How to Validate mMIMO in RF Fading Conditions

+ Massive MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset

Testing mMIMO performance with real UEs in real-world RF conditions

The testing of massive multiple-input / multiple-output (mMIMO) base stations — both 5G gNBs and O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs) — requires an advanced laboratory test setup. The setup must be able to measure and process phase- and time-coherent RF signals across all transmit and receive antenna ports of the mMIMO radio simultaneously and in real-time. For mMIMO, performance validation using real user equipment (UE) under real-world RF fading conditions is necessary throughout the 5G radio design workflow.

During base station development, engineers must test RF beams' uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) characteristics at both RF and Layer 1 and 2 (L1 / L2). They must verify new 5G features and bug fixes while validating and optimizing base station performance in fading RF channel conditions. During integration, they must optimize and benchmark base station performance and interoperability. New radios require thorough verification before market launch and deployment to ensure interoperability with the local network configuration. Finally, engineers must optimize and fine-tune base station functionality and performance parameters in fading RF channel conditions.

Massive MIMO fading performance test solution

For mMIMO, performance testing using real devices under real-world RF fading conditions is necessary throughout the 5G radio design process. The Keysight Massive MIMO Base Station Fading Performance Toolset is a fully integrated and automated turn-key test solution for 5G gNB and O-RU mMIMO interoperability and performance verification and optimization. The full test setup integrates the base station under test, several real UEs, and a channel emulation tool, all orchestrated by an automation platform. The solution supports single- and multi-user UL / DL data performance testing. It also supports MIMO technologies, such as precoding matrix indicator feedback, uplink sounding reference signal, and open-loop testing.

Get quote