Simplify mmWave Signal Generation and Analysis
Solution Briefs
Introduction
Many 5G designs for mmWave spectrum deployment use antenna-in-package (AiP) technology to reduce the size and cost of wireless systems and improve radio frequency (RF) performance. 5G mmWave requires higher bandwidth to boost throughput. However, testing at higher frequencies causes transmission fading loss and shortens the signal coverage, resulting in significant path loss. Without a rigorous testing, a device can perform poorly or fail. Setting up the receiver to demodulate a 5G NR signal is complex, while an over-the-air (OTA) test at a higher frequency causes considerable path loss.
Use Case Summary
To simulate real-world scenarios, design engineers must test the AiP with standard signals, such as 5G New Radio (NR) or IEEE 802.11ad/ay.
The AiP designer needs a test solution with high output power, ultra-low phase noise, wide analysis bandwidth, and dynamic range. These features improve measurement performance in OTA test at mmWave frequencies for 5G and satellite applications. Design engineers require a highpowered signal source with a calibrated signal path and a signal analyzer with the best error vector magnitude (EVM) and dynamic range to make accurate measurements.
Solution Overview
Keysight’s signal generation and analysis solutions can create and analyze the signal quality of 5G NR using the same setting file, speeding the time to characterize the mmWave AiP. Use the Keysight VXG vector signal generator with Keysight’s PathWave signal generation software to generate mmWave signals with wide RF bandwidth. The high output power compensates for system loss and enables 5G power amplifier and OTA testing.
The Keysight N9042B UXA X-Series signal analyzer with Keysight’s PathWave X-Series measurement applications software helps you characterize mmWave signals using the industry’s widest analysis bandwidth and deepest dynamic range. PathWave signal generation and PathWave X-Series measurement applications provide fast and accurate measurements for the latest waveforms and are easily scalable to meet your future needs.
Learn more at: Accelerate AiP Design Integration
Summary
• Antennas are no longer a separate component integrated within the wireless device; the complete package contains antennas and other integrated circuits (ICs).
• Designers using AiP for OTA testing need a test solution with high output power, ultra-low phase noise, wide analysis bandwidth, and dynamic range at mmWave frequencies.
• A flexible suite of signal creation tools reduce the time spent on signal simulation, while ready-to-use measurement tools help designers understand the performance of mmWave signal analysis.
For more information: Solve the Challenges of mmWave Antenna-in-Package Testing