Download Center

5G is the fifth generation of wireless communication technology supporting cellular networks. From GSM (2G) through to LTE (4G), each generation addresses technical challenges not overcome by its predecessor. As with previous generations, 5G requires new mobile devices and new base stations (BTS).Unlike previous generations, the use of radio beams in 5G requires completely new approaches with regard to the compliance, coverage, and quality of service testing.The new air interface is called 5G NR ("new radio"). This application note describes the measurement challenges of 5G NR and makes clear the benefits of using a monitoring receiver for measuring 5G signals.Real-world examples explain how to perform various key 5G measurements. The final section covers further 5G measurement possibilities using R&S products. "Over-the-air" (OTA) measurements are essential in 5G. This means staff from regulators and operators must work in unknown radio environments that vary according to location (e.g. urban or suburban) and mission (e.g. 5G BTS compliance testing or interference hunting). Measurement equipment must operate in a wide range of scenarios (close to the mast and far from the mast) and offer user-friendly functionality that enables the required measurements.Considering current global deployment trends, this paper focuses on the FR1 frequency band (sub 6 GHz).

English - 7.6.2021

Enhanced Mobile Broadband, Massive Machine Type Communication, Ultra-reliable and low latency communication have been identified as the requirements to be supported by the 5thGeneration of Mobile Communication, short 5G. 5G is extensively discussed in the wireless industry. A lot of research and pre-development is being conducted worldwide, including an analysis of the waveforms and access principles that are the basis for current LTE and LTE-Advanced networks.In this application note we discuss potential 5G waveform candidates, list their advantages and disadvantages and compare them to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), which is used in LTE/LTE-Advanced.

English - 10.6.2016

An easy-to-setup test solution for high speed multichannel acquisition for 5G NR signals

English - 4.3.2020

3GPP defines the Radio Frequency (RF) conformance test methods and requirements for 5G NR Base Stations (BS) in the technical specifications TS 38.141. This application note describes how all mandatory RF performance tests (TS 38.141-1, chapter 8), according to Release 16, can be performed quickly and conveniently with signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz by either choosing manual operation or a remote control approach.In Addition, a new Python software library comes with this application note to enable the remote control approach of base station testing. This example requires the RsInstrument module which can be found on pypi.org or installed via 'pip' and is provided as is.

English - 24.10.2019

5G New Radio (NR) presents dramatic challenges to the testing of User Equipment (UE) Power Amplifier (PA). Multiple frequency bands, flexible 5G operation mode, multiple PA performance metrics and the MIPI control interface increases the potential PA testing workload significantly. Manually repeating these tests under so many different scenarios can be costly and time consuming. An automated testing solution can help the test engineer to highly improve the testing efficiency.In this application note, it introduces an example of automated testing of 5G UE PA with R&S signal generator, signal and spectrum analyzer, vector signal explorer software, power meter along with power supply.The entire application note is organized with following structure:Chapter 2 outlines the challenges to 5G UE PA testing.Chapter 3 introduces the setup for 5G signal generation and analysis. For 5G signal generation, a batch program of converting *.CSV files with IQ vectors to ARB waveform files is introduced. For 5G signal analysis, the R&S®VSE software is recommended, which enables the separation of RF signal collection and measurement to improve testing efficiency.Chapter 4 provides the informative content about the integration of MIPI control interface for the PA ON/OFF state switching and register configuration.Chapter 5 gives a guide on the implementation of a quick power servo, in which the techniques to speed up the PA power level adjustment are discussed.Chapter 6 summarizes the automated testing procedure.

English - 9.8.2021

3GPP defines the Radio Frequency (RF) conformance test methods and requirements for 5G NR Base Stations (BS) in the technical specifications TS 38.141. This application note describes how all mandatory RF receiver tests (TS 38.141-1, chapter 7), according to Release 15, can be performed quickly and conveniently with signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz by either choosing manual operation or a remote control approach. Moreover, one test case requires a signal or spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz which is highlighted seperately in the corresponding chapter.In Addition, a new Python software library comes with this application note to enable the remote control approach of base station testing. This example requires the RsInstrument module which can be found on pypi.org or installed via 'pip' and is provided as is.

English - 2.12.2020

More frequency bands and larger dynamic ranges increase the number of test points required in characterization and production of the latest RF frontends (RFFE). Actively managing test time and cost while maintaining quality is more important than ever before.

