This paper introduces the fundamental theory behind beamforming antennas. In addition, calculation methods for radiation patterns with simulations results, as well as some real world measurement results for small linear arrays are shown. Due to the likely bandwidths in such applications, a non-standard way of graphical representation is proposed.

The software interface is an often overlooked, yet critical item in putting together a test system. It’s not enough for a piece of equipment to work well in isolation. In a production environment it must interact with and take commands from other modules, and in a laboratory setting it must work seamlessly with multiple hosts. Understanding some of the potential interface barriers and how to remove them is an important first step before evaluating any piece of test equipment.

Concrete and confined use cases such as mobile voice in 2G and mobile data in 4G dominated the definition of past cellular technologies. In contrast, 5G introduces a paradigm change towards a user/application centric technology framework that aims to support the following triangle of important use case families. The enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) use case represents the well-known continuation of the ever-increasing requirement to support both higher peak data rates per user and more system capacity. Learn more about this hot topic in our Whitepaper.

Beamforming networks for antennas have evolved since the 1960’s. Early designs were typically fixed-beam architectures, although newer configurations include complex adaptive beamforming networks. This brief presentation reviews the origins of the technology, and offers several example circuit topologies of passive microwave beamformers. 

The application note contains theoretical background on OTA power and pattern measurements. It gives step-by-step instructions for the verification of the power level and the radiation pattern of a device under test (DUT) in comparison to a golden device, and it presents an approach for verifying the accuracy of beam steering.

LTE user equipment (UE) receiver performance has significant impact to cellular radio network coverage and capacity. It determines the maximum data throughput across the air interface between the LTE base station (eNB, evolved node B) and the mobile network subscriber UE, thus it determines the total capacity across the air interface. Therefore, it is one of the most important measurements to verify the actual receiver performance of individual devices, and a key metric to compare different devices, in particular.

The Z-Power style resistor gives a better frequency response with similar thermal properties in the same size package. This technology offers designers exciting combinations with ideal thickness, package, aspect ratio and terminal geometry selections. Learn more about the advantages to both RF performance and power handling with Z-Power configured components.

Smartphone manufacturers are introducing new full-screen handsets with an 18:9 screen aspect ratio. The form factor impacts antenna performance: reducing antenna space, shorter battery life, connectivity problems and lower data rates. Increased performance is required throughout the RF front-end, compensating for antenna impacts, maintain total radiated power and Rx sensitivity.

Techniques for accurate high power RF measurement in excess of 10W. A variety of methods will be considered including RF watt-meters, directional power sensors, directional coupler assemblies and flow calorimeters. The relative uncertainties, advantages and limitations will be considered to match the measurement to the user’s application.

Detailed review of radar waveforms for aerospace and defense, commercial radar systems, including radar sensors used in automotive safety applications. Learn more on continuous waveform trends designed for specific needs, and application differences of continuous wave radar vs. pulse radar systems.