Companies support OTA measurement for 5G RedCap devices optimised for IoT applications

Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an OTA measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap (Reduced Capability) specification, optimised for IoT applications by 3GPP Release 17.

This solution combines Bluetest’s Reverberation Test System (RTS) series of reverberation chambers (RTS65/85/95) and the accompanying Flow measurement control software with Anritsu’s Base Station Simulator MT8000A. It supports comprehensive evaluation of RedCap-compatible devices, including Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and throughput, ensuring practicality and reliability.

OTA testing using the RTS65 evaluates the overall communication performance of wireless devices, including antennas, in a realistic environment by transmitting and receiving signals via free space. While OTA testing can sometimes result in unstable communications, depending on test conditions, the wide reception range of the MT8000A helps stabilise communications, enabling fast and efficient testing.

RedCap is a new 5G specification characterised by low cost, low power consumption, and compact design. The 3GPP Release 17 specification is optimised for IoT applications, such as industrial sensors, surveillance cameras, and wearable devices.

Anritsu contributes to the global adoption of 5G IoT across a broad range of industries by supporting the development and evaluation of RedCap-compatible devices through this collaborative solution with Bluetest.

“By collaborating with Anritsu, we have produced a test solution that combines the speed of reverberation chamber measurements with the ease of use of the MT8000A for RedCap devices,” says Sara Catteau, business development manager at Bluetest. “This provides users with a test that is easy to configure and produces accurate results quickly.”

Makoto Yamada, director of Solution Marketing Department, Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu, says, “We are pleased to contribute to the efficiency of performance testing for 5G IoT devices through our collaboration with Bluetest. As the number of RedCap-compatible devices increases, pre-evaluation of RF performance will become increasingly important. We are confident that this partnership will significantly contribute to the growth of this market and the transition to 5G.”