Release 17 of the 5G NR mobile communications standard offers new features designed to improve system performance and enable expansion to new applications. To meet the challenges of testing this latest version of the 5G communications standard, Rohde & Schwarz has brought to market a set of software options enabling its vector signal generators and signal and spectrum analyzers to operate in a coordinated way.
Rohde & Schwarz is leading the way by implementing a full range of features from Release 17 of the 5G NR standard for its high-performance test solutions. The software options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal analyzers have been updated to meet the stringent requirements of this latest version of the 5G specification. The R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyzer and the R&S SMM100A vector signal generator also support the 5G NR Release 17 specifications.
The international 5G New Radio (NR) standard aims to provide a unified, higher-performance air interface for 5G mobile communications. The result is a faster, more responsive user experience in mobile broadband communications. By significantly increasing the throughput of mobile communications, this standard extends the spectrum of use of mobile technology to industrial connections to address new emerging applications.
Release 17's main features include major functionalities such as ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) for industrial loT applications, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) and radio access network slicing for 5G NR. In addition, 3GPP extends the supported frequencies to 71 G Hz. This extension requires adaptation of the physical layer, including the addition of two new subcarrier spacings (480 kHz and 960 kHz), and support for wider signal bandwidths of up to 2 GHz.
To meet the demands of high-quality signal testing, the class-leading R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer features a new RF input stage with improved dynamic range. This makes it ideally suited to evaluating all high-end components or systems for mobile communications, such as 5G NR FR2 or IEEE 802.11ay/ad circuits, amplifiers, user equipment and base stations.
In addition, the new 67 GHz frequency option for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator can be used up to 72 GHz. This guarantees support for all the 5G frequency bands envisaged, as well as the WiGig band at 60 GHz, and inter-satellite links. The generator features excellent modulation quality, flat frequency response and four levels of phase noise performance based on its hardware architecture. The new frequency options also benefit from these key features.
The latest 5G options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal analyzer are now available from Rohde & Schwarz.