Changes In 5G UE Testing And OTA Emphasis Due To mmWave

Momentum in the global 5G market continues to pick up steam. 5G networks are being deployed worldwide at a breakneck pace, evident by monthly numbers that continue to experience doubledigit growth for network deployment and UE release.

Current statistics align with the GSMA stated prediction that 5G networks are likely to cover one-third of the world’s population and account for 1.2 billion connections by 2025.

Ensuring 5G New Radio (NR) User Equipment (UE) operability as it is commercialized requires a greater emphasis on over-the-air (OTA) testing. OTA testing has been a verification method of 4G cellular technology since its deployment and standards adoption. It has gained more emphasis in 5G UE design due to the integrated nature of transmitters and the expanded use of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum. Hence, it is important to understand the fundamental OTA measurements.