Munichfeb 13, 2019
The patented R&S PWC200 plane wave converter makes it possible for the first time to precisely measure far-field properties in the antenna near field.
As a leading provider of test and measurement equipment for the connected world of today and tomorrow, Rohde & Schwarz offers test solutions for the new 5G mobile communications standard – for example for generating and analyzing 5G NR signals in line with the latest 3GPP specifications (Version 15.2.0). 5G New Radio (NR) specifies new frequency bands above and below the bands presently used for mobile communications. In the FR1 frequency range below 6 GHz, the most important bands are between 3.4 GHz and 4 GHz, and in the millimeterwave range (FR2) between 26 GHz and 29 GHz. The new R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer analyzes 5G NR signals in the uplink for the development of 5G devices and components such as power amplifiers and in the downlink for 5G base station tests. It determines all key performance parameters such as error vector magnitude (EVM). The R&S SMW200A RF vector signal generator produces the required signals for uplink and downlink receiver tests. Both instruments are ideal for characterizing the high-performance, efficient Doherty amplifiers needed for 5G base stations. The two-path R&S SMW200A generates highly synchronized signals, while the R&S FSW provides the right analysis functions for optimizing the properties of Doherty amplifiers and other amplifiers.
Performance tests in the 5G millimeterwave range
New for performance tests on 5G NR base stations is the wideband R&S SMW-B15 fading simulator option integrated into the signal generator. To test base station data reception under realistic conditions, the wideband version of the R&S SMW200A simulates the required high-precision transmit signals in the millimeterwave range in line with the test specifications for 5G NR Rel. 15. Signals with bandwidth up to 2 GHz and fading channels with bandwidth up to 200 MHz can be generated with carrier frequencies up to a maximum of 44 GHz at the press of a button. The R&S SMW-B15 option from Rohde & Schwarz adds the fading capability within the FR2 frequency range to the industry-leading single-box signal generator, enhancing existing FR1 frequency range capability for performance testing of LTE and 5G NR base stations.
Testing far-field properties in the near field with a compact test setup
Another highlight is the patented R&S PWC200 plane wave converter. This converter makes it possible for the first time to precisely measure far-field properties in the antenna near field. The extremely compact plane wave converter generates a spherical 3D quiet zone with a diameter of 1 meter in real time at a very short distance of just 1.5 meters. Radiated power and transceiver measurements, such as equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP), adjacent channel leakage power (ACLP) and equivalent isotropic sensitivity (EIS), can be made in this zone. The R&S PWC200 enables very compact far-field measurement setups for characterizing massive MIMO base stations in the FR1 frequency range.
Cloud based production tests
Rohde & Schwarz is also presenting a cloud based solution for 5G base station production testing with speed-optimized data processing on a server or in the customer’s cloud. The demo test system at the trade fair consists of an R&S SMBV100B vector signal generator and the new R&S FSV3000 spectrum analyzer, which is designed for analyzing 5G NR signals and for fast data transfer in the cloud. Users can configure and control production tests via the R&S Quickstep automation software. 5G microservices based on the R&S VSE signal explorer software quickly analyze the data.
Rohde & Schwarz will present its test solutions for 5G base stations at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, February 26 to 28, 2019, at booth #6C40 in hall 6. For further information on the trade show presence, go to: www.rohde-schwarz.com/mwc
Rohde & Schwarz
The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2022, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.53 billion in the 2021/2022 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.
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