Analog Devices has introduced its new energy-efficient Titan O-RU platform at MWC 2025. The platform is powered by the ADTV906x Radio Unit and supports micro-sleep DTX, which saves up to 40% of energy during low traffic load. To monitor the platform’s energy consumption, the Titan O-RU is verified in a live demonstration under various time-distributed traffic models according to the ETSI 202 706-1 specification, using a comprehensive test solution from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions Inc. This test solution is based on the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope and R&S NGP power supply from Rohde & Schwarz and the TM500 O-RU Tester and O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA) from VIAVI Solutions.
Mobile network operators are prioritizing energy efficiency for cost optimization and net-zero commitments. The radio access network (RAN) is the main energy consumer in mobile systems, with radio units (O-RU) being the largest contributors. The goal is to make O-RAN networks energy efficient while maintaining high quality of service (QoS) for subscribers. Innovations in RF signal processing and energy-saving algorithms are vital for reducing energy consumption. Techniques like carrier or cell ON/OFF, RF reconfiguration and micro-sleep DTX contribute to power savings by dynamically deactivating resources in real time during periods of low data transmission.
The O-RU test setup from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions is a fully automated solution for verifying RU and O-RU energy efficiency. As a true single point of control (SPOC) solution, it simplifies O-RU R&D and conformance testing. The solution is based on the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope with respective current and high-voltage differential probes and the R&S NGP power supply. It is controlled and turnkey-automated by VIAVI’s O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA).
The R&S RTO6 oscilloscope from Rohde & Schwarz monitors the trigger signal from Analog Devices’ Titan O-RU platform. It is the ideal tool for tightly time-correlating power consumption dynamics to changes in the transmitted RF signal. A high input sensitivity and very low inherent noise enable precise measurements, and a high-definition (HD) mode allows for easy visualization and triggering on signals with up to 16-bit resolutions.
The R&S NGP power supply from Rohde & Schwarz powers the Titan O-RU platform while continuously monitoring voltage and current over time. It delivers a stable output to the device-under-test (DUT) and accurately measures the overall power consumption with a time resolution of 8 ms. Its intuitive interface and large touchscreen enable faster data entry and provide a real-time display of statistics
The TM500 O-RU Tester from VIAVI Solutions provides O-DU emulation along with a pre-configured library for TDD/FDD traffic loads as defined by ETSI ES 202 706-1, for network energy efficiency testing. The VIAVI O-RU TMA executes the energy efficiency test scripts defined by the O-RAN ALLIANCE Fronthaul Working Group Conformance test specification (O-RAN.WG4.CONF.), test cases defined by ETSI (ES 202 706-1) or user-specific test scripts.
Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “We’re proud to partner with VIAVI Solutions and Analog Devices to showcase the new Titan O-RU platform at MWC 2025. Our comprehensive O-RU test solution simplifies the energy efficiency verification process and sets a new standard for R&D and conformance testing. We are committed to driving sustainability in the industry and demonstrating how our technology can help shape the future of energy-efficient networks.”
John Oates, Director of Wireless System Engineering at Analog Devices, says: “Reducing energy consumption is the number one request we hear from Mobile Network Operators. ADI’s Radio technologies’ have added Energy Saving Features including microsleep DTx/DRx. Through our engagement with R&S and Viavi, we are able to quantify the energy savings achieved from our technology, providing measured results to our customers.”
Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions present network energy saving O-RAN testing in collaboration with Analog Devices live at Mobile World Congress 2025 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80.
