Achieve Ultrafast 5G mmWave OTA Validation
Engineers working on the validation of 5G mmWave beamforming devices in antenna test chambers must characterize their performance over the air (OTA). They need to configure and run detailed 3D spatial sweeps within a carefully controlled RF environment. However, conducting these spatial sweeps to plot 3D OTA antenna radiation patterns and calibrating beamformer codebooks are time consuming and expensive tasks. Furthermore, running these measurements over a range of temperatures adds a significant layer of complexity.
A solution for OTA validation of 5G mmWave antenna modules and beamforming devices must meet the following requirements:
- Simplify and accelerate the process of configuring and running extensive, automated OTA test sequences
- Provide a cost-effective, quiet, and carefully controlled OTA test chamber with high link budget and minimal measurement uncertainty
- Give engineers detailed measurement results and plots
- Support devices (DUTs) of various sizes, from small 5G mmWave antenna modules with a few elements to system-level designs with larger arrays
- Include thermal capabilities to validate DUT performance over large temperature ranges
5G mmWave OTA Validation Reference Architecture
- Cut OTA validation times from hours to minutes by sweeping in a continuous 3D motion, synchronizing the DUT positioner with the PXIe-5831 PXI Vector Signal Transceiver.
- Enable interactive use and rapid automation with NI’s mmWave OTA Validation Software.
- Characterize 5G mmWave antenna patterns over temperature with an RF-transparent thermal enclosure that simplifies OTA test set up and execution.
Solution Advantages
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Real-time, hardware-accelerated DUT positioner control for sampling thousands of points in space per minute (Azimuth and elevation)
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Reliable narrowband and wideband (5G NR) OTA measurements, such as EIRP, TRP, and beam characteristics
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Cost-optimized, high-isolation, low-loss CATR chamber for minimal signal interference and improved link budget
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Characterization over temperature (-40°C to 85°C) with a modular thermal dome enclosure that avoids damage to the anechoic chamber
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Optimized link budget and measurement coverage through direct far-field or a compact antenna test range (CATR) featuring a 20 cm quiet zone
Watch the 5G mmWave OTA Antenna Validation in Action
NI mmWave 5G Over-the-Air Validation Test Reference Architecture
mmWave OTA Results without Programming
Learn how NI’s 5G mmWave OTA Validation Reference Architecture speeds up detailed and accurate 3D sweeps of antenna patterns by five times or more to characterize and validate 5G mmWave beamforming designs in a fraction of the time.
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mmWave OTA Validation Test Solution Brochure
Discover how to cut OTA validation times and cost for mmWave antenna modules and system-level designs.