Displaying items by tag: Rohde & Schwarz

To support pioneering mmWave and sub-THz research, Rohde & Schwarz continues to roll out advanced RF test and measurement solutions. Three additional products tailored to W and D band applications will be showcased at the EuMW 2023 in Berlin: The new R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator, the R&S NRP170TWG thermal power sensor and the R&S FE110ST/SR TX/RX frontends. All three enable researchers to characterize devices and circuits for beyond 5G and 6G mobile communications as well as the novel sensing and automotive radar applications of tomorrow.

At the European Microwave Week 2023 (EuMW) in Berlin, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase three new product innovations; the R&S SFI100A, the R&S NRP170TWG and the R&S FE110ST/SR. The new instruments seamlessly complement existing cutting-edge RF test solutions for applications in the W band (75 GHz to 110 GHz) and D band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) and meet early sub-THz testing needs for beyond 5G and 6G research.

The R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator connected to an R&S FExxxST up-conversion frontend.R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator
Rohde & Schwarz will give a first demonstration of the new R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator, developed to meet bandwidth needs for demanding applications, such as early 6G research, high capacity wireless backhaul, fixed wireless access, sensing and automotive radar. The compact, user-friendly instrument has a very wide RF modulation bandwidth of up to 10 GHz and generates fully calibrated IF signals. The R&S SFI100A connects seamlessly with an R&S FExxxST up-conversion frontend to cover different frequency ranges and provide full control of the frontend, letting the solution act as a single instrument. In addition to the IF interface, the R&S SFI100A also has analog IQ outputs, ideal for wideband signal generation in the baseband. At the EuMW, Rohde & Schwarz will show the R&S SFI100A combined with the R&S FSW50 signal and spectrum analyzer and R&S FE170ST/SR TX/RX frontends to upconvert and downconvert signals, and the new R&S NRP170TWG thermal power sensor for the D band. Together, the instruments are a complete and streamlined wideband D band communication testing solution.

R&S NRP170TWG(N) thermal power sensor
The new R&S NRP170TWG(N) will extend the thermal RF power sensors portfolio from Rohde & Schwarz to include the precision measurement of power levels in the frequency range from 110 GHz to 170 GHz. The sensors come in two models; the R&S NRP170TWG (connected via USB) and the R&S NRP170TWGN (connected via USB and LAN) and will be the only plug & play power sensors on the market for D band measurements. Specification highlights include a dynamic range from –35 dBm to +20 dBm, outstanding performance and excellent impedance matching. The thermal power sensors will be the fastest and only RF power sensors on the market for the D band that meet mass production requirements. They are fully compatible with the other D band test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz.

R&S FE110ST/SR TX/RX frontends
The new R&S FE110ST/SR TX/RX frontends extend the frequency range of Rohde & Schwarz signal sources such as the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator or the new R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator as well as the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer to cover the W band (75 GHz to 110 GHz). They complement the company’s portfolio of easy-to-mount frontends. At the EuMW, Rohde & Schwarz will showcase them in a setup of multi-port measurements in combination with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S RTP oscilloscope.

The three latest additions to the mmWave and sub-THz test portfolio for W band and D band applications; the R&S SFI100A, R&S NRP170TWG and the R&S FE110ST/SR will be available soon from Rohde & Schwarz. Visitors to the EuMW 2023 can see them live from September 19 to 21, 2023, at booth H105 at the Messe Berlin Hub27. For more information on the portfolio and updates on the product launches, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/sub-terahertz

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are drawing attention in the wireless industry due to their potential for an efficient 5G mmWave rollout as well as future 6G applications. A measurement campaign by Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave recently characterized the configurable radio wave reflection properties of a novel FR2 RIS module developed by Greenerwave with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna test system from Rohde & Schwarz. It is one of the first real measurements confirming that a metamaterial-based RIS can improve the coverage and efficiency of wireless communications performance, especially for 5G FR2. The groundbreaking work will pave the way for further 6G developments.

