to the author, 802.11n will allow new voice, video, and data applications that demand greater performance. Ensuring that MIMO products deliver the strong interoperabiliy, performance, and quality of service needed by these new applications, is the task of the manufacturers.

The article discusses the benefits of the Wi-Fi test Alliance test engine methodology. Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, nonprofit industry association devoted to promoting the growth of wireless local area networks (WLAN). According to the author, the methodology provides an approach for station testing of application-specific devices (ASD), which dramatically improves the flexibility and scalability of the certification program to support both personal computer (PC)-based and non-PC devices.

The article discusses the importance of a good protocol analyzer in designing or troubleshooting universal serial bus systems. The two approaches to data capture which are supported by available instruments are identified. The factors that must be considered when buying a universal serial bus protocol analyzer are cited.

Discusses factors to consider in choosing protocol analyzers. Topologies; Filtering and slicing; Decodes; Difference between distributed and portable protocol analyzers.

Provides information on embedded Internet Protocol (IP) blocks called infrastructure IP (IIP) incorporated into system-on-a-chip (SOC) designs used for semiconductor electronic applications. Approaches to test and diagnosis in the manufacturing domain; Trends that are driving the integration of IIP into functional IP; Uses and design of integrated circuits with built-in self-test for logic and memories; Illustration of a SOC with IIP for one-time repair; Explanation of the composite IIP solution.

The article offers information on the protocol aware (PA) Automated Test Equipment (ATE) digital instruments. Topics discussed include enhancement of ATE Pattern Generators with digital source and capture engines alongwith capability to control analog instrumentation, development of additional system-level test and creation of reconfigurable and programmable PA based ATE.

The article discusses topics related to long term evolution (LTE) in the U.S. It states that LTE is the project name of new air interface for wireless access being developed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). According to the article, its aim is to evolve 3GPP's third generation system towards an all-IP network optimized for high speed data transmission. In addition, it explains that in parallel with its air interface development, LTE is linked closely with the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) project to define a simplified system architecture and Evolved Packet Core (EPC).

The article offers information on the approaches to test automotive network technology with the expansion of oscilloscope functions. Topics discussed include software platforms, signal-generation and signal-analysis solutions offered by manufacturer Keysight Technologies, protocol decoding and triggering capabilities, and data sharing.

The article reports that Adavntest is offering test Internet protocol (IP) with the establishment of its CloudTesting Service (CTS) operation. With the CTS model, test IP resides in the cloud, with customers accessing the IP though their personal computers. IP is available to support signal generation, voltage and current measurement, functional test of digital devices.

The article reports that mobile handsets as well as stationary consumer electronic (CE) categories do drive the market growth. It states that Wi-Fi chipsets in mobile handsets have grown by 51 percent and above in 2008. According to analyst Victoria Fodale, a new segment of Digital Media Adapters (DMA) has also generated a lot of attention.

The article discusses the features of a high power, high speed 100 MHz programmable tuner manufactured by Focus Microwaves Inc. The new iTuner mechanical tuner introduced by Focus Microwaves is capable of handling power levels up to 300 W and covering the frequency range from 100 MHz to 1 GHz. Other features of the new 100 MHz tuner include an internal microprocessor with 512K random access memory (RAM) and 512K Flash memory with a TCP/IP and RS232 interface. Its firmware is field upgradeable via its serial port and it has a 64M Flash card to store calibration data.

The article presents information about commercial market of technology. According to ABI Research, building on the strength and popularity of Wi-Fi, meshing networks extend range, security and redundancy by augmenting traditional infrastructure to-user-communications with enhanced peer-to-peer communications. Opportunities for the emerging 802.15.4 Wireless PAN technology, and the imminent ZigBee network layer, look promising according to In-Stat/MDR. Using an aggressive scenario, annual shipments will surpass 150 million units in 2008.

The article discusses the impact of radio proliferation in the mobile device market. The author stated that the addition of Wi-Fi radios provides hi-speed and low-cost Internet access for additional applications on smart phones. In addition, Wi-Fi service can also be used for viewing Internet sites and with an addition of an appropriate client application, it transforms a data-centric device into a voice device without using the cellular network. Moreover, networks that are finding their way into personal and mobile devices include Wi-Fi radios, broadcast receivers and WiMAX radios.

The article presents information on WiMAX enthusiasts sometimes claim that it will kill Wi-Fi Alliance. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to current studies from ABI Research. Intel will probably be the first to market, followed by Fujitsu Semiconductors and Wavesat Inc. Before WiMAX chips appear in computers, customer premises equipment (CPE) receivers will be able to get signals from local transmitters. But that still leaves the rest of the devices in a corporate or home network unconnected. And putting WiMAX chips, with their high power consumption, in PDAs or phones will be more difficult, and occur later, than putting them in a laptop.