LTE/LTE-A Multi-Channel, Reference Solution

Keysight Technologies

LTE/LTE-A Multi-Channel, Reference Solution

Solution Brochure

Gain greater insight faster with a compact, multi-channel PXI test solution that has proven performance with industry standard Signal Studio and 89600 VSA/WLA software.

Introduction

LTE deployments in over 124 countries worldwide with over 2,218 LTE capable devices make LTE the fastest developing mobile technology in the history of cellular communications. LTE-Advanced was developed to meet the requirements of 4G technology, mainly to provide much needed spectral efficiency of up to 30 b/s/Hz and increased data rates of up to 1 Gbps, while maintaining interoperability with legacy wireless formats.

This solution brochure describes Keysight Technologies, Inc. PXI-based multi-channel Reference Solution - hardware and world class signal generation and analysis software which provide greater insight into complex LTE/LTE-A designs. The Reference Solution also includes a convenient GUI to accelerate implementation of LTE/LTE-A multi-channel signal analysis and signal generation systems.

LTE/LTE-A Multi-Channel Test Challenges

Basestation, microcell, picocell, repeater, UL components, and RF subsystem designs are becoming more complex as engineers implement new LTE-Advanced features. These devices need to support multi-radio formats and include multiple antennas to support new carrier aggregation and spatial multiplexing MIMO enhancements. As the number of antennas increase, the characterization of the design becomes more complicated, requiring more channels and tighter synchronization between channels to support higher order MIMO and beamforming applications. And when MIMO is implemented with carrier aggregation, the tests become even more complicated.

Key test challenges faced by design engineers

– Complicated test set up for higher order MIMO that includes carrier aggregation or beamforming

– Visualizing and validating MIMO signals at the RF antenna

– Cost and footprint of test

LTE/LTE-A Multi-Channel Reference Solution

To help address these test challenges, the LTE/LTE-A multichannel Reference Solution combines the phase coherent PXI VSA and VSG instruments with configuration tools and industry leading application software to complete the LTE-A FDD or TDD signal generation or analysis solution. This enables engineers to quickly set up, measure, visualize and characterize their most complicated multi-channel carrier aggregation and MIMO designs. Keysight’s Signal Studio software allows for easy generation of the most complex LTE/ LTE-A multi-channel and MIMO waveforms. For signal analysis, Keysight’s 89600 VSA software allows engineers to decode and display multiple channels in time, frequency, and modulation domains simultaneously, as well as measure the cross-channel performance to characterize complex MIMO designs.

To accelerate multi-channel and MIMO analysis, the MIMO toolkit provides configuration utilities and a GUI that aids engineers in the setup and execution of complex multi-channel tests. The toolkit provides for proper chassis and instrument configuration and includes a correction utility that calibrates for amplitude and phase skews between channels to ensure accurate phase coherent measurements. In addition, the GUI provides flexibility for engineers to adjust the RF settings, customize waveforms, and set up VSA software for multi-channel analysis.

The Reference Solution can be configured as 2-, 4-, or 8- time or phase synchronized channels using the M9381A PXI VSGs and M9391A PXI VSAs integrated into the M9018A 18-slot PXIe chassis with the M9037A PXIe embedded controller. Multichassis configurations are supported using the M9021A PCIe® cable interface and V2802A LO distribution unit for phase coherent systems.