Feature: RF design
Originally used to check 4kHz voice channels in FDM links, NPR is useful today in characterising multi-channel wideband systems, with important advances in modern measurement techniques
Compact RF testing solutions for 5G millimeter- wave cellular networks
By Stojce Dimov Ilcev, Durban University of Technology
I
mplementation of fiſth-generation (5G) cellular network technology allows telecom operators and Internet service providers to meet the ever-increasing demands for higher data rates and greater access capacity for their customers. Te concept of 5G wireless is be ing introduced in different ways, and there is still a lot unknown about how network
operators, providers, homeowners, businesses and customers will use emerging 5G networks and devices. In fact, some cellular operators consider 5G wireless the incentive for increasing bandwidth available to cellular devices within the currently-used spectrum, below 6GHz, whilst others see 5G as a fixed mobile
18 November/December 2020
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
wireless access that replaces legacy wired infrastructure operating in the millimeter-wavelength range above 28GHz. Regardless of access and implementation, the goal of 5G is to furnish wireless data speeds greater than 1Gb/s, and potentially over 20Gb/s, which requires RF testing solutions for 5G millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular networks.
Cellular backhaul networks During the last few decades, cellular communication evolved from an early, analogue, voice-only system to today’s intelligent communication system; see Figure 1. In fact, with the continuous progress from generation to generation, cellular communication systems have become more sophisticated and versatile, enabling new consumer services that support countless cellular (fixed and mobile) wireless applications. In the 1980s, the use of G1 analogue voice communications began, whilst in the 1990s an improvement was made by introducing G2 , a new generation of digital voice communications with higher transmission capacity. In 2000, 3G was introduced, making possible broadband
Internet anytime, anywhere. Tis cellular broadband network, combined with innovative smartphone technologies, brought a significant change to the wireless Internet experience, where users could access their online email, social media, music, high- definition video streaming, gaming, and so on, using the app- centric interface. Then, during 2010, 4G technology deployed the Long
Term Evolution (LTE) standard, with IP core video and data streaming for wireless broadband via cellular devices and data terminals, based on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)/Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (EDGE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS)/High- Speed Packet Access (HSPA) technologies. Finally, in early 2020, a new era began with the introduction
of the modern solutions for broadband, ultra high-definition (HD) imaging resolution and ultra-low-latency slicing that enable scaleable Software-Defined Networking (SDN) core networks.
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