Rohde & Schwarz announces comprehensive test solutions for 5G NR Release 17. (Photo: Rohde & Schwarz)

Rohde & Schwarz has newly implemented a full range of 5G NR Release 17 features in its signal generation and analysis test solutions. Starting with the upgrade of software options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and improving the R&S FSW signal analysers, Rohde and Schwarz have introduced their new repertoire for an enhanced 5G service and experience.

Latest features of the 5G NR Release 17 for system performance and new applications.

The new 5G NR Release 17 includes new features designed to improve system performance and enable expansion into new applications. As 5G standards evolve, performing continuous standards conformance testing has become imperative for accelerating innovation. Testing 5G devices, equipment, and networks with complete confidence requires careful planning, well-thought-out test plans, a performance benchmarking strategy, test automation, and reporting.

This eliminates any surprises when accelerating the deployment of 5G-related products and services. Resultantly, 5G New Radio (NR) is the new technical specification for an OFDM-based physical air interface. 5G NR, as commonly thought, is not an evolution of 4G (LTE). It is instead required to achieve the extreme bandwidth, low latency, and massive scalability requirements of 5G. 5G NR is expected to make wireless broadband performance the same as wired – “Wireless Fibre” to deliver a lower cost per bit.

Need-analysis behind the new 5G NR Release 17 features

To address testing challenges in these latest demanding 5G standards, Rohde & Schwarz has introduced a comprehensive set of coordinated software options for its vector signal generators and signal and spectrum analysers. As of August 2022 – Rohde & Schwarz has initiated the implementation of a full range of 5G NR Release 17 features in its powerful signal generation and analysis test solutions. Software options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and R&S FSW signal analysers have been upgraded to fulfil the exacting requirements of this latest 5G specification. The R&S FSVA3000 signal and spectrum analyser and R&S SMM100A vector signal generator also handle 5G NR Release 17.

The aim, hereby, is to deliver faster and more responsive experiences in mobile broadband communications. 5G New Radio (NR) is considered the global standard for a unified, more capable 5G wireless air interface. It promises significantly quicker mobile broadband experiences, extending mobile technology to connect and redefine new and emerging industries. Some key features for Release 17 include ultra-reliable, low latency communications (URLLC) for industrial IoT, integrated access and backhaul (IAB), and radio access network slicing for NR. In addition, 3GPP extends the frequency support to 71 GHz. This extension requires an adaptation of the physical layer, notably the addition of two new sub-carrier spacings (480 kHz and 960 kHz), and the support of wider signal bandwidths of up to 2 GHz.

Key attributes of the generator

Requirements for a high-quality signal test are embodied in a new enhanced dynamic front-end module for the class-leading R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser. This makes the solution ideal for evaluating any high-end communication components or systems, including 5G NR FR2 or IEEE 802.11ay/ad chipsets, amplifiers, user equipment and base stations.

Moreover, a new 67 GHz frequency option for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator allows up to 72 GHz in overrange mode. This ensures support of all planned higher frequency 5G bands, as well as the 60 GHz WiGig band, and inter-satellite links. Key attributes of the generator include excellent modulation quality, flat frequency response, and four hardware-based levels of phase noise performance equally apply to the new frequency options.

Delivering faster and more responsive experiences in mobile broadband communications, 5G New Radio (NR) is the global standard for a unified, more capable 5G wireless air interface. It promises significantly quicker mobile broadband experiences, extending mobile technology to connect and redefine new and emerging industries.

For more information on the latest 5G options for the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal analyzer click here.