Infotainment

More enjoyable and intelligent in-vehicle experience

Infotainment (Information + Entertainment) of a car provides not only navigational guidance, road conditions, and location information of commercial facilities and others but also a vast range of functions including Internet-based video streaming, music play, web browsing, and voice calls. In addition to mobile communication, wireless communication technologies such as wireless LAN and Bluetooth® play a major role in the implementation of these infotainment functions.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Anritsu is under license.

Challenges

Challenge 1: RF Performance

While a wireless communication device complies with relevant standards when used independently, it may encounter issues, such as a drop in communication speed or interruptions, when mounted in a vehicle due to radio interference and noise from other electronic devices. This is why it is necessary to verify the RF performance of the device when installed in a vehicle to ensure it performs as expected.

Additionally, communication devices utilizing wireless LAN, Bluetooth devices, etc., need to meet various communication standards and obtain certification from relevant standards organizations. Moreover, since the radio wave frequency bands vary for each country or region, compliance with established laws and regulations is essential.

Challenge 2: Audio/Voice Quality

As people increasingly enjoy video streaming and music through infotainment systems connected to a mobile network, there is a growing desire to achieve a high-quality audio experience in cars. Additionally, in-vehicle emergency Call (eCall/NG-eCall) systems, which have become mandatory in Europe and other regions, require the enhancement of the quality of voice calls.
When evaluating audio/voice quality over a mobile network, it is crucial to assess the performance under simulated mobile network connection environments involving handovers, delays, and other factors. However, given the numerous network connection conditions, there is a demand for solutions that facilitate easy setup and efficient testing.

Testing Solutions

Solution 1: RF Performance Verification

Anritsu’s solutions support RF testing of the communication standards implemented by in-vehicle infotainment systems in every stage from development and certification to manufacturing.

Wireless LAN devices
Anritsu’s wireless LAN testing solution Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A not only supports the testing of standalone in-vehicle wireless LAN modules using the direct mode but also allows a quantitative evaluation of the transmission and reception characteristics of a finished product using the network mode.
Bluetooth devices
For Bluetooth devices used for hands-free calling, music play, and other functions, it is imperative to conduct RF testing at a qualification test facility designated by Bluetooth SIG. Anritsu’s Bluetooth testing solution Bluetooth Test Set MT8852B supports RF testing for Bluetooth SIG certification, and it can quickly and easily evaluate performance such as power, frequency, modulation, and receiver sensitivity required by the Bluetooth Test Specification.
Easy-to-configure automatic measurement solution
An easy-to-use GUI and test automation function prevent mistakes in setting test conditions, improving customers’ test efficiency.

Leaflet:

Anritsu's wireless connectivity test solution

Solution 2: Acoustic Evaluation

Using Anritsu’s base station simulator and HEAD acoustics’ audio/voice combined evaluation solution, you can evaluate the quality of in-vehicle audio and voice while simulating diverse connection environments of a mobile network. Additionally, using automation software eliminates the need for complex tasks of setting up and operating a base station and connection environment, allowing GUI-based evaluations and performance testing of various terminals.

Leaflet: