5G component characterization

How Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement solutions benefit component manufacturers addressing 5G NR requirements

5G is targeting two frequency bands: sub-6 GHz and mmWave. Industry experts expect the sub-6 GHz bands to be the backbone of the 5G NR network. For the sub-6 GHz range with channel bandwidths of up to 100 MHz, component manufacturers can build on their experience with the recent 4G frequency range and further enhance and develop the latest technologies.

ZNBT vector network analyzer with analog beamforming chipset

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ZNBT vector network analyzer with analog beamforming chipset

The use of mmWave frequencies is essential to realize the ultra-high-speed vision for 5G NR. Higher frequency bands together with extended bandwidths in the mmWave range place much higher demands on components for 5G communications devices and systems such as filters, mixers, amplifiers, analog beamforming chipsets and antennas. With beamforming becoming a standard feature in 5G, new beamforming ICs call for a fast and effective multiport test solution for vector network analysis measurements.

Your 5G test challenges

The main challenges for 5G component characterization are:

High bandwidth demand: digital predistortion (DPD) for RF power amplifiers requires multiples of the signal bandwidth to extend the linear range
mmWave frequencies create component testing challenges: the high dynamic range known from lower RF frequencies needs to be maintained to enable a similar performance for switches and filters up into the mmWave range
Higher level of integration eliminates traditional test ports: far higher integration of multiple functions into one module, which is required for beamforming, is causing conducted testing to be replaced with over-the-air (OTA) testing, e.g. for integrated RF frontends with antenna in package (AiP)
Components with multiple ports: beamforming components simultaneously support multiple antennas that require multiport network analyzer solutions
Research at frequency bands up to 80 GHz: component characterization often requires a wide frequency range of up to several tens of GHz

Benefits of Rohde & Schwarz 5G test solutions

Ideal for testing amplifiers with wideband digital signals: the wideband R&S®SMW200A vector signal generator with a frequency range of up to 40 GHz and the wideband R&S®FSW signal and spectrum analyzer with a frequency range of up to 90 GHz both offer an internal signal bandwidth of up to 2 GHz
5G OTA testing: customizable turnkey solutions based on the industry-leading R&S®ATS1000 antenna test system
Component testing with five or more ports: unique true multiport vector network analyzers such as the R&S®ZNBT simplify calibration and operation by offering simultaneous use of all ports
Ideal for all research work, particularly at frequency ranges above 40 GHz: the R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer with a frequency range of up to 110 GHz features easy operation, fast measurement speed, a wide range of functions and high flexibility. For example, featuring four internal (phase-coherent) sources up to 67 GHz, the four-port R&S®ZVA enables fast two-tone measurements on amplifiers and mixers. This eliminates the need for external mixers
The R&S®ZVA110 enables mmWave measurements from 10 MHz to 110 GHz in a continuous sweep with high stability and ease of configuration. When combined with R&S®ZVA-Zxx millimeter-wave converters, all common waveguide bands up to 500 GHz are covered

Related products

R&S®ZVA vector network analyzer

Four-port VNA supporting a frequency range of up to 110 GHz. The ideal instrument for all research work, particularly at frequency ranges above 40 GHz.

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