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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.
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