English - 8.6.2020

This application note is step by step guide on 5G New Radio (5G NR) signal generation and analysis capabilities using the R&S®SMW200A Vector Signal Generator equipped with software option SMW-K144 (5G NR option), in combination with the R&S®FSW Signal and Spectrum Analyzer and the software options FSW-K144 & FSW-K145 (5G NR Downlink & Uplink Signal Analysis). The R&S®VSE Vector signal explorer has also been used for analysis purpose in parallel to the FSW-K144 & FSW-K145 software options.It is assumed that the reader already has a deep understanding of the 5G New Radio standard as well as the testing aspects. If not, then please refer to the 5G eBook more a detailed overview on the fundamentals, procedures, testing aspects of the 5G NR technology.

English - 22.11.2019

3GPP defines the Radio Frequency (RF) conformance test methods and requirements for 5G NR Base Stations (BS) in the technical specifications TS 38.141. This application note describes how all mandatory RF transmitter tests (TS 38.141-1, chapter 6), according to Release 16, can be performed quickly and conveniently with signal or spectrum analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz by either choosing manual operation or a remote control approach. Moreover, some test cases require additional signal generation equipment from Rohde & Schwarz.In Addition, a new Python software library comes with this application note to enable the remote control approach of base station testing. This example requires the RsInstrument module which can be found on pypi.org or installed via 'pip' and is provided as is.

English - 27.1.2021

Comprehensive test and validation of network slicing in 5G devices with dynamic resource allocation thanks to the CMX500 radio communication tester.

English - 8.5.2025

Critical infrastructure: With the deployment of TDD networks, the mobile network community recognizes the critical importance of cell synchronization and the use of uniform TDD patterns across different networks for the proper operation of mobile radio networks. Variety of scenarios: Possible scenarios include cross-border situations, interactions between private campus networks and public mobile networks, and accidental synchronization chain breaks or misconfigurations within the mobile network.Measurement techniques: To quantify the effects of non-synchronized cells and using different TDD pattern in neighboring networks, R&S, in collaboration with TU Dresden and Advancing Individual Networks GmbH (AIN), conducted a measurement campaign using movable networks with full control over all network parameters. This campaign measured the effects on uplink and downlink throughput, mapping these to RSSI/RSRP values received at the interfered site.Customer benefits: The available quantification is valuable for predicting and assessing potential interference scenarios before setting up and operating a new cell site.

English - 11.9.2024

Verifying 5G transmitted signals in the field with the R&S®Spectrum Rider FPH handheld spectrum analyzer

English - 30.7.2024

Modern societies worldwide depend on the performance, reliability and security of critical infrastructures and networks. There is a plethora of “new verticals” such as manufacturing, warehouse, mining, ports or other critical infrastructure, just to name a few. These “new vertical” use cases all have one common requirement: the mobile network needs to provide a superior performance compared to a commercial mobile network. In such environments 5G brings new capabilities to build fast and secure campus or private networks tuned to higher performance, which can increase productivity and efficiency. To be successful in these business-critical use cases, the wireless networks need to be as reliable as the wired ones. This educational note describes the different test methods to be able to verify the superior network performance and to help finding root causes of potential problems limiting the performance. We distinguish between passive tests and active tests.

English - 11.8.2023

Device certification for compliance with 3GPP specifications is a crucial step in the launch of 5G NR user equipment (UE). As the demand for high-performance connectivity continues to rise, ensuring that devices meet industry standards is essential for delivering reliable and efficient service. To ensure optimal modem performance, RF pre-conformance testing, also known as design verification, needs to be initiated early in the product development process. This approach enables teams to swiftly identify and address potential issues, minimizing delays and enhancing the overall quality of the final product.The R&S®CMX500 3GPP RF pre-conformance WebGUI solution offers a fast and intuitive platform for executing NR-FR1 Standalone (SA) test cases based on the 3GPP 38.521-1 specification. Its manual verification capabilities make it particularly well-suited for early-stage validation, debugging, and step-by-step verification of test cases, leveraging the comprehensive toolset provided by the R&S®CMX500 WebGUI. Test case procedures are optimized for R&D use cases, while using the most relevant configurations from the specification.This application note serves as a comprehensive guide for R&D professionals, detailing the setup, configuration, execution, and verification of selected 3GPP pre-conformance test cases with just a few clicks in the GUI. Please note that the test steps outlined in this document require the CMX-KC661B license (SA FR1 3GPP RF Test Scenarios), in addition to the NR signaling license CMX-KS600B and the NR FR1 measurement license CMX-KM600. All descriptions, configurations and limits are based on 3GPP TS38.521-1 V18.4.0 (2024-11).

English - 25.6.2025