The extension of the frequency bands used in particular by 5G NR communication technologies requires the evolution of test methods. Tests can no longer be carried out in ducted mode, but over the air (OTA). OTA tests present a major constraint: they have to be carried out in a compact enclosure that nevertheless has a large QZ (quiet zone), or usable measurement zone, over a wide range of frequencies.
The R&S ATS1800C test system, developed by Rohde & Schwarz, combines these two requirements to meet the current and future needs of OTA testing of communication devices using 5G NR technology.
The R&S ATS1800C turnkey solution is a high-end test cabinet with a small footprint (just 1.3 m2). Its mobile and transportable design means it can be moved easily from one laboratory to another. This test chamber features a large 30 cm quiet zone, meeting the requirements of 3GPP 5G NR compliance testing. Thanks to its shielding, the R&S ATS1800C provides an electromagnetic interference-free environment, ideal for continuous measurements on antennas, modules and 5G communication devices.
The state-of-the-art CATR gold reflector, designed to transform the incoming spherical wavefront into a plane wave, is one of the features of the R&S ATS1800C test chamber. This reflector requires manufacturing processes capable of achieving precision levels in the micrometer range. To achieve this level of precision, Rohde & Schwarz has developed an innovative, reproducible manufacturing method that makes it possible to produce high-quality reflectors.
The R&S ATS1800C test chamber can test devices weighing up to 8 kg. It is suitable for testing a variety of active and passive devices, from small chip modules to small cells, tablets and laptops. The hardware triggering device enables measurements to be taken while the high-precision 3D positioner is in continuous motion. This reduces measurement time by a factor of 5 to 10.
"As a market leader in wireless solutions, we wanted a CATR-based solution to guarantee measurements of the highest level of quality and accuracy. We were impressed by the performance of the OTA solutions offered by Rohde & Schwarz. We therefore chose the Rohde & Schwarz R&S ATS1800C test system, of which Sierra Wireless is a long-standing customer", says Bill Seefeldt, Senior Vice President Engineering at Sierra Wireless.
Alexander Pabst, Vice President Systems and Projects at Rohde & Schwarz, added: "Rohde & Schwarz is committed to providing high-end Test & Measurement solutions to its customers in the mobile communications industry. We are pleased to provide Sierra Wireless with this unique gold reflector version of the R&S ATS1800C test system. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with Sierra Wireless in the field of advanced wireless communication technologies."
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