Attenuator Matrix for Test Labs
The NEXUS Wi-5G is a wideband 600 MHz to 6 GHz bi-directional RF Attenuator Matrix Test System which enables automated testing of 2x2 to 8x8 MIMO connections. Integrated fixed attenuation and (64) 0 to 60 dB programmable attenuators provide up to 90 dB of total attenuation per connection. The NEXUS Wi-5G can connect any input port to one or all output ports and any output port to one or all input ports using integrated wideband splitters and combiners. Unused connections can be turned off using internally terminated 100 dB isolation switches. The NEXUS Wi-5G enables interoperability, coexistence and testing of current and emerging standards. The matrix is used for roaming, handover, beam forming, wireless mesh network test and validation of network equipment. Its frequency range covers 2G/3G/4G/LTE/VoLTE/802.11x WiFi/MIMO. Circuit-switched fallback testing can be conducted in a controlled environment isolated from commercial signals, emulation of mobility scenarios, inter-band carrier aggregation and WiFi interference tests are easily configured. Regression testing can be completed in reduced time enhancing laboratory ROI.
The NEXUS Wi-5G used in conjunction with Quintech’s proprietary Q-LAAMP® software management platform provides a ready-to-use test system with an intuitive GUI and user configurable RF fading applications.
Features & Benefits
- Automated lab testing
- 600 MHz to 6 GHz continuous frequency range covering all major wireless and WiFi technologies
- 64 Total 0 to 60 dB programmable attenuators in 0.5 dB steps
- High power handling up to 30 dBm (1W)
- Integrated splitters and combiners support 2x2 up to 8x8 MIMO connection testing
Applications
Wireless mesh networks are very cost effective for supporting large distributed communications scenarios. Applications range from mobile wireless broadband to military networks to vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication. Testing mobility of wireless mesh networks involves using simulation with questionable accuracy or physically moving devices under test around the lab. Accurate testbeds require a combination of the two. These testbeds include placing nodes in anechoic chambers, replacing antennas on the devices with cables and connecting the cables to matrix switches.
A particular use case involved testing of V2V communications with embedded cellular technology in the 5.9 GHz band in vehicles to support automotive safety, automated driving and traffic efficiency. Quintech’s Wi-5G eight port mesh test matrix was perfect for this application. Using the Wi-5G, the node devices can be interconnected with diverse configurations and arbitrary attenuation creating a topology with complete reproducibility. Using Ethernet control, the Wi-5G can be reconfigured in milliseconds, changing port connections and attenuations.