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) promise to revolutionize wireless communications. RIS is a key technology for 6G networks, which must be more efficient than 4G LTE or 5G NR in every way. RIS technology uses metamaterials to control the otherwise random radio environment. Metamaterials are the key to fulfilling the promise of RIS. The materials enable unprecedented control over EM waves by manipulating the impedance on a subwavelength scale and have led to significant breakthroughs in imaging, radar and wireless communications.

Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement instruments were used to characterize an FR2 RIS from Greenerwave for the recent test campaign. Testing RIS modules requires a test environment that can be illuminated from different incident angles while simultaneously measuring signals at multiple angles. A wireless performance test chamber (WPTC) from Rohde & Schwarz was used for over-the-air (OTA) measurements. A holder was specifically designed for the feed antenna illuminating the Greenerwave RIS.

Caption: OTA measurements of the FR2 RIS from Greenerwave in a wireless performance test chamber.

The RIS from Greenerwave uses a metamaterial proprietary technology. The RIS is an electronic device, composed of many layers and a surface inlaid with a set of patch antennas, called pixels or unit cells, whose electromagnetic responses can be controlled via a control board. The module operates in 5G FR2 and beyond, covering a bandwidth of 25-30 GHz with instantaneous bandwidth of 2 GHz. The module comes with separate polarization control, beam scanning from -60 to 60 degrees and a beam width as narrow as 3 degrees.

During the measurement campaigns, the RIS reflection characteristics and reflection quality were investigated in the test chamber with respect to modulated 5G signals in the millimeterwave frequency range. The 3D reflection characteristic measurements were performed with the R&S ZVA vector network analyzer (VNA), and the 5G signal reflection quality measurements used the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer. R&S AMS32 software was used to automate measurement and data analysis. Results verified that the Greenerwave RIS can enhance wireless communications capabilities, particularly in the context of 5G FR2 implementations.

Alexander Pabst, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz says: “We are excited about our successful collaboration with Greenerwave to characterize a FR2 RIS module. Our combined research efforts will chart the course for further advancements in 6G, as we continue to explore innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the wireless industry.”

Geoffroy Lerosey, CEO & CSO of Greenerwave, and Youssef Nasser, Head of 5G/6G Business Unit, agree: “We believe in our RIS technology and its capabilities to develop new 5G FR2 use cases. Our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz is an important step in proving that our RIS meets the 5G requirements using professional OTA equipment. In the near future, we will explore new opportunities that help shape the technology development in 5G advanced and beyond.”

Rohde & Schwarz actively supports 6G research activities across Europe, Asia and the US, while also contributing to research projects, the work of industry alliances and collaborating with leading research institutes and universities. Greenerwave, a French startup based in Paris, is active in many European research projects and activities for 5G/6G, Satcom, radar and RFID through a cutting-edge and natively energy sober technology. Both Rohde & Schwarz and Greenerwave are members of the one6G alliance and ETSI ISG RIS and are actively involved in shaping the future of RIS technology.

For more information on 6G test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/6g

Greenerwave
Greenerwave SAS is a French deeptech startup based in Paris. It is a spin off from Institut Langevin, an academic laboratory that belongs to French academic research center CNRS and engineering school ESPCI Paris. Greenerwave innovates through its technology in passive control of electromagnetic wave propagation using reconfigurable intelligent surfaces. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and characterizes electronically reconfigurable metasurfaces that go from a few 100 MHz to sub-THz, for applications that range from IoT and RFID in the lower part of the spectrum, to smart antennas and radars in the higher ones. It is protected by a strong portfolio of 10 patents. Greenerwave is a partner of choice for the design and fabrication of RIS for both communication and sensing applications.
https://greenerwave.com/

Rohde & Schwarz

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded nearly 90 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2022, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.53 billion in the 2021/2022 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

As a gold sponsor, Rohde & Schwarz provides test equipment to the HORYZN and LEVITUM student initiatives of the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to help with drone development. The students at TUM are working hard to develop, build and test vertical takeoff and landing drones for various applications.

The drones will be used in rescue operations or to complete long-distance journeys with the help of fuel cells. Rohde & Schwarz provides its latest generation of R&S MXO 4 oscilloscopes for control electronics testing, plus accessories and training.
HORYZN seeks to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during degree studies to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). As an international and interdisciplinary team, the students work on innovative solutions to real-world problems. During their first project, they developed and designed the largest eVTOL UAV in the history of TU Munich. In their next project, they will trial UAVs in a medical use case – the transportation of defibrillators. This will also stimulate public debate about the deployment of civilian UAVs.

