5G base stations rely on phased arrays to steer signals and increase data rates. Beam steering circuits, however, consume power. Using waveguides could reduce energy consumption in base stations. Waveguides are physical structures that direct electromagnetic waves from one point to another, confining energy within specific boundaries to control propagation, direction, and mode. While waveguide…
What are 5G’s, the different types, and how are they used?
5G is much more than cell phones. IoT devices, medical devices, and industrial devices can connect to networks using technologies such as TDD, network slicing, and beamforming. 5G New Radio (NR) made its long-awaited commercial debut in late 2018. Offering significantly faster speeds and greater capacity compared to 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G NR…
Wi-Fi performance testing now has standards
By Leigh Chinitz, Spirent Communications Until recently, service providers were unable to predict in-home performance of Wi-Fi devices because they lacked standardized test cases. Now, industry groups have advanced three new standards, each geared toward different Wi-Fi use cases. The Wi-Fi industry has long had standardized conformance testing to confirm that a device meets standards…
How to reduce residual noise in 5G NR EVM measurements
Error vector magnitude (EVM) is the most important figure of merit for signal quality in 5G NR. A new method improves measurement accuracy by reducing noise.
OFC 2024: Network equipment
The infrastructure of data communications networks needs lots of fiber, semiconductors, and network equipment to bring data to the masses. Optical data networks form the backbone of today’s communications. Data centers, which seem to dominate any discussion of digital communications, depend heavily on fiber-optic connections from a few meters to many kilometers. Getting those bits…
Our 2024 Communications Handbook is here
EE World announces its 2024 5G, Wireless, & Wireline Communications Handbook in digital form. It’s that time again. EE World’s 2024 5G, Wireless, & Wireline Communications Handbook is here. The 41-page e-book contains ten technical articles plus an editorial. This year, we cover: Network timing, mmWaves (two articles), Power amplifiers (three articles), test & measurement…
RF power transistor delivers 2500 W
The ART2K5TFUS and ART2K5TFUG power transistors from Ampleon amplify signals from 1 MHz to 400 MHz.
EE Training Day Q&A discussion: network & fiber optics measurement solutions
It’s not always easy for an engineer to determine the best networking and fiber optic measurement solution to address their measurement needs. To help with that, this webinar discusses: The what, why, and how of available options like optical spectrum analyzers, optical wavelength meters, optical power meters, variable attenuators, fixed and tunable laser sources, and…
Optimize RF signal quality in 5G power amps
For 5G system performance, obtaining and maintaining the right balance of requirements for high power, power-added efficiency, and signal fidelity is critical. CCDF and PAPR measurements provide insights to help power amplifier designers achieve that goal. While all parts of the 5G RF signal chain contribute to overall system performance, the transmitter power amplifier (PA)…
How to select an IoT device antenna
When designing wireless connectivity into IoT devices, you have several options for antennas. You can design one right into a PCB, but several commercial options take the work out of designing your own.