beamformer ic test solutions€¦ · enables reliable and efficient communications in the fr2...

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Beamformer IC Test SolutionsAccelerating Characterizing of 5G mmWave Components Beamforming – a key technology in 5G mmWave communication systems –

enables reliable and efficient communications in the FR2 (mmWave) band by

transmitting a focused signal using phased-array antennas.

The beamformer IC plays a central role in this communication system. The

beamformer IC is a multiport module device that integrates multi-directional

Tx/Rx blocks into an RF front end that is connected to a number of antennas.

These blocks include phase shifters, step attenuators, power amplifiers (PAs),

and low noise amplifiers (LNAs). Future ICs will in some cases also incorporate

frequency converters.

To ensure reliable and efficient 5G mmWave communications, the performance

of critical elements that form part of the beamformer IC need to be rigorously

tested under linear and nonlinear conditions across the entire workflow from

design, validation to manufacturing. It is therefore important to use test solutions

that deliver high precision measurements at mmWave frequency bands and

simulation tools that enable the user to quickly execute component-level and

system-level simulation for design and verification.

Beamforming makes use of multiple antennas (a phased array) to transmit the exact same signal, thereby increasing the signal strength to and from a chosen direction.

S O L U T I O N B R I E F


An example of a four-channel beamformer IC

Addressing Key Beamformer IC Measurement ChallengesAs a complex device, the beamformer IC needs to be tested across the workflow, from

early design to verification, and manufacturing.

Early design phase Design verification phase Manufacturing phase

Requirement

• PA cell evaluation

• Nonlinearity evaluation

• Modeling

• S-parameter

• Compression (P1dB)

• Intermodulation distortion

• Harmonic distortion

• Spurious

• Noise Figure

• EVM

• ACPR

• Test requirements are a subset of testing executed in the design and verification phase.

Examples of 5G beamformer IC measurements across the workflow


Successful execution of these measurements requires addressing a number of

challenges, including:

Multiport and multidirectional measurements

A multiport vector network analyzer with mmWave frequency coverage enables the

user to measure the S-parameters of a beamformer IC. However, to perform non-

S-parameter measurements, such as distortion and noise figure, it is necessary

to use a dedicated custom-switching test set that supports multidirectional

measurements. The custom-switching test set enables the user to overcome the

hardware configuration limitations in the measurement path, which typically only

allow unidirectional measurements to be performed for these parameters.

Nonlinearity evaluations under a wideband modulated signal

The 5G NR channel bandwidth can be as wide as 400 MHz for FR2 and the

aggregated channel bandwidth can be as wide as 1.2 GHz. Modulated signal

generation and analysis of EVM and ACPR across such wide bandwidths cannot be

performed using conventional signal sources and analyzers.

Accurate and repeatable measurements

To meet stringent performance requirements of 5G NR, measurement instruments

need to provide highly accurate measurements at mmWave frequencies. In particular,

the instrument’s residual EVM needs to be very low to address critical requirements

for 5G component tests. In addition, the loss and mismatch of the cables and

connectors significantly affect the accuracy and repeatability of wideband mmWave

measurements. A vector calibration capability is required to fully eliminate these error

factors and accurately shifts the instrument’s reference planes to the DUT planes.

Rapid measurements and simulations

Improving the speed of measurement and simulation is critical for accelerating the

design cycle. In particular, EVM verification using conventional signal analyzers

and application software is time consuming, which means faster solutions are

necessary to use.


Keysight’s comprehensive suite of beamformer IC test solutions enables 5G component

manufacturers to address challenges introduced by beamforming technology. By using

a variety of hardware and software combined with Keysight’s new modulation distortion

application, beamfomer IC and FEM manufacturers can accurately, quickly and cost-

effectively measure wideband modulated signals.

Requirement Keysight’s solution

S-parameters (phase, gain, match)

N524xB PNA-X Vector Network Analyzer

M980xA PXI Vector Network Analyzer

Compression, IMD, Harmonics, Spur, NF

N524xB PNA-X Vector Network Analyzer

EVM, ACPR

PNA-X with S93070xB Modulation Distortion Application

M9383/84B VXG Vector Signal Generator

N7631C Signal Studio Pro for 5G NR

N9040B UXA Signal Analyzer

N9085EM0E 5G NR X-Series Measurement Application

89600 VSA Software

S9100A Multi-Band Vector Transceiver

Multiport and multi-direction measurements

U3040ATRX Antenna IC/TRM Test Set

L8990M Modular Switch Matrices

Simulation for circuit and system-level design

Advanced Design System (ADS)