The R&S RTO is a key component in the test environment for developing the HORYZN power electronics.

The LEVITUM initiative is working on a hydrogen-powered eVTOL drone capable of traveling over 300 km without refueling. The team uses ultramodern fuel cell systems and state-of-the-art type IV pressurized tanks to develop the "Mercurius" prototype – the world's longest-range UAV with less than a 25 kg takeoff weight that outperforms any commercially available drone. Minimal refueling and lower overall costs are other factors here.

The TUM initiatives are proving instrumental in helping students to translate scientific methods into practical applications.

For high-speed, high-throughput testing of all forms of 5G FR1 base stations and small cells as well as for RF components characterization or production, Rohde & Schwarz introduces the new R&S PVT360A performance vector tester. Within a minimal footprint, the compact single box instrument provides maximum performance with its signal generation and analysis capabilities. Demanding requirements of the test environment such as minimum Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) in test signals and high test throughput are all fulfilled. The optional second generator and analyzer support multiport component tests, true MIMO testing or simply double the test capacity.

Rohde & Schwarz introduces the new R&S PVT360A performance vector tester, a VSG/VSA single box tester optimized for FR1 base station, small cell and RF component testing in production and characterization environments. It meets the increasingly demanding requirements for 5G NR FR1 base station and small cell tests, resulting from additions to the original 3GPP Release 15 specification in Releases 16 and 17. The instrument’s frequency range from 400 MHz to 8 GHz covers not just all 5G FR1 requirements, but also the extension to unlicensed frequency bands in the USA to 7.125 GHz. The 500 MHz maximum signal bandwidth far exceeds the 5G FR1 maximum of 100 MHz, supporting out of band and adjacent channel leakage ratio (ACLR) measurements.

For maximum test throughput, two independent signal generators and analyzers enable fast parallel measurements; the twin channels each support eight parallel full-duplex test ports. For each channel, the output test signal can be broadcast to all eight ports. For input, ports are fast-switched in less than 10 microseconds for sequential analysis of either parallel or multiport devices. Transmit¬ter and receiver tests can be carried out in parallel; the R&S PVT360A optimizes test sequences to minimize any idle time between result processing. With the second channel installed, users can run True MIMO 2x2 tests with the signal paths tested in parallel, not sequentially. The optional smart channel mode divides the R&S PVT360A in up to eight separate virtual instruments, each with independent output signals and input measurements. The generator and analyzer are shared across the virtual instru-ments, with optimized resource scheduling for all calculations and processing.

The R&S PVT360A combines ideal functions for e.g. 5G base station production test with a minimum footprint and maximum performance

For most production test requirements, standard compliant waveforms for 5G NR release 15, 16 and 17 (plus WLAN standards up to 8 GHz) support all typical base station transmitter and receiver tests such as EVM, output power or frequency error. In particular for component characterization applications, with developers searching for the highest possible performance, the low EVM of the R&S PVT360A signal generator provides high precision test signals for minimal measurement uncertainty. If additional signals are required, customized waveforms may be created using WinIQSIM2, the PC-based waveform creation program. For additional analysis the R&S VSE Vector Signal Explorer PC-based signal analyzer software is utilized.

To cover the full range of requirements in the extremely price-sensitive market for production test with a single instrument, the R&S PVT360A option concept supports setups from a single generator and analyzer with eight test ports for frequencies from 400 MHz to 6 GHz and a bandwidth of 250 MHz, up to the complete twin channel configuration each with the full frequency and bandwidth ranges of 8 GHz and 500 MHz. All updates are by keycode, and can be installed instantly.

The new R&S PVT360A performance vector tester is now available from Rohde & Schwarz. For more information go to: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/pvt360a

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.34 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Rohde & Schwarz launched four new R&S ZNL and R&S ZNLE vector network analyzers that can support up to 20 GHz of operation frequency.

