Mobile Communication - 2G, 3G, 4G & 5G
The fifth-generation mobile communications system (5G) realizes ultra-high speed, large capacity communication (eMBB: Enhanced Mobile Broadband), ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC), and massive simultaneous connection communication (mMTC: massive Machine Type Communication). 5G is expected to serve as a communication infrastructure not only for mobile communications, as represented by smartphones, but also for IoT in a wide range of industries.
Anritsu has developed signaling and signal analysis technologies in the mobile communications market, since the launch of digital communication via the second-generation mobile communication system (2G). We will continue offering test solutions, always in line with the latest communication technologies
Signaling Technologies
From circuit switching to 5G, control information such as call control, authentication, and billing is called “signaling,” and has become extremely complex with the evolution of networks. Measuring instruments that simulate base stations not only determine whether signaling exchanges are correct, but also connect to smartphones and chipsets under testing using the signaling protocol exchange, and test these devices under a variety of conditions, such as normal and abnormal status.
We need to swiftly adapt to specifications added by the 3GPP, in order to support the development and manufacture of smartphones and chipsets. For this reason, our products integrate technologies for quickly and correctly understanding and implementing 3GPP and other international standards, as well as technologies to create normal/abnormal and other test scenarios.
For PTCRB/GCF certification, we have defined tests with a variety of conditions to determine its compliance with 3GPP standards, as our test cases. These tests cannot be executed without technologies for systematization to efficiently test protocols and RF performance by combining a wide range of test and measurement instruments.
Signal Analysis Technologies
Digital mobile communications utilize advanced multiplexing methods such as orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and digital communication speeds are increasing exponentially. In 5G, the bandwidth of one carrier at Sub 6GHz is 100MHz, at maximum. Optimum signal analysis technologies are necessary to extract high-speed digital signals from the received signals and process them while still retaining high speed.
After the received signal is converted from analog to digital at a high sampling frequency, we optimize the data analysis by determining how to divide the load between field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal processors (DSPs), in order to perform waveform analysis (arithmetic operations) for assessing waveform quality, and to perform data analysis to measure signaling and data errors, while still retaining high speed.
As the number of circuits and components can be minimized, this also leads to the design of environmentally conscious products.
