Siemens has entered into an agreement to acquire Sarokal Test Systems, a provider of test solutions for fronthaul networks that are comprised of links between the centralized radio controllers and the radio heads at the edge of a cellular network. The Oulu, Finland-based Sarokal's 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.
According to Siemens, this acquisition will reinforce its commitment to EDA and the integrated circuit (IC) industry.
Sarokal’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 addition of Sarokal’s one-of-a-kind fronthaul testing expertise is expected to provide our Veloce emulator customers with a unique advantage,” said Eric Selosse, vice president and general manager of Mentor Emulation Division, a Siemens business. “Sarokal’s tester technology in conjunction with Mentor’s Veloce emulation platform will enable customers to “shift left” the validation of 4G and 5G designs for accurate and timely pre- and post-silicon testing.”
The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of calendar 2018, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