The economy VNAs now have the frequency range necessary to investigate even third harmonics for 5 GHz and 6 GHz band technologies, such as wireless LAN or mobile radio. The latest firmware release also includes a brand-new option that provides lower frequency R&S ZNL models with an internal CW signal generator.

Four new portable benchtop vector network analyzers are now available from Rohde & Schwarz: The R&S ZNL14, R&S ZNL20, R&S ZNLE14 and R&S ZNLE18. The R&S ZNL models have two-port network analysis for a complete set of component S-parameters from 5 kHz to 14 GHz and 5 kHz to 20 GHz. The R&S ZNLE models have two-port network analysis for a complete set of S-parameters from 100 kHz to 14 GHz and 100 kHz to 18 GHz (20 GHz in overrange).

The Rohde & Schwarz instruments are intended for the education, service lab, production and automated testing markets where a balanced price/performance ratio, a small size factor and ease-of-use are top priorities. Together with the time-domain and distance-to-fault analysis options available in the lower frequency models, the four microwave models are ideal for signal and power integrity applications as well as cable and filter testing.

Most 5G FR1 applications use frequencies between 3 and 5 GHz; while wireless LAN for WiFi-6 (802.11ax) uses the 6 GHz band. Debug trials in the design stage need to include the third harmonic, or frequencies up to 18 and 20 GHz. The Rohde & Schwarz instruments in the R&S ZNL/ZNLE family help meet the increasing demand for network analysis at these microwave frequencies and have an attractive price.

The light weight and small form factor make it easy to move the R&S ZNL/ZNLE between test stations or labs. The R&S ZNL also comes with an optional battery pack for field use. Users just push a button to switch on the instrument and start measuring with their R&S ZNL or R&S ZNLE. No external monitors, notebooks or additional software installations are needed.

The R&S ZNL20 is one of four new microwave models of the Rohde & Schwarz economy VNAs

The new R&S ZNL is ideal for commercial standards of 5 kHz and upwards and can also perform radiated emission measurements that include scans of up to 18 GHz in the time domain to measure voltage standing wave ratios. The R&S ZNL14 and R&S ZNLE14 cover all frequencies in the X band for commercial ground-based and airborne weather monitoring, air traffic control, military satellite transmissions, positioning and target identification.

The R&S ZNL20 and R&S ZNLE18 also support applications measuring in the lower K band (Ku), such as satellite point-to-point communications for GNSS systems, television satellite broadcasts and backhaul links.

Lower frequency models with independent CW source
The R&S ZNL-K14 option is included in the new 1.41 firmware release, expanding the R&S ZNL3, R&S ZNL4 and R&S ZNL6 functions with an internal CW signal generator for DUT stimulation using a continuous wave signal from port 1, while the frequency spectrum is analyzed at port 2. The R&S ZNLx‑B1 spectrum analysis option is required for this function.

The R&S ZNL and R&S ZNLE vector network analyzers are part of the R&S Essentials portfolio. The new microwave models are now available from Rohde & Schwarz and selected distribution partners. 

For more information on the R&S ZNL and R&S ZNLE, visit https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/znl and https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/znle

Rohde & Schwarz
The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2021, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.34 billion in the 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

The Rohde & Schwarz technology company ends a successful 2020/2021 fiscal year despite ongoing global economic challenges. With its cutting-edge solutions, the company has continued to prove robust in last year's highly dynamic market environment. In addition to its established business fields, Rohde & Schwarz has made substantial investments in future technologies such as 6G, quantum technology, the industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence and cloud technology. The company is a trailblazer in the socially relevant topics of security and connectivity.

The independent technology company Rohde & Schwarz closed its 2020/2021 fiscal year (July to June) with EUR 2.34 billion in revenue. Operating results were almost at the previous year's level. The company exceeded its target values that had been adjusted to match market developments. This sends a good signal in light of the challenging dynamics of the past fiscal year.

Employees are the most valuable asset
Even under challenging economic conditions, Rohde & Schwarz has proven a reliable employer that sees its innovative employees as the cornerstone of success. Consequently, many issues related to how the company will collaborate in the future are high on the agenda. For example, the high-tech company now offers greater flexibility for working hours and workplace, and has anchored this in agreements to reflect current and future changes in conditions. The workforce of the privately owned, global company grew at a moderate rate. At the end of the fiscal year, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,000 employees in more than 70 countries worldwide.

