Rohde & Schwarz helps Tier 1 chipset manufacturers around the globe to verify 5G RedCap (Reduced Capabilities). Further, other 3GPP Release 17 features of their products. The tried and tested R&S CMX500 5G one-box signaling tester (OBT) can be used across the whole value chain, from early R&D to type approval conformance testing. At Mobile World Congress 2023 in Barcelona, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its radio communication tester. It is in the new R&S CMX500 OBT lite hardware configuration, tailored specifically for lower data rate applications.
5G RedCap introduces true mid-tier eMTC into the 5G ecosystem. It will launch a new wave of devices that bridge the capability and complexity gap between low-speed NB-IoT and other, earlier standards. Further, the extremes in 5G today with an optimized design for mid-tier use cases. 5G RedCap lightweight technologies include reducing the number of antennas on devices and making them less complex. Further, using less spectrum bandwidth, consuming significantly less power, and working only in standalone (SA) mode compared to equipment designed for eMBB use-cases.
From its market-leading position in eMTC and NB-IoT testing, Rohde & Schwarz has optimized the R&S CMX500 OBT for IoT testing functionality. R&S CMX500 OBT lite enables manufacturers to verify the different aspects of 5G RedCap.
In addition, the R&S CMX500 OBT lite tester can be used for 5G RedCap protocol conformance testing according to 3GPP. That includes verification of key characteristics of a 5G RedCap terminal device. These include RedCap user equipment identification, random access and measurement relaxation, RedCap terminal mobility and more. The first test case has already been verified. At the same time, it used R&S CMX500 OBT lite to verify the legacy feature of this 5G RedCap terminal device. Further, re-verify the RAN5 use case of the access layer RedCap feature. Thus ensuring the regular operation of this 5G RedCap terminal device in the network.
One test solution for all 5G device product lifecycle stages
The R&S CMX500 radio communication tester in its one-box tester configuration is the best-in-class future-proof test solution. It supports all relevant 5G frequencies up to 8 GHz operated by the intuitive and flexible web-based user interface. The test solution is suitable for all 5G mobile devices and chipsets. Further, it support all possible 5G NR network deployments and frequency ranges, including FR1, FR2 and LTE bands.
R&S CMX500 one-box tester enables fast time to market while supporting a complete range of early R&D design stages. This is from RF parametric tests, end-to-end application testing, signaling protocol tests, type approval conformance tests up to sample production tests. The introduction of a one-platform strategy for all 5G NR test equipment enables a unified test environment.
Christoph Pointner, Senior Vice President of Mobile Radio Testers, says, “5G RedCap will bring IoT into the 5G realm. We are proud that leading global chipset manufacturers already rely on the R&S CMX500 OBT to address the new testing challenges.”
Rohde & Schwarz will present the R&S CMX500 OBT lite for 5G RedCap device testing at the Mobile World Congress 2023 at the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80.
For more information about the R&S CMX500 from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/cmx500
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