Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Finland-based Sarokal Test Systems, a provider of innovative test solutions for fronthaul networks.
Sarokal products are used by chipset vendors, fronthaul equipment manufacturers, and telecom operators to develop, test and verify their 4G and 5G network devices from the early design stages through implementation and field-testing.
The fronthaul solution connects the centralized radio controllers and the radio heads (or masts) at the "edge" of a cellular networkSarokal's products are used to test transmission specifications across multiple domains. Its tester product family addresses the entire development and maintenance flow for cellular and wired transmission system testing. The technology is especially designed to detect radio frequency (RF) problems.
The testing models were created from the beginning for both the virtual (digitalization) environment as well as the physical testing environment, said Sarokal.The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of calendar 2018, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Digital Factory Division, is a leading global provider of software solutions to drive the digital transformation of industry, creating new opportunities for manufacturers to realize innovation.
Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO, Siemens PLM Software
Building on our acquisition of Mentor Graphics, we continue to make strategic investments which leverage Mentor's existing strengths and enable Siemens to expand its offerings to the IC industry.
Harri Valasma, CEO, Sarokai
Sarokal has been on the forefront of the development of the 5G specification and its requirements for fronthaul networks since its inception. The 5G specification aims to greatly enhance performance for mobile broadband, network operation and Internet of Things (IoT) communication, and this requires new test methodologies.
