Rohde & Schwarz and Pegatron have collaborated to verify FR3 phased array performance in a MIMO test setup
Using the FSWX signal and spectrum analyser with its multi-channel analysis capabilities and the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator from Rohde & Schwarz, the companies demonstrated dual polarised transmission at 13GHz and 15GHz with data throughput about twice that of a single stream setup.
Rohde & Schwarz and Pegatron have presented a joint FR3 technology demonstration focused on phased array testing for future wireless systems. The setup at 6G Summit in Taipei, Taiwan combined Pegatron’s dual polarised FR3 phased array with the FSWX signal and spectrum analyser and the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator. The measurement focused on MIMO transmission at 13GHz and 15GHz, frequency ranges relevant to 6G research for RAN infrastructure and for satellite applications.
The demonstration showed how dual polaraisation can increase data throughout in FR3 systems. In the exhibition setup, the companies reached a projected data transmission rate of 1.7Gbps using 100MHz bandwidth, 4096QAM, and dual stream transmission. This corresponds to about twice the throughput of a comparable single stream configuration and provides an example of how FR3 can support high bandwidth, high order modulation, and multi-stream wireless links.
Additionally, Pegatron tested its FR3 phased array antenna in a standard office environment. Under the 5G NR protocol, the system reached a peak expected data rate of 1.4Gbps across an indoor distance of 40m. The setup used 100MHz bandwidth, 1024QAM, and dual stream transmission. This test adds a more practical scenario to the exhibition result and helps compare laboratory style verification with indoor depoyment conditions.
For the verification work, Pegatron utilised the multi-channel analysis capabilities of the FSWX signal and spectrum analyser with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator. Earlier measurements relied on a conventional spectrum analyser, where horizontal and vertical signal controls had to be adjusted separately. The newer setup based on the the architecture of the FSWX made it possible to analyse multiple channels in parallel and to obtain results that are closer to actual system behaviour.
The collaboration reflects ongoing work around FR3 and 6G, radio access infrastructure, satellite links, and other high data rate wireless applications.
Alexander Pabst, vice president, Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, said, “FR3 is expected to provide the highly demanded additional spectrum for 6G. Wider bandwidth, higher order modulation and massive MIMO demand evolved test and measurement equipment. Rohde & Schwarz test solutions play a central role in the verification of demanding wireless and phased array performance criteria. With its new architecture, the FSWX combines multiple input ports, cross correlation capabilities, advanced filter banks and broadband ADCs to address complex signal analysis tasks at unprecedented speed and accuracy.”
William Wu, director of the Communication Technology Center at Pegatron, said, “As 6G enters the critical phases of standardization and technology R&D, the FR3 frequency band has become a pivotal battleground for future wireless innovation. Pegatron continues to invest in next-generation wireless technology. Having successfully developed 13 GHz (FCC) / 15 GHz (ITU) phased array antenna technology, which integrates array antennas, BFICs, and RF frontends with beamforming, H/V (Horizontal/Vertical) dual-linear polarization, and multi-channel designs, we have built robust beam control and high-speed transmission capabilities for the FR3 band. Moving forward, we are expanding our FR3 portfolio by actively developing 7 GHz / 8 GHz array antenna modules for Massive MIMO.“
