5G NR sub-6 GHz device testing platform unveiled

3GPP's 5G NR will support frequency ranges up to 52.6GHz, but initial 5G designs will use frequencies below 6GHz with a focus on 3.5GHz.

For these sub-6GHz carrier frequencies, 3GPP currently discusses a maximum bandwidth per component carrier of 100MHz. Thus, the R&S CMW100 communications manufacturing test set with a measurement bandwidth of 160MHz is ready for testing initial 5G NR sub-6GHz wireless devices.

The flexible testing solution is suitable for all types of wireless devices, supporting LTE, WLAN and Bluetooth besides 5G NR sub-6GHz.

This makes the R&S CMW100 a cost-effective solution for mass production of cellular and non-cellular (wireless connectivity) devices calibrated and verified in so-called non-signaling mode (analyzer/generator).

Manufacturers of handsets and devices profit from a variety of measurement functionalities with a single investment in equipment, training and adaptation costs.

Anton Messmer, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “The evolution to 5G networks will employ a wider range of spectrum bands. Utilizing spectrum bands below 6GHz is the decisive aspect of enabling deployments with reliable network coverage. The R&S CMW100 demonstrates Rohde & Schwarz capability to support 5G NR sub-6GHz and will help accelerate the 5G ecosystem.”

The latest 160MHz version of R&S CMW100 is available now from Rohde & Schwarz. Dedicated vector signal analysis and generator software options supporting 5G NR sub-6 GHz will be available in 2018.