TEST & MEASUREMENT HANDBOOK
TEST AND MEASUREMENT CONNECTIONS IN THE WORLD OF 5G JOHN MUZZIO, TIMES MICROWAVE SYSTEMS ANDREW DINSDALE, SV MICROWAVE
CONNECTORS AND CABLING CAN BE AS IMPORTANT AS THE TEST INSTRUMENTS USED TO CHECK OUT SYSTEMS OPERATING IN THE 5G REALM.
UNLIKE
previous cellular technology generations that were focused on a specific frequency band, 5G deals with a much larger potential
frequency range. For example, 4G frequency bands are typically below 3 GHz. 5G on the other hand can range from 450 MHz to 3.9 GHz and includes 20-52.6 GHz millimeter-wave bands for high-speed operations. 5G also encompasses unlicensed frequency bands, such as the 6 GHz band. This broad span of frequencies has introduced new challenges for 5G testing including repeatability, reliability, and reproducibility. As is the case with any RF testing, measurements require unique coaxial cable and connector setups— and it is critical to ensure signal integrity for RF interconnects. Measurement repeatability is key as these systems are connected and disconnected often. The connectors and cables must withstand extensive handling, and the materials they employ must be optimized. The testing process typically involves a device-under-test connected to a vector network analyzer (VNA), oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer. The signal path from the instrument to the circuit board is critical, and the user must ensure the test setup-including the test cable assembly, cable, adapters, and board mounted connectors--does not introduce unwanted variables. Many product developers working in 5G are dealing with a new frequency range that is unfamiliar, and the cables and connectors they’ve traditionally used will no longer work. For example, many RF test labs working in 4G LTE are outfitted with sub-10-GHz VNAs and associated test leads and accessories using Type N or 7/16 connector interfaces. To handle the full 5G spectrum, they must invest in not only expensive RF instruments, but also millimeter-wave test cables, adapters and board-level interconnects that can accommodate higher bandwidth without compromising signal integrity.
EXAMPLES OF SMP (SUB-MINIATURE PUSH-ON) SERIES PCB CONNECTORS. 10
DESIGN WORLD — EE NETWORK
6 • 2021
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