Rohde & Schwarz is enabling the testing and validation of sub-6 GHz 3GPP 5G new radio (NR) devices with the introduction of the R&S CMW100 communications manufacturing test set, based on the R&S CMW platform.

3GPP's 5G NR will support frequency ranges up to 52.6 GHz, but initial 5G designs will use frequencies below 6 GHz with a focus on 3.5 GHz. For these sub-6 GHz carrier frequencies, 3GPP is discussing an initial maximum bandwidth per component carrier of 100 MHz. The R&S CMW100 communications manufacturing test set has a measurement bandwidth of 160 MHz, enabling it to test initial 5G NR sub-6 GHz wireless devices. With high measurement speed, the R&S CMW100 is well suited for high-volume production environments.

In addition to sub-6 GHz 5G NR devices, the flexible testing solution is suitable for other wireless standards supporting LTE, WLAN and Bluetooth. This makes the R&S CMW100 a cost-effective solution for mass production of cellular and non-cellular wireless connectivity devices calibrated and verified in so-called non-signaling mode (analyzer/generator). Manufacturers of handsets and devices will profit from a variety of measurement functionalities with a single investment in equipment, training and adaptation costs.

R&S CMW100

The R&S CMW100 communications manufacturing test set is ready for testing 5G NR sub-6 GHz wireless devices.

Anton Messmer, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “The evolution to 5G networks will employ a wider range of spectrum bands. Utilizing spectrum bands below 6 GHz is the decisive aspect of enabling deployments with reliable network coverage. The R&S CMW100 demonstrates Rohde & Schwarz capability to support 5G NR sub-6 GHz and will help accelerate the 5G ecosystem.”

The latest 160 MHz version of R&S CMW100 is available now. Dedicated vector signal analysis and generator software options supporting 5G NR sub-6 GHz will be available in 2018.

For more information on the R&S CMW100 test set, visit www.rohde-schwarz.com/ad/press/cmw100