Future technologies drive innovations
Rohde & Schwarz is a pioneer in many technologies, including the further development of mobile communications up to 6G, T&M solutions for quantum computing, the IIoT, the increasing inroads made by artificial intelligence as well as cloud technologies. Together with its subsidiaries and partners, the company is developing future technological solutions with a passion for innovation.

New three-division structure creates added value for customers
Three strong divisions allow Rohde & Schwarz to address distinct customer needs even more closely and lay the foundation for further growth. The Test & Measurement Division provides products for diverse market segments such as wireless communications, industry, components and research as well as automotive.

The former Secure Communications, Monitoring & Network Testing and Broadcast & Media Divisions were merged to create the new Technology Systems Division. In this division, Rohde & Schwarz bundles technological system expertise and resources in the markets where project business plays an important role. The company's solutions contribute significantly to the digital sovereignty of customers.

The Networks & Cybersecurity Division equips business and public authorities with secure WAN, LAN and WLAN network infrastructures and products to protect data transmission, devices and applications. Future-ready network, security and encryption solutions protect the digital information and business processes of companies and public institutions against the effects of cyberattacks.

Test & measurement business again proved to be robust
Especially markets highly dependent on the latest technologies as well as their suppliers continued to invest heavily. This drove business performance in the Test & Measurement Division.

Rohde & Schwarz has designed market-leading solutions from V2X to 5G for challenging automotive applications such as communications between vehicles and their surroundings and for the latest wireless communications standard in mobility. The company could further improve its position in this field with innovative radar T&M instruments and systems. For example, automotive manufacturers, suppliers and test houses benefited from a unique test solution that cost-efficiently translates realistic driving scenarios from the road to the lab. The global expansion of 5G networks continued unabated, generating high demand, in particular for user equipment testing in the frequency range up to 7 GHz.

Rohde & Schwarz has meanwhile established itself on the market as an oscilloscope supplier. Since entering the market over 10 years ago, the technology company has continually developed new instruments that were designed and developed specifically with customer needs in mind. The demand for T&M solutions among component manufacturers reflected the sustained high level of investment in digitalization and connectivity in almost all industries. To position Rohde & Schwarz T&M solutions in the quantum computing field, the company successfully completed the acquisition of the leading Swiss T&M manufacturer Zurich Instruments AG, effective July 1, 2021.

Global customer proximity ensures technology partnership in project business
The strong local presence of Rohde & Schwarz compensated for pandemic-related restrictions on project business, e.g. due to travel regulations. In Germany, the company consolidated its position as a national champion in the secure communications market segment. From air traffic control to secure communications for ground and naval forces, Rohde & Schwarz makes a key contribution to the digital sovereignty of government customers for security-critical applications by offering cross-platform systems such as CERTIUM®, SOVERON® and NAVICS®.

The global expansion of 5G networks requires technical adaptations to network monitoring systems, driving demand for suitable solutions in the mobile network testing (MNT) market segment. Major network operators and infrastructure providers worldwide appreciate the test performance of Rohde & Schwarz solutions due to their optimal quality of experience (QoE) and quality of service (QoS). A 5G campus network at one of its plants allows Rohde & Schwarz to directly optimize the implementation of real Industry 4.0 use cases.

Rohde & Schwarz meets growing demand for network and security solutions
The Networks & Cybersecurity Division benefits from additional demand for network and security solutions in both public and private sectors. The growing number of cyberattacks, increasingly decentralized structures and rise in mobile work are raising the importance of digital security and sovereignty. Together with its subsidiaries LANCOM Systems and Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity, the technology company is one of the largest suppliers of network, security and encryption solutions for professional customers in Europe.

LANCOM Systems offers the first software based business router certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) to enable secure site networking. As part of the DigitalPakt Schule (digital pact for schools) support program, the network and security specialist has already equipped more than 3,000 schools with network technology that meets the highest security and data protection standards. In the government sector, Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity equipped the public authority network of a German federal state with BSI-approved encryption technology. Other German federal states are planning to use this as a blueprint for the modernization of their networks.

