RN Electronics 5G Testing

RN Electronics have become the first UK test laboratory accredited to test up to 231 GHz. These so called ‘Extremely High Frequency’ (EHF) bands can be used by products destined for use in the nextgeneration 5G networks. RN Electronics have been accredited by UKAS to test such products to both European and US (FCC) standards.

RN  Electronics have  the  capability  to  test  a  range  of  products  that  are  used  in  pre-5G  networks including; backhaul cells, fixed wireless access points, in-building wireless boosters and smart utility meters.

Many new electronic devices operate in the EHF band between 30 GHz and 300 GHz. Radio waves in this  band  have  wavelengths  of  1  mm  to  10  mm,  which are therefore  known  as  millimetre  wave (mmW). Although such devices have short ranges (typically less than 1 km), they can support much faster data transfer than other products.

There are many commercial applications for millimetre wave products including wireless backhaulfor  high-speed  internet  connection, distribution  of  TV signals, radio  astronomy,  smart  meters  and fixed  wireless  links.  Many  modern  cars  include  advanced  driver  assistance  systems  such  as autonomous emergency  braking  and  lane change  assist.  These  rely  on high frequency automotive radar.

Due to spectrum constraints ETSI (in Europe) and the FCC (in the US) are phasing out use of 24 GHz radar band by 2022. They have instead opened up frequencies in 77 GHz band. This higher frequency can achieve a 20x improvement in range resolution and accuracy performance. It also allows the use of  significantly  smaller  antenna  size.  Even  higher  resolution  radar  for  autonomous  vehicle  is proposed at around 150 GHz.

Manufacturers are already developing 5G products which operate at high frequencies around 60 –80  GHz. RN  Electronics  can  test  77  GHz  products  up  to  the  third  harmonic  thereby  considering potential interference with radio astronomy at 231 GHz.
Ofcom have recently released a ‘Review of spectrum used by fixed wireless services’. This included a consultation  with  stakeholders  that  found  “a  key  message  received  on  this  was  the  greater  focus now being placed on the higher millimetre wave bands above 92 GHz to deliver very high capacity traffic, such as backhaul for the next generation of mobile services.” As a result of this review, Ofcom have  announced  a  consultation  that  would  allow  licence  free  use  of  the  57 – 71  GHz  band  for wireless fixed links.

RN  Electronics  are  based  in  Brentwood,  Essex  and  have  been  accredited  by  UKAS  to  test  to European, US & Canadian EMC and wireless standards. RN Electronics have a team of knowledgeable and experienced engineers who can provide solutions to EMC and wireless problems.

Contact [email protected] / 01277 352219