Channel emulator addresses 5G challenges

Vertex addresses the high density channel requirements that the market has been struggling to meet, and supports configurations to evaluate future technologies such as 5G. 

The emulator focuses on MIMO Beamforming, Carrier Aggregation and MIMO OTA, which are evolving rapidly to deliver enhanced service coverage and improved QoE for mobile users.  It simplifies complex test setups by minimising the amount of hardware needed, providing an intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface and using field-upgradeable RF modules for various test configurations.

“CTIA’s MIMO OTA test plan 1.0 was released in June 2015, and is on its way to becoming mandated for all new device designs within the next few months,” said Ron Borsato, co-chair CTIA OTA working group and Principal Architect at Spirent Communications. “It starts with downlink-only 2x2 MIMO, but customers need solutions that can grow to handle the sophisticated MIMO arrangements that will soon follow.  High density is also an issue for other standards and custom tests currently being developed to ensure users the Quality of Experience for next-generation services promised with 5G.” 

“MIMO OTA standards and carrier-specific performance requirements will utilize an increasing number of antennas in the multi-probe anechoic chamber (MPAC) to test more complex applications, such as carrier aggregation.  These requirements put a burden on the amount of hardware and space that is needed to perform these tests,” said Bryan Sayler, Senior Vice President of Test Solutions, ETS-Lindgren.  “Spirent Vertex is a small-form channel emulator that fits into conventional instrumentation racks, allowing us to upgrade from a baseline MIMO OTA test configuration to support complex configurations up to 32 channels. We have successfully partnered with Spirent to remain at the forefront of OTA testing and welcome the Spirent Vertex addition to the industry.”