Anritsu discusses the importance of spectrum analysis as microwave and millimeter wave applications, including 5G, take shape
As the entire telecommunications ecosystem, ranging from standards bodies and academia to network infrastructure vendors and test equipment suppliers, works to standardize and, ultimately, commercialize 5G, it’s clear that the sheer complexity will require a new approach to virtually every aspect of network deployment.
5G is envisioned as a kind of network of networks, converging wireless and wired networks, licensed and unlicensed spectrum, and the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT). The perpetuation of virtualization, software-control and data analytics are all geared around the level of automation that will be essential to provisioning and delivering services. This exciting movement toward ultra-high speed, incredibly low latency wireless applications, at a very fundamental level, is wholly dependent on spectrum.
Walt Strickler, a senior business development manager for Anritsu, recently discussed the changing needs of spectrum analysis with RCR Wireless News, and called out a number of applications which are gaining momentum and making use of microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, such as 5G communications, E-band backhaul, WiGig, automotive radar, Ka-band and V-band satellite communications.
“A strength and key differentiator for Anritsu is our approach to reaching 40 GHz and above with our instrumentation,” Strickler said. “The reason is that we have developed a patented technology based-on Non-Linear Transmission Lines (NLTLs) that allows us to more easily reach higher frequencies at a much better cost point in a smaller footprint, while maintaining very high performance. We then incorporate that technology into our products, giving us a unique advantage.”
Anritsu’s Spectrum Master family of spectrum analyzer products, which, at a high-level, measure and display an electrical signal based on its frequency, allow users to gain insight into frequency response, RF power delivery, signal distortion and other factors that can make or break the success of a microwave- or millimeter wave-based system.
As it relates to 5G and attendant technologies, a detailed understanding of signal coverage mapping and propagation characteristics will be crucial. Consider what major carriers are doing around fixed wireless 5G access as a way to deliver fiber-like speeds without having to invest in deploying fiber to homes, multiple-dwelling units, businesses, and every other property type that wants faster broadband. Testing in cities around the U.S. is tapping into millimeter wave frequencies, which, on the upside, enable incredibly high capacity, but propagate in such a way that variables like weather and foliage and can become much more disruptive than for lower frequency services. These effects become more acute in a mobile application.
“Microwave and millimeter wave frequencies are being considered for the upcoming 5G standard,” Strickler said. “For the U.S., the 28 GHz and 39 GHz are two frequency bands that will likely be used for the 5G roll out, fixed or mobile , so that’s a key application area for spectrum analysis.” In terms of backhaul, “Whether it’s the Internet of Things, broadband, mobile, or whatever the applications are, service providers will need bigger pipes to move all that data and microwave and millimeter wave spectrum analysis will have a role there as well.”
Another application involving microwave and millimeter frequencies are V2X (Vehicle to Everything) technologies that will address traffic congestion, pollution, lost productivity and many other quality-of-life factors. ADAS (Advanced driver-assistance system) taps into image processing, LiDAR (Light detection and ranging) and automotive radar technologies to essentially “see” and communicate with the world around it, and will evolve to incorporate 5G connectivity and eventually shift to full autonomy. Automotive radar has, for some time, been largely supported by the 24 GHz band, but there’s growing interest in the 70 GHz band. “Until recently, there haven’t been many good solutions to provide spectral analysis at those frequencies, at least, not affordable solutions,” Strickler said.
Given the trends here–dense, complex networks using a huge range of frequencies, licensed and unlicensed, or a combination of both, spectrum analysis tools will be critical to the rapid deployment of 5G and other applications that utilize microwave and millimeter wave frequencies, which means versatile, affordable spectrum analyzers bring major value for everyone from designers to field technician crews and the companies that depend on their important work.
For a detailed examination of spectrum analysis, check out this white paper titled “Spectrum Monitoring Techniques: Using a spectrum analyzer for unattended spectrum monitoring” Click here to learn more about Anritsu.