National Instruments (NI) has released a new Wi-Fi 6 Front-End test reference architecture. The new solution offers comprehensive, accurate and fast testing of the latest Wi-Fi 6 power amplifiers (PAs) and front-end modules (FEMs) operating in new frequency bands above 6 GHz.
Meeting the need for Wi-Fi test coverage in recently approved bands from 6 to 7.125 GHz, NI’s Wi-Fi 6 Front-End test reference architecture extends the high bandwidth, accuracy and fast measurement speed of the Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), a widely deployed and proven workhorse device that combines an RF signal generator and signal analyzer with 1 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth - up to 12 GHz. This solution provides engineers performing PA/FEM characterization and validation excellent linearity, low noise and high dynamic range for thoroughly validating Wi-Fi 6 1024-QAM performance. The reference architecture also simplifies dynamic EVM measurements while accelerating test speeds with FPGA-based power leveling.
With chipmakers racing to commercialize the latest Wi-Fi 6 products, engineers face the daunting task of accelerating product schedules while addressing more test requirements in higher frequency bands. The instrumentation and measurement IP of the Wi-Fi 6 Front-End test reference architecture can be used in both the validation lab and in production test, giving engineers a streamlined path to production with less time lost to correlation and test system development.
The release of the VST-based, Wi-Fi 6 Front-End test reference architecture is part of NI’s continued effort to expand test coverage while helping customers shorten the time to market of PA/FEM devices. This solution complements NI’s modular instrumentation portfolio and measurement software for characterization and validation of the latest Wi-Fi 6 RFIC devices in all frequency bands, from 2.4 to 7 GHz and beyond.
NI is showcasing this test solution at the European Microwave Week in Paris.
