Measurements obtained with a functional setup versus modeling and simulation in complex mobile radio systems design-a case study

Modeling and simulation of complete systems are proposed as an alternative to measurements performed with functional setups. In a case study, a complex digital spread spectrum transmission system is considered. Simulation results are compared to measurement results obtained with the functional setup. The effort in terms of costs and time for both methods is evaluated with respect to the quality of predictions obtained in each case. It is shown that the simulation approach is more flexible, cheaper and less time-consuming and that the results are sufficiently accurate. The lessons learned in this case study can be generalized and especially applied to raise efficiency when designing complex mobile radio systems