SystemVue

Keysight’s solutions for beamformer IC testing


Gain Compression Application

Distortion Measurements with Spectrum Analysis

Accurate NF measurement with Vector Correction

Hot S22 Measurement

PNA-X – Multiple Measurements on a Single InstrumentThe N5244/5/7B PNA-X Microwave Vector Network Analyzer offers

an indispensable set of measurement functions for testing 5G

beamformer ICs. Its industry-leading performance and state-of-the-

art error correction capabilities enable highly accurate S-parameter

measurements. Moreover, the PNA-X provides measurement

applications for testing amplifier’s nonlinear characteristics and noise

figure. All of these measurements can be quickly performed with a

single connection.

• 900 Hz/10 MHz to 43.5/50/67 GHz

• Fast and accurate S-parameter measurement

• Gain Compression Measurements (S93086B)

• Intermodulation Distortion Measurements (S93087B)

• Noise Figure Measurements with Vector Correction (S93029B)

• Spectrum Analysis (S93090xB)

• Active Hot S-parameters (S93110/11B)

PNA-X Vector Network Analyzer


Modulation Distortion – Fast and Accurate EVM MeasurementsThe S93070xB Modulation Distortion Application combined with the

PNA-X vector network analyzer enables users to measure the nonlinear

behavior of power amplifiers under the wideband modulated stimulus

conditions. The new frequency-domain measurement method delivers

lower residual EVM and faster EVM measurement speed. The VNA-

based vector calibration accurately extends the reference planes of

the signal generator and the analyzer to the DUT planes. As a result,

users can achieve an excellent signal fidelity and accurate modulated

measurement at mmWave frequencies. The modulation distortion

application delivers faster, more accurate, and repeatable EVM and

ACPR measurements than conventional signal analyzers do.

• Fast and accurate measurement

• Simple and intuitive setup

• Cost-effective solution

PNA-X Modulation Distortion Application

Configuration example with VXG and PNA-X

200 MHz 4CC 5G NR measurement example


Single Connection for Multiport and Multi-Direction MeasurementsTo enable single-connection multiple measurements for multiport/multi-direction beamformer

ICs, Keysight offers external switching test sets that can be connected with the PNA-X.

The U3040ATRX Antenna IC/TRM Test Set – a custom multiport test set dedicated to

beamformer IC measurements – incorporates couplers, switches, amplifiers, isolators, and

other components needed for comprehensive testing of beamformer ICs. The U3040ATRX

greatly simplifies the overall measurement setup and eliminates the need to manually

reconfigure the test setup for each measurement.

The L8990M Modular Switch Matrice uses a simple and flexible platform for basic RF

switching to create a cost-effective solution. Each L8990M Modular Switch Matrix is

delivered fully integrated according to the user-specified configuration. This enables users

to flexibly configure switch modules and slot locations to efficiently test beamformer ICs

with a single connection.

U3040ATRX Antenna IC/TRM Test Set

U3040ATRX Antenna IC/TRM Test Set block diagram

L8990M Modular Switch Matrices


PXI VNA – Extremely Fast Multiport S-parameter MeasurementsThe M980xA PXI Vector Network Analyzer is an ideal solution for testing

multiport S-parameters of beamformer ICs in the production phase.

The PXI VNA modules can be easily configured as a true multiport VNA

tailored to your DUT ports. This eliminates the use of an external test

set or switches and enables faster and more accurate measurements

at mmWave frequencies. The M980xA’s best-in-class dynamic range,

measurement stability, and extremely fast sweep speed further improve

test reliability and reduce cost-of-test. The M980xA shares common

software platform with the PNA Series network analyzers and this helps

smooth the transition from design verification to production phase.

• 100 kHz to 26.5/32/44/53 GHz

• True multiport measurement with N-port calibration

• Wide dynamic range (137 dB at 26 to 35GHz, 134 dB at 35 to 40GHz, typical)

• Excellent stability (0.01 dB/°C & 0.2 deg/°C at 20 to 30GHz, typical)

• Fast measurement speed

M980xA PXI VNA

M980xA PXI VNA and beamformer IC


VXG – mmWave wideband Signal GenerationCombined with the PNA-X Modulation Distortion Application or the

signal analyzer, the M9383B/M9384B VXG Microwave Vector Signal

Generator delivers high performance, wideband mmWave signal

generation for executing power amplifier measurements. The VXG offers

a 2 GHz modulation bandwidth, high output power to compensate for

system loss at mmWave bands, and an unmatched low 1% EVM to

address critical requirements for 5G NR component testing.

