Anritsu and Bluetest have combined their recent product upgrades to create an OTA measurement solution for verifying the WLAN RF-performance in the new 6GHz band, as well as existing WLAN standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) in the 2.4 and 5GHz bands. The collaboration provides customers with a complete WLAN Over-the-Air (OTA) test solution capable of transmit power (TRP) and receiver sensitivity (TIS) measurements on devices and access points. Measuring the OTA performance in life-like but repeatable conditions enable manufacturers of small and large WLAN equipped devices, including IoT and smart home appliances, to optimise the radio performance and end-user satisfaction.
6GHz has for a long time been the upper frequency limit of most public communication systems. This is now changing with the WLAN standard IEEE 802.11ax, expanding up to 7.125GHz range (“Wi-Fi 6E”). The growth of WLAN connected devices and services is expected to benefit greatly from this increase in available frequency space and number of 160MHz channels.
The Anritsu Wireless Connectivity Test Set MT8862A is dedicated to the WLAN standard, therefore optimised for stable and reliable connections with wider dynamic range, even in a faded environment such as in the Bluetest reverberation chamber. It is now updated with a new radio module adding support for the 6GHz band and 160MHz channels, in addition to the already supported 2.4 and 5GHz bands. The test setup is easily expanded to support 2×2 MIMO measurements using two MT8862A units.
Bluetest has meanwhile upgraded the complete range of reverberation test systems with an increased default frequency coverage. The RTS25 chamber is upgraded by adding the new 6-7.125GHz band. This chamber is primarily targeting the WLAN and Bluetooth industry. The RTS65, as well as the larger RTS85 and RTS95 now feature 4×4 MIMO support for frequencies all the way up to 12GHz, in addition to previously released 5G FR2 packages with 2×2 MIMO support up to 43.5GHz.
Bluetest Product Manager, Klas Arvidsson, says, “Increasing the default frequency range from six to 12GHz with full support for multiple 4×4 MIMO carriers means we are fully prepared for continued evolution of the WLAN and 5G standards and shows the strength of our flexible product design.”
Keita Masuhara, Product Manager, IoT Test Solutions Division, Anritsu, adds, Expanding to 6GHz band spectrum is expected to bring new services and it will require concrete performance evaluation to prevent issues regarding new challenges. Anritsu has been working with Bluetest to provide valuable solutions for OTA RF performance evaluation. I am convinced that the new measurement system will contribute to efficient performance testing.
The Anritsu MT8862A as well as all Bluetest chambers with the extended operating frequency range are available to order, and upgrade packages are offered for already installed systems. The updated Bluetest chambers are accompanied by corresponding upgrades to the line of accessories, such as reference antennas, ISS11 Attenuator System and ISS11 Instrument Switch.
