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Building a 5G base station with a successful link in the presence of environmental obstacles requires over-the-air (OTA) performance characterization in the field. Path loss and link budget are essential measurements for investigating 5G link behavior. A 5G link includes line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) components in the radio propagation environment. To assess the impact on millimeter wave (mmWave) links and path loss, engineers must include factors such as rain fade, shadowing, foliage, atmosphere absorption, humidity, and Fresnel zone blockage.
With two portable microwave signal analyzers, engineers can use the extended-range transmission analysis measurement method to connect the transmitter (5G base station) and the receiver (mobile phone). The splitter at the transmitter measures the output power from the base station. With an accurate measurement of the transmitting power level, the other microwave signal analyzer, which acts as the receiver, will be able to calculate the path loss. Engineers can move an isotropic antenna to different locations in the environment, so the analyzer can measure effective isotropic radiated power, which is crucial for path loss characterization.
Additional resources for 5G mmWave air interface characterization
Identifying in-band and out-of-band interference requires real-time spectrum analysis and signal capture capabilities. Learn how to capture elusive intermittent signals and interference using real-time spectrum analysis (RTSA).
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Analyzing over-the-air FM signals requires extracting audio through analog demodulation. Learn how to collect and analyze information such as carrier power, frequency, modulation rate, and deviation.
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Deploying and operating 5G private networks requires site survey testing. Learn how to verify RF transmission chain of the base stations as well as end-to-end quality of service and ability to relay real traffic.
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