As 5G networks are being rolled out globally, the evolution of the 5G NR standard continues. With Release 17, 3GPP will extend the frequency support of 5G NR mmWave bands into the unlicensed spectrum up to 71 GHz, a frequency band traditionally used by non-cellular standards like IEEE 802.11ad and 11ay. To address new testing challenges related to this bandwidth extension and to evaluate the performance of the latest generation RF transceiver chipsets, Rohde & Schwarz and Sivers Semiconductors teamed up to test RF transceivers for 5G NR up to 71 GHz.
With Release 17, 3GPP will extend the frequency support for its 5G New Radio (5G NR) standard to 71 GHz by Mid-2022. This extension requires an adaptation of the physical layer, notably the addition of two new subcarrier spacings (480 kHz and 960 kHz), and the support of wider signal bandwidths of up to 2 GHz. The support of this new frequency band poses new challenges to manufacturers of RF transceivers already targeting cellular applications, but also opportunities to those specialized thus far in the design and manufacturing of transceiver chipsets for non-cellular IEEE standards operating in these mmWave bands. […]
