7layers successfully validated its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth^® RF for Channel Sounding qualification, running with the R&S CMW wideband radio communication tester. Developed jointly with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chipset manufacturers, it is the first test platform listed by the Bluetooth^® SIG to perform Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth^® RFPHY release 6.0. Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding is a new secure fine ranging feature that will enable unprecedented positioning accuracy for consumer and commercial applications.

Ratingen/Munich, January 15, 2025 — For many years, 7layers, a Bureau Veritas Group company, and Rohde & Schwarz have collaborated in developing Bluetooth^® RF test solutions for Bluetooth^® Qualification Test Facilities (BQTF), Bluetooth^® Recognized Test Facilities (BRTFs) as well as for chipset and module vendors. Thanks to this close partnership with Rohde & Schwarz and leading chipset vendors, 7layers has now validated the Channel Sounding feature within its Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth^® RF. Bluetooth^® SIG has listed it as a validated test solution for Channel Sounding qualification testing with Bluetooth^® RFPHY version 6.0.

Bluetooth Low Energy devices with improved positioning accuracy

The rollout of Bluetooth^® Low Energy devices supporting Channel Sounding will significantly improve positioning accuracy for ‘Digital Key’ and ‘Find My’ applications. In addition, these devices will feature improved power consumption and superior security, all critical features for Bluetooth^® enabled products. Since September, the Bluetooth^® SIG has introduced test cases to qualify these new features.

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth^® RF fulfils all qualification requirements for Bluetooth^® Classic, Low Energy (LE), including Direction Finding, as well as the latest Core feature Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding. Comprehensive test automation and the highly accurate implementation of the Bluetooth^® test cases are crucial to ensure compliance to the Bluetooth^® specifications.

The Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding runs with a wideband radio communication tester of the R&S CMW platform and offers an integrated RF path calibration, high measurement accuracy as well as precise analysis capabilities. The test platform from Rohde & Schwarz supports the corresponding RF physical layer measurements for the usage in development and for prequalification tests as a standalone box.

Frank Spiller, Manager Interlab Test Products, at 7layers emphasizes: “The industry is eagerly anticipating the qualification of a test solution for Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding by the Bluetooth^® SIG. We are proud to offer the first validated test solution, implemented thanks to the advanced test capabilities of our partner Rohde & Schwarz. We enable our customers to perform high quality and automated testing as part of the internal verification and regression process for a smooth transition to qualify products.”

Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President for Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “Thanks to our close partnership with 7layers, we were able to quickly integrate the required test cases into the test solution. This means, that vendors of wireless chipsets and modules can now validate the new Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding feature with an R&S CMW Bluetooth^® RF tester and the Interlab Test Solution for Bluetooth^® Channel Sounding. This tester can be used for R&D tests, pre-qualification and production testing. Using the same test solution as BQTFs and BRTFs increases the likelihood of their products achieving the Bluetooth^® qualification on the first attempt, significantly reducing time to market.”

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth^® RF for Channel Sounding is part of the Interlab portfolio. It is now available from 7layers as qualification test solution for BQTFs and BRTFs.

For further information please contact sales@interlab.com.

From 20^th of August, all certificates will be issued with a validity of 4 years (before: no validity).
All issued type approval certificates older than 4 years must be renewed to remain valid if the certified product is to continue to be marketed in Oman.
There are changes to the labelling requirement with the addition of QR code and TRA logo. Details on implementation and transition period have not yet been defined.

Due to this newly introduced process and the expectation of a high volume of inquiries, the expected processing time is currently unknown and could also impact the lead time for initial approval processes.

7layers will be happy to provide you with an offer for this service. The selection of the affected device approvals is the responsibility of the manufacturer.

Following devices are exempted from the requirement to place the approval mark:

• Devices used for automotive applications that are pre-equipped within imported cars.
• Systems and interface cards that have already been installed in data centre cabinets before being imported.
• All equipment imported for installation in public telecommunications networks for licensees.
• Any other devices that the Authority decides to exclude, provided that the list of devices is published in the Authority’s website.

Bureau Veritas can help you meet the full range of safety and performance requirements for renewable energy products worldwide. We take cybersecurity seriously and can be your guide to cyber compliance, especially when distributed energy resources (DER) are connected to critical infrastructure such as the power grid. For more information on our testing, inspection and certification services, please contact us! Contact – 7layers

The Interlab® Test Solution Bluetooth RF is now ready for Bluetooth® 6.0 incl. Channel Sounding!

The Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF meets all demands set by the Bluetooth® Qualification scheme providing complete and full validated RF test coverage for all Bluetooth® standard versions including Bluetooth® Classic, Bluetooth® Low Energy and Bluetooth® Direction Finding as well now for Bluetooth® Channel Sounding.

Bluetooth Channel Sounding enables use cases and features with a wide range of positioning accuracy levels like asset tracking and wayfinding and vehicle keyless entry, which requires extremely high accuracy and security. All Bluetooth RF Test Cases necessary to qualify Products will be made available according to the Bluetooth SIG Qualification roadmap.

The first Test Cases are expected for August 2024.

In addition, our Test Solution is prepared for “LE Test Mode enhancements” (Bluetooth 6.1) which is the base for the new “Unified Test Protocol” (OTA Test Mode) and future developments. The OTA Test Mode ease the test execution and reduces test interface requirements.

Moreover, we had optimized the hardware setup to reduce costs for single devices and calibration efforts.

For any further information please check Interlab Test Solution Bluetooth® RF – 7layers

Trinidad & Tobago: Validity of certificates is limited to 5 years (also certificates already issued without indication of validity)

From 1st of December 2023, the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago issues device certifications with a limited validity of 5 years. Previously issued certificates without a validity date lose their validity after 5 years from the date of issue.
The following cases must be taken into account by manufacturers:
1. Certificates without any indication of validity, the date of issue of which was more than 5 years ago, must be reissued.
2. Certificates without any indication of validity, whose date of issue has not yet exceeded 5 years, remain valid until the 5th year from the date of issue.