5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

5G moves into production, causes test issues

By Martin Rowe | February 28, 2020

5G Technology World talks with Teradyne’s Jeorge Hurtarte, who explains components and over-the-air production test of 5G components.

5G phones, base stations, IoT, and other devices have moved into production, but like everything else, 5G’s mmWave frequencies bring new challenges there, just as they have with design and deployment. For starters, production facilities don’t what to buy hundreds of new automated systems to test production parts. What can production managers and engineers do?

To find out, 5G Technology World spoke with Jeorge Hurtarte Wireless Product Marketing Strategist at Teradyne, a manufacturer of semiconductor automated test equipment (ATE). In the video below, Hurtarte explains how 5G’s mmWave frequencies have created new problems for production test given the roughly 10x increase in frequency from the sub-6 GHz (FR1) band to the 24 GHz to 56 GHz (FR2) band.

While some devices such as transceivers and amplifiers can be tested using traditional ATE systems, going to mmWave means that the interface boards and interconnects from the device under test (DUT) to the ATE instrumentation will incur losses not seen in the FR1 band. “For thirty years, wireless has operated below 6 GHz,” explains Hurtarte, “we now have to work at FR2 frequencies.”

In the interview, Hurtarte explains that because of the high level in integration made possible by the small size of mmWave components, mmWave IC and antennas can now exist in a single module, eliminating test points. Thus, some testing must be performed “over the air” in a chamber.

“How do you decide on the size of the chamber?” asks Hurtarte. “For the answer, you’ll need to understand the Friis equations.” That’s because you need to know if you’re working in the near field or the far field. Understanding Friis equations is just one of the skills engineers will need when adding 5G connectivity to your designs.


Filed Under: 5G, amplifiers, Cellular, mm Wave, RF, Sub-6 Ghz RF, Test & Measurement, Video
Tagged With: teradyne
 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
2.4 GHz chip antennas connect IoT devices to networks
6G
6G needs less, 6G needs more
Demonstration shows 5G handset communicating through satellites

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World