CATR-based multi-reflector enables 3GPP-specified conformance testing
Extending the R&S ATS1800C compact antenna test range (CATR), Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the R&S ATS1800M. It adds two side chambers which enables full 3GPP-specified conformance testing of a 5G NR mmWave device for radio resource management (RRM), including multiple angles of arrival (AoA).
The R&S ATS1800M 5G NR mmWave test chamber features a gold-plated CATR reflector for creating a large quiet zone (QZ), or usable measurement area, in an unequalled compact form factor. The R&S ATS1800C supports methods such as thermal and out-of-band (OOB) testing. By adding the new side chamber option, the R&S ATS1800C now also supports RRM testing for two angles of arrivals (AoAs).
The R&S ATS1800M has four CATR reflectors, each with a 300mm quiet zone. All four QZs overlap and form a combined quiet zone of 300mm at their intersection, the device under test (DUT) is surrounded by a large QZ from every direction. This setup allows the DUT to be examined when exposed to signals arriving simultaneously at different angles, just like in a real network, says Rohde & Schwarz. The large QZ results in a lower measurement uncertainty compared to competing solutions, continues the company. The DUT can also be tested without knowing where the antennae are located within it (black box testing), for service providers.
RRM testing aims to use the limited RF resources as efficiently as possible and to help avoid co-channel interference. The 3GPP specification for RRM testing defines five different pairs of angles, with relative angular differences of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 degrees between the basestation signals. The R&S ATS1800M can meet this requirement with only three additional reflectors. The side chamber extension is both retrofittable to existing R&S ATS1800C units and reversible.
