Rohde & Schwarz has successfully completed the certification testing of its Hybrid eCall and Next Generation eCall test solution. The tests were conducted by cetecom advanced, a leading independent testing laboratory for product testing and global certifications in industries such as communications technology, automotive, medical technology, and payment & identification. Rohde & Schwarz’s solution is based on the CMX500 radio communications tester, which has been equipped with an updated eCall option to ensure compliance with the latest eCall requirements and standards.
The hybrid eCall test specification EN 18052 requires that a hybrid system combine different transmission paths and protocols. This is the only way to ensure that an eCall reliably reaches its destination. Specifically, this means that vehicles use the functions of NG eCall, i.e., IP/IMS-based voice and data transmission over 4G and 5G networks. If network coverage or service quality deteriorates, the system must be able to automatically fall back to classic CS eCall transmission paths over 2G or 3G.
Manufacturers must validate such hybrid implementations. They must ensure that emergency calls can be triggered, the Minimum Set of Data (MSD) is transmitted, GNSS positioning is maintained, and intelligible voice quality is guaranteed in various network scenarios. This includes Voice over New Radio (VoNR), Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and circuit-switched fallback. The tests must also demonstrate that the system operates stably even during handovers and under degraded radio conditions. At the same time, the relevant requirements of CEN, ETSI, 3GPP, and national regulations must be met.
Rohde & Schwarz has updated its eCall test solution CMX-KA09x accordingly. It now supports compliance with EN 18052:2025 and EN 17240:2024+A1:2026. The CMX-KA099 option has successfully completed PSAP test scenarios according to EN 18052:2025. The CMX-KA098 option has successfully passed PSAP test scenarios according to EN 17240:2024+A1:2026. This marks an important milestone for Rohde & Schwarz in meeting the European requirements for NG eCall test systems.
“We use the solution for functional testing, protocol compliance testing, and type approval of in-vehicle systems (IVS) that implement Hybrid eCall and NG eCall,” says Thomas Reschka, Senior Technical Consultant at cetecom advanced. “The test environment makes it possible to simulate real-world mobile communication conditions and emulate different network scenarios. This is a significant advantage when preparing for certifications and launching new vehicle models.”
Through their collaboration, both companies aim to support the automotive industry in bringing the next generation of vehicle communication to market quickly and safely. Safety is the central focus.
Further information: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/solutions/automotive-testing/automotive-connectivity-and-infotainment/automotive-ecall-testing/overview_231772.html
