5G RedCap Testing Devices: Optimized Solutions and Keysight for IoT Applications
5G RedCap Testing Devices
In wireless devices, specifically 5G, 5G RedCap is gaining popularity. These devices are known for their simplicity and low power consumption. However, certification and testing companies like Rohde & Schwarz and Keysight still face challenges when testing 5G and other IoT applications.
Therefore, they are developing new testers tailored to these applications to overcome these challenges. Keysight has stated that early lab validation can greatly reduce certification time.
This statement means that tech manufacturers can detect issues in design and functionality early on and correct them before submitting their devices for certification. This approach can save time and money, which is crucial in the fast-paced world of technology.
5G RedCap Is The Future
5G RedCap technology is expected to deliver a new line of devices and solutions that bridge the gap between existing capabilities and the extremes of NB-IoT and 5G. This bridge will allow for optimized sensor designs in industry-wide automation and wearables.
The technology reduces the number of antennas needed, lowering the system’s complexity using a lower spectrum bandwidth. Additionally, the system uses less power when working in standalone mode, making it an ideal solution for energy-efficient devices.
Rohde & Schwarz’s R&S CMX500
Rohde & Schwarz has optimized its CMX500 5G signaling tester for 5G RedCap technology with their new CMX500 OBT Lite configuration. This hardware configuration is useful across the entire chain, from early model R&D to the latest hardware.
In addition, the software is expected to lower data application rates, such as 5G RedCap, making it an ideal solution for testing low-complexity devices that require optimized signaling performance.
According to Electronicproducts.com, the CMX500 enhancements enable IoT devices to verify the 5G RedCap aspects following the 3GPP Release 17. In addition, the R&D section discusses network restriction, bandwidth switching, and bandwidth parts, which are essential 5G RedCap technology aspects.
The R&S CMX500 signaling tester with the OBT Lite configuration provides a comprehensive solution for verifying the performance and compliance of IoT devices with 5G RedCap technology.
The R&S CMX500 signaling tester is designed to cover and target all 5G NR testing by creating provisions for relevant frequencies up to the 8 GHz limit. It means the tester can perform comprehensive testing for all 5G NR devices to ensure compliance with the latest 5G standards.
The R&S CMX500 signaling tester is operated by a flexible and intuitive user interface called the R&S CMsquares. The R&S CMsquares are web-based and cover all frequencies, including 5G NR, without leaving out LTE bands.
Keysight’s E7515R
Keysight’s 5G RedCap solution is based on 5G network simulation technology, primarily designed for protocol and radio frequency testing of all CIoT (Cellular Internet of Things) techs, including RedCap. The key feature of Keysight’s solution is that it can streamline RedCap capabilities without requiring extra features to test the full spectrum of 5G.
Keysight’s E7515R is a comprehensive solution supporting the latest Release 17 and legacy CIoT technologies such as NB-IoT and CIoT. It enables manufacturers to test their devices for compliance with the latest standards while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy networks.
Rohde & Schwarz and Keysight demonstrated their products at the MWC in 2023, and the viewers were satisfied with the two approaches.
In addition, the demonstrations showcased the capabilities of the two solutions in testing RedCap technology, highlighting both solutions’ ease of use, flexibility, and comprehensive testing capabilities.
