Rohde & Schwarz has successfully passed certification testing of its hybrid eCall and Next Generation eCall test solution conducted by cetecom advanced. cetecom advanced is a leading independent test laboratory for product testing and worldwide certification for devices from various branches like communication technologies, automotive, medical technology, payment & identification. The Rohde & Schwarz solution is based on the CMX500 radio communication tester with an updated eCall option to ensure compliance with the latest eCall regulations and standards.
The hybrid eCall test specification EN 18052 states that a hybrid system must combine different transmission paths and protocols to make sure an eCall reliably reaches its destination. In practice this means a vehicle will use NG eCall functions (IP/IMS-based voice and data over 4G/5G) but can automatically fall back to available classic CS eCall (2G/3G) transport paths when coverage or service quality degrades.
Automotive manufacturers must rigorously validate hybrid eCall systems to ensure reliable emergency communication under diverse network conditions. This includes verifying the ability to initiate emergency calls, transmit the minimum set of data (MSD), maintain accurate GNSS positioning, and deliver clear voice communication across technologies such as Voice over New Radio (VoNR), Voice over LTE (VoLTE), and circuit-switched fallback networks. Testing also plays a critical role in confirming system stability during network handovers and degraded radio conditions while ensuring compliance with applicable CEN, ETSI, 3GPP, and national regulatory standards.
To address these evolving requirements, Rohde & Schwarz has enhanced its CMX-KA09x eCall evaluation solution to support compliance with EN 18052:2025 and EN 17240:2024+A1:2026 standards. The CMX-KA099 option successfully completed Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) test scenarios aligned with EN 18052:2025, while the CMX-KA098 option validated PSAP scenarios under EN 17240:2024+A1:2026. This achievement represents an important milestone in supporting European compliance requirements for next-generation eCall testing systems.
“We use the solution for functional tests and protocol conformity tests as well as for the 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 allows the simulation of real-world mobile network conditions and the emulation of various network scenarios. This is a significant advantage in preparing for certifications or the market launch of new vehicle models.”
Through this collaboration, both companies aim to empower the automotive industry to ensure the rapid adoption of next-generation vehicle communications that prioritize safety.
