Duo claim 5G RedCap test success

5G RedCap introduces true mid-tier, enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) to the 5G ecosystem and will help launch a new wave of devices that bridge the capability and complexity gap between earlier low-speed narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) standards and today’s 5G with an optimised design for mid-tier use cases, such as sensors in industrial automation, smart cameras and wearables.

5G RedCap modems are less complex, use less spectrum bandwidth, consume much less power and work only in standalone (SA) mode, in contrast to 5G modems designed for eMBB use-cases.

Rohde & Schwarz has optimised the R&S CMX500 OBT for IoT testing. R&S CMX500 OBT enhancements let MediaTek verify the various RedCap aspects defined in 3GPP 5G Rel.17 for network access restrictions, bandwidth parts (BWP), bandwidth part switching, power saving and other RedCap-specific protocol signalling procedures.

The wireless communication tester has a one-box tester configuration for best-in-class, future-proof testing of 5G NR.

It supports all relevant 5G frequencies up to 8 GHz via an intuitive and flexible web-based user interface R&S CMsquares.

The signalling test solution is suitable for all 5G mobile devices and chipsets. The R&S CMX500 supports all possible 5G NR network deployments and frequency ranges; including the FR1, FR2 and LTE bands in a single instrument.

Time to market is accelerated while supporting a complete range of early R&D design stages, from RF parametric tests, end-to-end application testing, signalling protocol tests, type approval conformance tests up to sample production tests. The one-platform strategy for all 5G NR test equipment creates a unified environment for signalling and non-signalling testing through all 5G device production stages.

Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President of Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “I am really honoured that our R&S CMX500 will help the industry advance 5G and address new device types that support 5G RedCap in early R&D stages. We are committed to our close and long-standing partnership with MediaTek, and we will continue to innovate further to support all future RedCap and 5G enhancements in upcoming 3GPP releases after 17.”