Anritsu Corporation has introduced a new high-performance Signal Analyzer for the development and commercial production of 5G mobile communications systems. The MS2850A is the first mid-range Signal Analyzer to offer 1 GHz analysis bandwidth supporting evaluation of 5G multi-carrier signals. The analyzers are available in two frequency options 9 kHz to 32 GHz and 44.5 GHz. By using the 5G measurement software packages, the MS2850A uses high dynamic range and excellent flatness performance to cut measurement times using all-at-once, high-accuracy measurements of a typical 800 MHz modulation bandwidth to be used in 5G.
With operators now preparing the introduction of next-generation 5G cellular mobile communications systems, leading wireless equipment makers have started transitioning from the development and verification testing phases to development of commercial models and preparations for volume manufacturing. Reducing the potentially high equipment investments needed to start 5G NR production lines is a major issue for base station suppliers, who instead require a high-performance but cost-effective 5G signal analyzer meeting both development and manufacturing requirements. Additionally, other non-5G communications fields will have the same bandwidth and flatness requirements as 5G when broadband communications come into use offering larger data capacity at faster speeds.
The new signal analyzer MS2850A supports transmitter performance tests for wireless communications equipment during development and manufacturing; the 32 GHz and 44.5 GHz measurement frequency models have an analysis bandwidth of 255 MHz as standard, which can be extended as an option up to 1 GHz. Noise Figure (NF) and Phase Noise measurement functions can also be installed in both models.
Installing the 5G measurement software packages in the MS2850A supports measurement of 5G uplink and downlink signal frequency error, power, EVM, etc., using CP-OFDM modulation. Additionally, downlink measurements evaluate multi-carriers all at once. Not only does the MS2850A support all previous cellular technologies such as, LTE, W-CDMA, TD - SCDMA, and GSM, it also offers future proof support for the new 5G NR standards now being defined by 3GPP.
Key Features of the MS2850A Signal Analyzer
Excellent Dynamic Range and Flatness Performance for Wideband Signal Analysis: The MS2850A hardware has both excellent dynamic range and flatness performance, which are critical for evaluating wideband wireless signals accurately and improving the quality of wireless communications equipment.
Specifications at 28 GHz
Amplitude Flatness: ±1.2 dB (at Center Frequency ±500 MHz)
Phase Flatness: 5° p-p (at Center Frequency ±500 MHz)
ADC Clipping Level: 0 dBm
DANL: –141 dBm/Hz
SFDR: –70 dBc
5G Standard Measurement Software (Base License) - MX285051A
Pre-Standard CP-OFDM Downlink (Rel.1) - MX285051A-001
Pre-Standard CP-OFDM Uplink (Rel.1) - MX285051A-051
Three software packages leverage the excellent dynamic range of the MS2850A to achieve an EVM performance of <1%. At downlink measurement, the all-at-once multi-carrier analysis function improves measurement and testing efficiency by shortening times for relative comparisons of characteristics of each carrier, timing errors, and general characteristics for all carriers.
Cutting Infrastructure Investment Costs
Unlike extremely expensive wideband signal analyzers for leading-edge R&D, the MS2850A is the world’s leading middle-price-range, wideband signal analyzer. Anritsu is releasing it now to respond to customers’ growing need to proactively cut costs while investing in new infrastructure for the rapidly developing 5G market.
Target Markets: Makers of wireless communications equipment and electronic parts, mobile operators
Target Applications: Development and production of mobile-phone base stations and terminals, satcom wireless communications equipment, and broadband communications equipment, and monitoring of satellite communications
