Software options smooth path to 5G rollout

24th August 2018

Mick Elliott

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Datasheet

Two software options for evaluating 3GPP-compliant 5G Sub-6 GHz New Radio (NR) terminals have been released by Anritsu, expanding the range of software options for the Universal Wireless Test Set MT8870A. The software packages support fully automatic and industry-fastest Non-Signalling 3GPP-defined 5G NR Sub-6 GHz TRx tests, helping to facilitate the smooth rollout of 5G services by improving the mass-production of terminals and chipsets.

The new software packages include:

NR TDD sub-6GHz Uplink TX Measurement MX887019A
NR TDD sub-6GHz Downlink Waveforms MV887019A

Although the 3GPP 5G NR specifications define use of a frequency band up to 52.6GHz at the first deployment stage, the Sub-6GHz spectrum seems most likely to be used. This band has the advantage of offering services with similar frequency characteristics to 4G LTE, such as mobility and wide area coverage, and is expected to play a key role in 5G systems until 2020.

Consequently, vendors of 5G devices are expected to have increasing need for test and measurement equipment that supports future mass-production supporting this Sub-6GHz band.

With a seamless frequency band up to 6GHz and a 160MHz bandwidth as standard, the MT8870A supports 3GPP-defined 5G NR Sub-6 GHz tests without hardware upgrades.

As a result, customers with the MT8870A can easily extend their instrument’s functions to support 5G Sub-6GHz tests while avoiding extra equipment costs.

The 3GPP organization proposed the first 5G NR specifications as part of 3GPP Release 15 in December 2017, and world telecom operators are accelerating practical trials with the aim of starting commercial services in early 2019.

The MT8870A is a test instrument for mass-production of various wireless communications equipment and modules.

Up to four high-performance test units can be installed in one main unit, with each test unit operating completely independently in parallel to measure and evaluate up to four wireless communications units or modules simultaneously at industry-fastest speed.

The MT8870A platform also supports continuous testing of 4G + 5G + IEEE 802.11ax + Bluetooth 5 functions now commonly integrated into next-generation mobile device designs, helping optimize production lines and cut testing costs.