Anritsu Company has developed the new MA8172B Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) Anechoic Chamber 2 configuration for its ME7873N New Radio RF Conformance Test System. It supports 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) 2 Angle of Arrival (2 AoA) Radio Resource Management (RRM) tests.

Stabilizes Quality of Communications, Connection

Evaluating UE communications quality and connection stability at handover between base stations is a difficult technical challenge for mmWave mobile communications. Consequently, Anritsu developed the MA8172B upgrade model for over-the-air (OTA) CATR based on its earlier MA8172A CATR Anechoic Chamber. The MA8172B reproduces radio-wave propagation characteristics at communications between the UE and two base stations complied 3GPP.

Additionally, any angle can be set between two base stations in the MA8172B. This setup facilitates a wide range of applications. These include both conformance tests and R&D. Moreover, the cost-effective upgrade path from the previous MA8172A helps optimize customers’ capital spending.

The rollout of 5G mmWave Frequency Range 2 (FR2) services is going to increase. It will be centered especially on advanced economies, such as North America and Japan, which is expected to promote future mmWave UE R&D and conformance testing. In particular, expanding service areas in the N. American market will drive demand for performance tests of mmWave UE using FR2 RRM conformance tests including 2 AoA. Currently, mmWave UE must obtain FR2 RRM conformance test certification, and the ME7873NR acquired Global Certification Forum (GCF) FR2 RRM certification.

Anritsu is playing a key role in the future commercial rollout of 5G services for a world to further enjoy the benefits of 5G.

Product Outline

The ME7873NR is an automated system for 3GPP TS 38.521/TS 38.533 5G New Radio RF and RRM tests.

Combined with either the MA8172A or MA8172B CATR Anechoic Chamber, it covers tests for all 5G frequency bands. These include mmWave Frequency Range 2 (FR2). In addition, it also covers 3GPP FR1 (Sub-6 GHz band).