Outlook: focus on growth
The global economic recovery positively impacted the performance especially towards the end of the fiscal year. Thanks to its global positioning in future markets and its strong economic base, Rohde & Schwarz is very well positioned for further growth.

Granite River Labs (GRL), a global leader in engineering services and test solutions for connectivity and charging, has just announced the opening of its new lab in Karlsruhe, Germany. Located in a major technology hub about one hour from Stuttgart and Frankfurt, GRL’s new state-of-the-art lab supports the growing needs of the automotive, medical and industrial automation industries in Europe to validate and troubleshoot high-speed connectivity and charging interfaces. These interfaces include automotive Ethernet, HDMI, USB, MIPI and DDR, as well as USB Power Delivery and Qi wireless charging.

Industry-leading test solutions from the global supplier Rohde & Schwarz will be an integral component of GRL’s new compliance test and certification capabilities. With the recently launched R&S RTP164 oscilloscope, GRL’s enhanced European lab is able to offer de-bugging & standards-compliant certification of a wide range of established and future high-speed digital technologies, including 1000BASE-T1, MultiGigabit automotive Ethernet, USB 2.0 and SuperSpeed USB, HDMI, MIPI D-PHY, DDR and more. The R&S RTP high-performance oscilloscope combines unrivalled signal integrity analysis capabilities with the fastest acquisition rate for debugging in the market. Real-time functions such as the built-in 16 GHz serial pattern trigger with true hardware-based CDR and real-time de-embedding make this oscilloscope stand out in its class.

The R&S RTP164 oscilloscope will be an integral component of GRL’s new compliance test and certification capabilities. (Source: Granite River Labs)

“Germany is the centre of innovation for Connected Car technologies for automotive networking, infotainment, charging and power management,” said Holger Kunz, President of Worldwide Services for Granite River Labs. “Additionally, medical equipment and industrial automation applications are rapidly adopting new connectivity and communications technologies to create the next generation of products and solutions. Rohde & Schwarz is an ideal partner that will enable GRL to leverage deep technical expertise and support the entire European product development ecosystem in adopting new technologies.”

“GRL’s European facility will enable us to accelerate the development of our chips that support the evolution of electronic devices to meet consumer demand,” said Dr. Amin Shokrollahi, CEO and Founder of Kandou. “We value our partnership with GRL whose expertise is helping us realize our goal as a leader in high-speed and energy efficient chip-to-chip link solutions that revolutionize wired connectivity.”

Dr. Nik Dimitrakopoulos, Market Segment Manager Automotive at Rohde & Schwarz said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with GRL, one of the leading test and engineering services companies worldwide, and empower them to offer first-class compliance test for existing and future high-speed digital communications. We are proud to contribute to this valuable testing resource serving the automotive and industrial community in Europe.”

The Rohde & Schwarz technology group is among the trailblazers when it comes to paving the way for a safer and connected world with its leading solutions in test & measurement, technology systems, and networks & cybersecurity. Founded more than 85 years ago, the group is a reliable partner for industry and government customers around the globe. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had around 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

The latest software update to the R&S PWC200 plane wave converter (PWC) increases measurement accuracy and refines usability thanks to a new calibration method. With these updates, Rohde & Schwarz extends the possible use cases of its innovative 5G massive MIMO base station testing solution in R&D, quality assurance and production as well as conformance testing. While the software will be preinstalled in new units, existing R&S PWC200 units can be upgraded.

The level of integration of 5G base stations in the FR1 frequency range is increasing, as a new generation of base stations, designated the 1-O type, is becoming more and more common. The 1-O type base stations operate at FR1 frequency range and they have antenna arrays with integrated transceivers, without any access to internal RF ports. This requires all conformance and production testing to be performed over-theair (OTA). However, OTA testing can be technically challenging.

For accurate OTA measurements, signal waves sent from the antenna must be plane when reaching the device under test (DUT). The area encompassing the DUT where the waves are plane is called the quiet zone (QZ). This can be achieved through a large distance between the antenna and the DUT, resulting in large and expensive shielding chambers. Rohde & Schwarz has a strong portfolio of solutions for OTA testing, designed to answer these challenges. Some of them are based on compact antenna test range (CATR) technology, where a gold-plated reflector is used to create the plane waves, allowing the DUT to be relatively close to the antenna. However, with large DUTs such as base stations, the size of the highprecision mirror would be prohibitively large and increase the price of the system considerably. With a solution based on the PWC technology in its OTA test portfolio, Rohde & Schwarz is broadening the options available to the users, especially for large DUTs.

