Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of the industry’s first 3GPP Release 16 (Rel-16) 5G New Radio (NR) single and multiple precoding matrix indicator (PMI) test cases. These cases are designed for 16 and 32 element transmitters operating on both frequency-division duplexing (FDD) and time-division duplexing (TDD) bands. The validation was obtained during the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) #77 meeting of the Global Certification Forum (GCF), hosted by Keysight in Malaga, Spain, in January.
The approved test cases are intended for use with Keysight’s 5G network emulation conformance test platform (TP168), marking a notable advancement in validating device performance in multi-antenna systems, a key aspect of 5G technology.
Multi-antenna technologies, including Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), are essential components of 5G NR standards, enhancing spectral efficiency and communication capabilities. The validation of Keysight’s S8705A RF/RRM test solution allows for the emulation of 16 and 32 transmitter connections to user equipment (UE) with 2 and 4 receivers, enabling rigorous testing of multi-antenna systems.
Muthu Kumaran, General Manager of Keysight’s Device Acceptance Solutions, emphasized the importance of these achievements, stating, “Multi-antenna systems are possible with NR, and now the first approved tests are brought into the market by Keysight to ensure device performance is thoroughly tested.”
In addition to the 3GPP Release 16 accomplishments, Keysight also achieved significant milestones supporting Release 17 (Rel-17) Enhanced Power Saving and RedCap features. This includes the validation of test cases ensuring UE support for a function that reduces device interactions with the network, thereby extending battery life. Additionally, test cases were validated to ensure RedCap devices support the Rel-17 increase in the extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycle, aimed at prolonging device battery life.
Keysight’s commitment to advancing 5G technology positions them as leaders in delivering cutting-edge solutions. As Kumaran highlighted, “Validations supporting Rel-17 Enhanced Power Saving features are crucial to drive advancements in 5G NR Rel-17 for commercial 5G NR and RedCap devices market introduction.”
