Accelerate design and market entry between 5G base stations and next-generation mobile devices

Keysight Technologies, Inc. played a key role in helping Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. achieve the industry’s first end-to-end interoperability and data connectivity in the FR3 frequency range using the Keysight E7515P UXM 5G wireless test platform and the 5G Qualcomm Technologies Mobile Test Platform (MTP).

5G networks are being developed to operate in three frequency ranges: low band (FR1), mid band (FR2), and the newly introduced high band (FR3). While each frequency offers specific advantages for 5G services, FR3 offers wider bandwidth and can transmit large amounts of data at extremely high speeds. These unique characteristics enable FR3 to support 5G-Advanced and 6G use cases that are expected to revolutionize wireless communications in the future.

Qualcomm Technologies’ FR3 interoperability testing covered user equipment calibration and RF non-signaling validation and was accomplished using a Keysight UXM E7515P and VXT3 M9416A leveraging Qualcomm’s Development Acceleration Resource Toolkit (QDART). Finally, a full-stack data connection was established to evaluate the feasibility of using this frequency band for network connectivity between 5G base stations and next-generation mobile devices. This connection was achieved using Keysight’s 5G network emulation solution and the Qualcomm Technologies MTP, a smartphone reference design available from Qualcomm Technologies’ research lab that serves as a proven test device for implementing and validating cutting-edge device features.

The UXM 5G Wireless Test Solution is a highly integrated signaling test platform with multi-format stack support, superior processing power, and abundant RF resources. Supporting 3GPP Release 15 and later, the UXM 5G Wireless Test Solution enables engineers to establish 5G calls with the device under test in various 5G New Radio deployment modes.

“Qualcomm Technologies is grateful for Keysight’s assistance in developing a groundbreaking solution that enables device manufacturers to accelerate innovation in next-generation wireless communications,” said Tingfang Ji, vice president of Qualcomm Wireless Research Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies. “This industry-first milestone will accelerate the design and deployment of 5G-Advanced and 6G devices.”

“As part of our support of Qualcomm Technologies, Keysight is accelerating market entry for next-generation mobile devices through the industry’s first FR3 data connectivity,” said Lukas Hansen, vice president, Wireless Devices and Operators, Keysight. “Keysight’s cutting-edge emulation solutions enable chipset and device manufacturers to uniquely validate their devices for the new technology era. This achievement accelerates the design cycle for 5G-Advanced and 6G devices, shortening time to market for new devices.”