Mobile OTA test chamber targets 5G antennas and transceivers
Active and passive antennas as well as transceivers for future fifth generation (5G) mobile networks can be tested in a compact, moveable shielded RF test chamber. Antenna and transceiver measurements are possible in the frequency range from 18 GHz to 87 GHz with > 50 dB shielding effectiveness across the entire frequency range – supporting all millimeter-wave frequency bands currently considered for 5G. The compact test chamber makes it possible to measure mobile devices in the far field.
Some of the 5G challenges are massive MIMO and beamforming testing at cmWave and mmWave frequencies since the frequency bands and the harmonic and spurious emission tests being considered for 5G range from 24 GHz to 90 GHz. Existing technologies such as LTE, GSM, WLAN, Bluetooth®, NB-IoT, Lora, Zigbee, and their evolutions, such as LTE-A and IEEE 802.11ad, will continue to play an important role in 5G. The ATS1000 is applicable to all these test cases.
The ATS1000 consists of a rack-sized shielded RF test chamber on castors, suitable mounts for test objects and sensors, and a wideband measurement antenna, which covers the whole frequency range. Using the associated test and measurement equipment and the AMS32 antenna measurement software, radiation patterns of 5G antenna arrays can be measured extremely precisely in just a few minutes. A positioning laser supports precise orientation of the test object.
By combining the ATS1000 with an TS8980 5G RF test system, users can determine relevant RF parameters (e.g., power, ACLR and EVM) from OTA measurements. This is crucial because many 5G components do not have any connectors and therefore cannot be tested in conducted setups. The system enables comprehensive 3D characterization, verification measurements and functional testing of 5G components. Rohde & Schwarz conformation test systems use the well-established CONTEST software to output results in the form of 3D graphics.
For automated, final functional testing, the AMS32 software allows users to control the TS1000 remotely. It also generates configurable reports for documentation. The system additionally offers near-field/far-field transformation for larger test objects.
Other key benefits include an integrated high-precision conical cut positioner or multiple measurement antennas for flexible test scenarios; fast and accurate antenna characterization; passive (magnitude and phase) and active (TRP, EiRP, TIS, EiS, EVM) antenna measurements; NF to FF transformation with the AMS32 test measurement and control software; and extremely fast measurements with spiral scan (dual axis rotation).