• Frequency range from 1MHz to 44GHz

• 2 GHz modulation bandwidth

• 1% EVM (5G NR, 100 MHz, +10 dBm, 28 and 39GHz)

• -50 dBc ACP (5G NR, 100 MHz, 0 dBm, 28GHz)

• Maximum +24 dBm output power

• Dual coherent channels

Signal Studio – Simplifying Signal CreationThe N7631C Signal Studio Pro for 5G NR enables users to create

5G NR signals for characterizing modulated performance of power

amplifiers. The tool simplifies the manipulation of a variety of signal

parameters to streamline signal creation.

• Quickly configure and generate 5G NR test models for FDD and TDD.

• Create spectrally-correct signals for channel power, spectral mask, and spurious testing.

• View CCDF, spectrum, time domain, and power envelope graphs to investigate the effects of power ramps, modulation formats, power changes, clipping, and other effects on device performance.

• Adjust Peak-To-Average-Ratio (PAPR) with Crest Factor Reduction.

• Baseband filter and windowing for spectrum control to improve the out-of-band performance.

M9384B VXG Signal Generator

Signal Studio Pro for 5G NR

M9383B VXG-m Signal Generator


UXA – Vector Signal Analysis with Integrated 1 GHz BandwidthVector signal analysis helps the user gain deeper insights on the

component’s non-linear characteristics in the time, frequency,

and modulation domains. The N9040B UXA Signal Analyzer is the

flagship of Keysight’s X-Series signal analyzers and enables power

amplifier characterization at 5G mmWave frequencies. Its superior

performance and up to 1GHz demodulation bandwidth allow in-

depth characterization of power amplifiers in combination with the

X-Series Measurement Application or the 89600 VSA software.

N9040B UXA Signal Analyzer

X-Series Measurement Application – Ready-to-use Measurements for Signal AnalysisThe N9085EM0E 5G NR X-Series measurement application transforms

the X-Series signal analyzers into the standard-based RF transmitter

tester. The X-Series measurement application simplifies complex

measurements such as EVM with the standard-based settings and

enables one-button RF conformance measurements.X-Series Measurement Application

VSA Software – Comprehensive Demodulation and Vector Signal AnalysisThe 89600 VSA software is a comprehensive set of tools for

demodulation and vector signal analysis. These tools enable you

to explore virtually every facet of a signal and optimize your most

advanced designs. With the 89600 VSA software, the user is able

to measure more than 75 signal standards and modulation types for

cellular communications. 89600 VSA Software

Vector Transceiver – Compact and Scalable Solution for 5G NR Component Manufacturing TestingThe S9100A 5G NR Multi-Band Vector Transceiver is a streamlined,

non-signaling measurement system that enables automated testing in

both the FR1 (sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (24-44GHz) spectrum bands. The

compact system enables users to validate 5G NR RF radio performance

in high-volume manufacturing test environments.

S9100A 5G Multi-Band Vector Transceiver


ADS – An Industry-leading Design PlatformAdvanced Design System (ADS) is an industry-leading electronic design automation

(EDA) software for RF, microwave, and high speed digital applications. In a powerful

and easy-to-use interface, ADS pioneers the most innovative and commercially

successful technologies, such as X-parameters and 3D EM simulators. The EM-

Circuit co-simulation capability allows the user to analyze the effects of various

physical design aspects on the overall performance of the 5G transceiver capability.

EM-Circuit co-simulation with ADS

This information is subject to change without notice. © Keysight Technologies, 2019, Published in USA, May 2, 2019, 5992-3894EN


Learn more at: www.keysight.com

For more information on Keysight Technologies’ products, applications or services,

please contact your local Keysight office. The complete list is available at:

www.keysight.com/find/contactus

SystemVue – System-level Design ToolSystemVue is an electronic system-level (ESL) design tool that enables system

architects and algorithm developers to innovate the physical layer (PHY) of next-

generation wireless and aerospace/defense communications systems. SystemVue

provides RF architects with accurate models and innovative analysis tools in their

native frequency domain, enhancing them with vector modulation analysis and link-

level coded performance. SystemVue also connects with both circuit level design

flows such as ADS and baseband designers, as part of a system-level cockpit that

follows through into verification.

Beamforming design using SystemVue

beamformer ic test solutions€¦ · enables reliable and efficient communications in the fr2...

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