Delivering faster and more responsive experiences in mobile broadband communications, 5G New Radio (NR) is the global standard for a unified, more capable 5G wireless air interface. It promises significantly quicker mobile broadband experiences, extending mobile technology to connect and redefine new and emerging industries.
As with any evolving standard, newly published versions require manufacturers to keep pace. Technology solutions provider Rohde & Schwarz is doing just that: In the wake of 5G NR Release 17 from 3GPP earlier this year, the company has announced a new, comprehensive set of coordinated software options for its vector signal generators and signal and spectrum analyzers.
Software options for the R&S SWM200A vector signal generator, top, and R&S FSW signal analyzers have been upgraded to meet the requirements of 5G NR Release 17. Source: Rohde & SchwarzSoftware options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal analyzers have been upgraded to fulfill the exacting requirements of this latest 5G specification. The R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyzer and R&S SMM100A vector signal generator also handle 5G NR Release 17.
So, what’s Release 17 all about? The new version enables improved system performance and expansion into new applications; key features include ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) for industrial IoT, integrated access and backhaul (IAB), and radio access network slicing for NR. In addition, 3GPP extends the frequency support to 71 GHz — which requires an adaptation of the physical layer, notably the addition of two new subcarrier spacings (480 kHz and 960 kHz), and the support of wider signal bandwidths of up to 2 GHz.
Rohde & Schwarz has met the requirements for high-quality signal test with a new enhanced dynamic front-end module for the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer. This enables the device to evaluate high-end communication components or systems, including 5G NR FR2 or IEEE 802.11ay/ad chipsets, amplifiers, user equipment and base stations.
A new 67 GHz frequency option for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator also allows up to 72 GHz in overrange mode. This ensures support of all planned higher frequency 5G bands, as well as the 60 GHz WiGig band and inter-satellite links. Key attributes of the generator, according to Rohde & Schwarz, include excellent modulation quality, flat frequency response and four hardware-based levels of phase noise performance for the new frequency options.
