Anritsu has developed a test package for Hyundai Mobis for the development and verification of its Hybrid eCall and NG eCall technology
When Hyundai Mobis required a reliable test solution to verify its Hybrid eCall system, the company selected Anritsu for its proven expertise in automotive communication testing.
As the automotive industry transitions from the conventional eCall emergency call system operating on 2G and 3G networks, where vehicles automatically contact emergency services in the event of an accident, to the next-generation (NG) eCall system using 4G networks, Hybrid eCall is crucial in bridging the gap.
Hyundai Mobis has adopted Hybrid eCall and overcome significant challenges, including acquiring test equipment, mastering the advanced 4G and 5G mobile protocols required for call initiation, and addressing the limitations of network simulation environments in the early stages of development.
Anritsu’s eCall Tester MX703330E and Signalling Tester MD8475B provided an effective solution to these challenges. By establishing a comprehensive test environment and using automated conformance testing and log analysis functions, Hyundai Mobis promptly identified the root causes of operational issues. Furthermore, sharing the test environment between the development and verification teams improved consistency, reliability and operational efficiency.
Hyundai Mobis integrates Hybrid eCall functionality into its data connectivity unit (DCU). Conformance testing is conducted to EU regulations and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) standards to verify the system’s functionality across various network conditions as well as ensuring interoperability with public safety answering points (PSAPs).
In addition, Hyundai Mobis was required to design test scenarios, perform error analysis, prepare detailed test reports and develop technical verification documents necessary for certification. These processes were supported by Anritsu’s simulation and functional testing capabilities.
There were two primary reasons why the company selected Anritsu’s test solution.
First, it enables comprehensive Hybrid eCall testing with an all-in-one tester. Previously, separate testers were required to verify Hybrid eCall, NG eCall and eCall. By integrating Anritsu’s MX703330E software-based tester with the MD8475B hardware tester, all three types of eCall functionality can be tested using a single solution. This integration reduced initial investment requirements and operational workload, improving overall verification efficiency.
The second reason was enhanced collaboration and efficiency using the same test environment as the development team. This alignment facilitated accurate issue reproduction and streamlined root cause analysis. Additionally, Anritsu’s clear setup documentation contributed to more efficient software updates and debugging activities.
With Anritsu’s technical support, Hyundai Mobis teams gained early access to the MX703330E, MD8475B and beta firmware versions. This enabled them to verify Hybrid eCall‑related software updates prior to official release, and perform conformance testing during the development stage.
Anritsu’s test solution also helped Hyundai Mobis build expertise in 4G and 5G mobile communications and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) signaling. Analyzing the operation of the SIP using the sequence log feature provided a practical understanding. Furthermore, the setup procedures were based on the provided manuals, and network simulations were repeatedly conducted with on-site support and phone consultations with Anritsu’s staff. With this support, the teams steadily acquired the knowledge of mobile communications required for eCall verification.
The teams also needed to simulate various network conditions. Using the handover and cell configuration features of the MX703330E and MD8475B, including signal strength control, ECL settings and service controls, they were able to effectively reproduce real-world network conditions. This enabled prompt and effective software verification.
Since implementing Anritsu’s test solution, compatibility between the DCU and the test environment has remained consistently high. The teams experienced no notable issues when integrating the product with existing hardware. The test environment was configured efficiently, and stable operation was achieved from the initial stage of deployment.
Hyundai Mobis has been able to conduct reliable, repeated testing in the laboratory, building a normal testing environment. It has also automated conformance testing and network simulations. Test scenarios were created using Anritsu’s SmartStudio Manager (SSM) MX847503A, which supports the generation of rapid and reliable test results, thereby contributing to improved development efficiency and product quality.
When issues arise, reviewing the sequence and message logs of the tester allows immediate determination of whether the problem is due to device settings or the hardware itself. This enables the verification team to provide accurate and timely feedback to the development team, reducing the time required for root cause analysis and problem resolution.
all new vehicle models requiring type approval. Hybrid eCall is compatible with both NG eCall and eCall, which previously required separate test solutions
During the implementation process, Anritsu supported the teams from the program installation stage, which allowed them to establish the test environment smoothly. One unexpected issue was that the USIM card initially provided for the device was not compatible with performing the test eCalls required for functionality verification. Anritsu promptly provided a compatible USIM card, allowing the verification activities to continue without interruption. No additional compatibility issues were observed with the existing DCU verification setup.
Another challenge was the provision of a reporting tool, including testers’ logs. The initial conformance test reports could not be presented as objective evidence to certification bodies and relevant departments, necessitating further improvements. In response, Anritsu updated the reporting tool to create highly reliable reports that included logs from the MX703330E. As a result, verification results could be presented more clearly and convincingly.
Anritsu’s tester is stable and reliable, enabling the Hyundai Mobis teams to focus on analyzing hardware issues during the verification processes. On-site support and telephone and email communication from Anritsu – along with the manuals provided by Anritsu’s representatives – enabled the Hyundai Mobis teams to acquire the skills to operate the tester.
With Anritsu’s technical support, Hyundai Mobis plans to expand automation within its verification processes.
Beyond the eCall functions, the Anritsu test solution supports verification capabilities, including SMS transmission and throughput measurement. Although the details of these functions are still being finalized, Hyundai Mobis hopes to use them to increase the value of the equipment by broadening the scope of verification, enabling a more multifaceted analysis of product performance and, ultimately, contributing to the development of even higher-quality products.
Need to know
• Anritsu’s test solution enables comprehensive Hybrid eCall testing with an all-in-one tester
• Real-world network conditions can be reproduced, enabling effective software verification
• Hyundai Mobis recently sought a reliable partner to test its Hybrid eCall technology
• It chose Anritsu for the supplier’s expertise in automotive communications testing
