Kyocera has developed an innovative mmWave phased array antenna module (PAAM) that simultaneously creates multiple beams in different directions at different frequencies. These PAAMs will be used in 5G FR2 infrastructure installations, enabling for example site co-location of different operators running networks on different frequency bands. To ensure optimal beam steering and beam directivity of their groundbreaking product, Kyocera relies on CATR-based multi-reflector OTA testing technology from Rohde & Schwarz.
Caption: Inside of the R&S ATS1800M test chamber, showing OTA-characterization of Kyocera’s PAAM. (Image: Kyocera)
Kyocera and Rohde & Schwarz will showcase at MWC 2025 in Barcelona the characterization of a novel mmWave PAAM design for FR2 applications. Crucial to the demonstration at the Kyocera booth (5E12) is the R&S ATS1800M 5G NR multi-directional mmWave test chamber from Rohde & Schwarz, designed for over-the-air (OTA) testing with an exceptionally small footprint.
Mobile communications that operate in the FR2 frequency range experience a high path loss, something that can be solved by using beamforming antenna arrays. In contrast to traditional antennas, FR2 antennas typically use phased arrays with a high number of individual antenna elements. Kyocera has developed a novel phased array antenna module (PAAM) featuring 384 dual polarization elements which is able to create up to 8 simultaneous beams in different directions at different frequencies. With this design, the PAAM can be used in site installations allowing multiple operators to run networks on different frequency bands. However, all these antenna elements need to work perfectly together to form an RF beam with the desired characteristics. Rohde & Schwarz offers a patented approach for testing such a complex antenna array over-the-air (OTA) in a fully shielded environment, which helps engineers verify the correct beam pattern and supports the process of minimizing sidelobes.
The R&S ATS1800M is a unique solution that features four feed antennas and CATR reflectors, each with a 30 cm quiet zone (QZ). In the demonstration at MWC 2025, the Kyocera PAAM device under test (DUT) is placed on a rugged 3D positioner in the center, where all four QZs overlap, coming from multiple directions. This allows Kyocera’s engineers to address a variety of different tests, including the simultaneous reception of RF beams from four different directions, as will be shown at MWC 2025. Thanks to the vertical CATR design patented by Rohde & Schwarz, this setup takes up a fairly small footprint in the lab compared to other OTA-solutions.
The full test setup contains multiple test instruments from Rohde & Schwarz in addition to the mmWave test chamber, which work seamlessly together: four 5G NR-capable R&S SMW200A vector signal generators, a 5G NR-capable R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer, and an R&S NGP800 power supply. Each generator simulates a 5G NR FR2 signal which will be fed through one of the R&S ATS1800M feed antennas. The DUT receives the signal via one of the CATR reflectors. With the combination of all signal sources, feed antennas and reflectors, Kyocera’s engineers can simulate complex reception scenarios of four frequency independent signals from four different locations. The received signal quality can be observed using the signal analyzer connected to the Kyocera PAAM.
Visitors to MWC 2025 can experience this milestone demonstration live at the Kyocera booth 5E12 in hall 5 of the Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from March 3 to 6, 2025.
For further information on antenna testing solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/_231852.html
Europe (headquarters): Christian Mokry (phone: +49 89 4129 13052; email: press@rohde-schwarz.com)
North America: Dominique Lutkus (phone: +1 503 523-7951; email: Dominique.Lutkus@rsa.rohde-schwarz.com)
Asia Pacific: Sze Ming Ng (phone: +603 5569 0011; email: press.apac@rohde-schwarz.com)
About Kyocera
Kyocera Corporation (TOKYO:6971, https://global.kyocera.com/), the parent and global headquarters of the Kyocera Group, was founded in 1959 as a producer of fine ceramics (also known as “advanced ceramics”). By combining these engineered materials with metals and integrating them with other technologies, Kyocera has become a leading supplier of industrial and automotive components, semiconductor packages, electronic devices, LCDs, smart energy systems, printers, copiers, and mobile phones. During the year ended March 31, 2024, Kyocera Corporation’s consolidated sales revenue totaled 2.0 trillion Japanese yen (approx. US$13.3 billion). Kyocera is ranked #874 on Forbes magazine’s 2024 “Global 2000” list of the world’s largest publicly traded companies, and has been named among “The World’s 100 Most Sustainably Managed Companies” by The Wall Street Journal.
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company’s leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.93 billion in the 2023/2024 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz had around 14,400 employees worldwide.
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