- The collaboration of NTT Docomo and Rohde & Schwarz has resulted in the development of an ultra-wideband channel sounder for mobile telecommunications using frequencies above 100 GHz.
- Their experiments focused on the propagation of radio waves at frequencies up to 150 GHz.
The 100 GHz to 300 GHz frequency bands, in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range, are expected to offer more capacity and speed for mobile telecommunications according to the new generation 5G standard. Tests carried out by Docomo and Rohde & Schwarz have made it possible to measure and analyse the behaviour of the propagation characteristics of radio waves and shielding in this frequency range (mmWave).
Larger bandwidths than those used for 5G are available in the frequency ranges between 100 GHz and 300 GHz. However, signal propagation at these frequency levels is more affected by people, vehicles, trees, environmental and meteorological conditions. It is therefore essential to study their influence on the propagation characteristics of radio waves.
Using Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement systems, Docomo has developed an ultra-wideband mmWave band channel sounder to measure the propagation characteristics of radio waves used in mobile communication systems using frequencies above 100 GHz (mmWave). This system measures propagation loss (degree of attenuation of radio waves), power delay profile (arrival time of radio waves), angular profile (indicator of spread of radio wave arrival).
Within this test system, the R&S SMW200A signal generator and R&S SMZ frequency multiplier generate the signal in the microwave range (mmWave), while the R&S FSW85 spectrum and signal analyzer with the R&S FS-Z170 harmonic mixer analyses it with its scalable analysis bandwidth of up to 2 GHz. Radio wave propagation characteristics are displayed in real time on the touchscreen user interface.
This test system, installed in an anechoic chamber, allowed Docomo and Rohde & Schwarz to confirm the ability to measure and analyze the human body shielding effect on signals up to 150 GHz frequencies and in all the most commonly used or under investigation 5G frequency bands.
