EMITE has taken a big step forward in 5G OTA testing by releasing a unique fully-automated feed antenna carrousel for standardized 3GPP 38.141 5G gNodeB OTA testing using a 1.8m Compact Antenna Test Range (CATR) in the EMITE F100 anechoic chamber. The novel antenna carrousel is capable of providing fully automated measurements for the frequency range from 1 to 220 GHz, with both vertical and horizontal polarization.
With an embedded mmWave hardware module, several antennas are rotated to the CATR focal point position, and with the combination of an automated Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) and Vector Signal Generator (VSG) test algorithm, the user can save several days of doing manual changes.
With full support for chapters 6 and 7 of 3GPP TS 38.141, the novel antenna feed carrousel brings automation to an unheard-of level in gNodeB OTA testing. Several RF paths with different signal levels, in combination with mmWave oscillators, switches, amplifiers, multipliers, mixers, and combiners, set the pace for worldwide first OTA tests up to 220 GHz with the push of a button. The system is currently in use at two customer sites, who are both leading manufacturers of gNodeB.
The EMITE-unique fully-automated Graphic User Interface (GUI) software suite allows testing of all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in chapters 6 and 7 of 3GPP TS. 38.521-1/2/3. The novel antenna carrousel can be combined to a barbeque-type DUT positioner, allowing automated loading-unloading of very heavy gNodeBs at the chamber flushed entrance. The automation is also capable of operating overnight without human supervision.
“Witnessing a full TS 38.141 test with hundreds of test instrument interactions, feed carrousel movements and for diverse frequency chunks and test instruments frequency segmentation, allowed by the unique 1-200 GHz antenna carrousel, and doing it within a couple of hours is something one could only imagine a few years ago. Once more, EMITE has brought automation to a new level. Standardized gNodeB OTA testing can now have light speed”, Said David A. Sánchez-Hernández, CEO of EMITE.
Click here to learn more about EMITE's Antenna/OTA Test Systems.
