S8708A 5G Advanced Performance Test Toolset

Introduction

5G is moving fast. Globally accelerating 5G deployments are having a ripple effect throughout the mobile ecosystem. 5G also represents an exponential increase in technical complexity. The key challenge comes from the millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies introduced in 5G new radio (NR) and requiring over-the-air (OTA) test methods. Millimeter wave propagation in the medium is different compared to traditional radio signal frequencies. Millimeter waves propagate like visible light where obstacles are blocking and scattering the signal instead of letting an attenuated signal travel through the medium.

To meet the end users’ expectations, device and chipset manufacturers must validate their products against realistic test conditions. To accelerate the launch of new high-quality products, reliable 5G device performance test tools are vital. To overcome the design and schedule challenges, advanced performance test tools must be integrated as part of the device workflow.

3GPP Performance Study Item aka MIMO OTA in TR38.827 has been finalized and it specifies the test methods for FR1 and FR2 MIMO OTA Device Performance Test. This is a very important milestone to guarantee the quality of 5G devices in real world conditions. It is essential to know, how the device behaves in real fading conditions and when the link is blocked with an obstacle. With mmWave mobile devices this is likely to happen in a rapid and unpredictable manner.

The S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset is part of Keysight’s 5G Network Emulation Solution portfolio that addresses the entire device development workflow from early design to acceptance and manufacturing. The S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset will allow you to accelerate the market launch of 5G chipset and devices by exposing them to accurate & realistic conditions in a controlled lab test environment.

What is the S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset?

Keysight’s S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset is an end-to-end wireless device test solution that enables chipset and device makers together with mobile operators and test laboratories to evaluate and optimize the performance of 5G devices in a lab environment. It integrates the high capacity PROPSIM 5G channel emulator and UXM 5G network emulator together with an multiprobe OTA chamber and mmWave access components.

The solution offers a verified test set developed prior to the release of 3GPP FR2 MIMO OTA and allows R&D teams to test dynamic beam management in 3D spatial fading channel at mmWave frequencies.

Moreover, the solution offers the possibility to create custom tests. It enables 3D spatial channel modelling including an antenna library and an antenna array tool for modeling arrays and beams, as well as emulating NR FR1/FR2 and LTE cells with advanced fading models (GSCM).

Gain insight into 5G device performance in real world channel conditions with the S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset.

• Expose early prototypes to accurate & realistic conditions with multiple beams arriving at the DUT from different directions in an 3D OTA test environment

• Stress-test devices and optimize protocol to achieve maximum performance under 3D fading and mobility conditions

• Validate phased antenna arrays with 3D MIMO OTA test at FR2

• Evaluate KPIs under advanced & accurate channel conditions on every software and product release

• Accelerate market launch with Keysight’s automated lab test solution.

This document describes the components and functionality of the S8708A Advanced Performance Test Toolset.