The R&S PWC200 needs four times less space than solutions based on other OTA technologies such as CATR. The R&S PWC200 is based on a phased antenna array consisting of 156 wideband Vivaldi antennas to form plane waves within an adjustable QZ, placed in the radiating near field of the DUT. It functions as a planar-wave synthesizer and near-field scanner and is designed for 5G massive MIMO base station testing for real-time radiated power and transceiver measurements (EVM, ACLR, SEM, etc.) in a controlled anechoic test chamber environment. The R&S PWC200 features an internal RF verification solution. This makes it possible to perform precise monitoring and correction of the R&S PWC200 antenna without using an external antenna.

Released originally two years ago, the R&S PWC200 was the first PWC-based solution on the market. It has been accepted as OTA base station measurement methodology by 3GPP in the conformance test specifications for NR (3GPP TS 38.141-2) and advanced antenna system (AAS) for LTE and WCDMA (3GPP TS 37.145-2). The latest updates improve several aspects of the solution. As the 5G frequency bands vary from country to country, the original frequency range of the R&S PWC200 from 2.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz was extended to now cover 1.7 GHz to 5 GHz. This increases applications for users worldwide. Additionally, thanks to a novel approach to the PWC calibration the accuracy of the plane wave synthesis has been increased even further. This results in three times better accuracy in magnitude and phase uniformity compared to the previous solution.

Dr. Adam Tankielun, Senior Development Expert of Antenna Test Systems at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “Our creative and enthusiastic development team completely redefined the calibration procedure of the R&S PWC200. Consequently, we are able to offer our customers the opportunity of testing their new generation base station products with the lowest possible measurement uncertainty and the maximum usability of a PWC test system. And they get a turnkey solution from a single vendor, complete with full support and service that can be tailored to their needs.” The R&S PWC200 plane wave converter is available from Rohde & Schwarz. For more information go to: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/pwc200

Rohde & Schwarz Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace | defense | security and networks and cybersecurity. The technology group's innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had about 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America. R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

In cooperation with MediaTek, Rohde & Schwarz has submitted test cases for 5G NR protocol conformance test to the Global Certification Forum (GCF). The test cases have been validated successfully, adding on to the company’s legacy in IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) protocol conformance testing.

The Global Certification Forum has validated successfully IMS conformance test cases for 5G NR submitted by Rohde & Schwarz, using a 5G device under test from mobile platform provider MediaTek (MTK). Consequently, the test cases can now be used for certification testing according to the GCF. This achievement comes only a few weeks after the validation of the IMS test cases by the PTCRB.

Validated 5G IMS test cases from Rohde & Schwarz (Image: Rohde & Schwarz)

To make sure cellular devices work in different mobile networks properly, they need to be certified by test labs which are accredited by either GCF or PTCRB. This step is mandatory, before mobile devices are accepted by network operators. Part of this certification are tests for IP Multimedia Subsystem.

Rohde & Schwarz has maintained a leading position in LTE conformance and operator acceptance testing, as well as in 5G IMS testing for operators. The Rohde & Schwarz solution for conformance testing is based on the trusted R&S CMW500 protocol conformance tester. In connection with the R&S CMX500 radio communication tester, all test systems can be upgraded for 5G NR. Software option R&S CMX-KC621X adds the validated 5G IMS test cases on the R&S CMX500.

For more information on the Rohde & Schwarz range of wireless testing solutions, visit: http://rohde-schwarz.com/wireless

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier of solutions in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace | defense | security and networks and cybersecurity. The technology group's innovative communications, information and security products help industry and government customers ensure a safer and connected world. On June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had about 12,300 employees worldwide. The independent group achieved a net revenue of EUR 2.58 billion in the 2019/2020 fiscal year (July to June). The company is headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries, with regional hubs in Asia and America.

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