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National Instruments mmWave User Manual

National Instruments mmWave User Manual

Ota validation test reference architecture
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USER GUIDE
mmWave OTA Validation Test
Reference Architecture
The mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture integrates mmWave signal
generation and analysis instrumentation, an anechoic chamber, a positioner, and positioner
control, providing the ability to measure the complete radiated field of the DUT in all
transmitting directions.
This manual contains hardware and software information, including step-by-step procedures
and basic information about how to begin using the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic
Chamber and instrumentation with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software.
Notice
The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in
a manner not described in the documentation.
Contents
Hardware Overview.................................................................................................................. 2
Software Overview................................................................................................................... 2
Hardware Components..............................................................................................................4
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior................................................... 4
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior.................................................... 8
Getting Started.......................................................................................................................... 8
What You Need to Get Started..........................................................................................9
Operating the Chamber................................................................................................... 10
Verifying Hardware Connections.................................................................................... 11
Performing System Calibration.......................................................................................18
Getting Started with Step-by-Step Position Sweeping................................................... 22
Getting Started With Autonomous Position Sweeping................................................... 23
Software Reference................................................................................................................. 25
Soft Front Panels............................................................................................................. 25
mmWave OTA Test Visualizer........................................................................................27
OTA Measurement Interface...........................................................................................33
Antenna Plugin................................................................................................................33
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 34

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  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    DUT in all transmitting directions. This manual contains hardware and software information, including step-by-step procedures and basic information about how to begin using the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber and instrumentation with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software. Notice The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in a manner not described in the documentation.

  • Page 2: Hardware Overview

    OTA test and are open-source to enable customization of your test plan. mmWave OTA Test Visualizer Use the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer to complete offline analysis of the test data for antenna measurements. 2 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 3 OTA Test Positioner SFP Use the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to control the movement of the positioner. Positioner Modes of Operation The 3GPP standard for OTA test of 5G NR DUTs requires making power measurements in a spherical grid around the DUT. This process can take a significant amount of time due to the large number of points to test, the movement of the DUT positioner, and coordination with the measurement equipment.

  • Page 4: Hardware Components

    Antenna Plugin on page 33 Hardware Components mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior Top Bulkhead Notice To avoid damage to chamber connectors, connect only cables that have the correct connector type. 4 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 5 This is required for autonomous operation. RJ45-1 RJ45 Connects to the Ethernet port 1 on the PXI controller to control the positioner. USB2.0-1 Reserved for internal use. Reserved for internal use. mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 5...
  • Page 6 Eight 4A 24 V filtered Supplies power to the DUT or other internal DC connectors, DC needs. 5.08 mm (8 position) Thermal T Type (x2) Thermocouple Monitors two different temperatures inside the chamber. 6 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 7 Use the AC switch on the rear of the chamber to power on the system. Related Information External Connections on page 11 Operating the Chamber on page 10 mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 7...

  • Page 8: Mmwave Ota Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior

    13 Getting Started Refer to the topics in this section to get started using the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture. Complete the tasks in the following table in sequential order to ensure your system is ready for use.

  • Page 9: What You Need To Get Started

    Sweeping on page 23 What You Need to Get Started The following items are required to operate the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture. Depending on your application, you may require a different variation of the items listed below. Contact the NI services personnel contracted on your project to help you determine which variation your application requires.

  • Page 10: Operating The Chamber

    A 0.9 N · m (8 lb · in.) calibrated torque wrench, 5/16 in. (NI part number 751120-01). Required Software You must install the following software to use the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture. NI recommends installing application software before installing the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software.

  • Page 11: Verifying Hardware Connections

    OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior on page 4 Verifying Hardware Connections Before you begin using the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber, refer to the following sections to verify the external and internal connections. External Connections Ensure that all required instrumentation is properly configured with the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber before use.
  • Page 12 A 3 dB attenuator connects to the second mmRH-5582 module TRX Port 1, which then connects to the chamber rear bulkhead 2A port using a 48 in. 2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm cable. 12 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 13 OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior on page 4 Connecting the Chamber to a Client PC Connect the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber to a client PC using a direct connection. For best results, dedicate one Ethernet port for the communication and connect the Ethernet cable from that port directly to the client PC to avoid slow hubs or switches.
  • Page 14 The reference antenna verifies the functionality and integrity of the system during system calibration and ensures that the system is ready for testing your DUT. Mount the reference antenna to the azimuth axis as shown in the following figure. 14 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 15 2A port until the system calibration procedure is complete. Close the chamber door. Set the Elevation in the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to rotate the positioner so the reference antenna points straight up toward the measurement antenna, as shown in the previous figure.
  • Page 16 Figure 1. Reference Antenna Pointing Misalignment To minimize the measurement uncertainty introduced by improper antenna alignment, complete the following steps before performing system calibration. 16 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 17 Attach the reference antenna laser to the reference antenna fixture and plug the reference antenna laser USB cable into the USB port inside the chamber. Use the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to move the laser until it is aligned to the center of the measurement antenna fixture.

  • Page 18: Performing System Calibration

    Note The Rohde & Schwarz NRP50S Power Meter requires software that is not included with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software. Install the power meter driver software before you complete the following steps. Connect the power meter USB cable to the PXI chassis USB port.
  • Page 19 Click Next. In the De-Embedding Resources window, verify that the Resource Name and Resource Type are correct for the reference antenna. Figure 3. De-Embedding Resources Window mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 19...
  • Page 20 Disconnect the power meter from all cables. Reconnect the opposite end of the 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable connected to the interior chamber rear bulkhead 1A port to the reference antenna. In the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP, set the Azimuth to and the 90°...
  • Page 21 The default location is expected by the TestStand sequences. If you changed the default location, update the proper configuration. You can set these values using the mmWave OTA Test Configuration UI. Note that if the file is not found, the sequence returns an error.

  • Page 22: Getting Started With Step-By-Step Position Sweeping

    11. • Remove the laser alignment fixture. • Use the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to verify that your DUT can move in all directions without collision. • Configure TestStand to include the following search paths, including subdirectories, in the search directories: –...

  • Page 23: Getting Started With Autonomous Position Sweeping

    The sequence runs for about 20 minutes collecting data at 5° intervals in both azimuth and elevation. Use the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer to visualize the data in the CSV file that is created in the Results folder, located in the same directory as the Sequences folder.
  • Page 24 The sequence runs for about 30 seconds collecting data at 2° intervals elevation and 5° intervals azimuth. Use the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer to visualize the data in the CSV file that is created in the Results folder, located in the same directory as the Sequences folder.

  • Page 25: Software Reference

    Software Reference Soft Front Panels mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP The mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP allows you to quickly manipulate the positioner. You can complete the following tasks with the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP: • Move the azimuth or elevation independently •...
  • Page 26 The RFmx Soft Front Panels display the state of the measurement while the code is running, which helps you quickly debug issues. Visit ni.com/r/aboutrfmx for more information about getting started with RFmx. 26 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...

  • Page 27: Mmwave Ota Test Visualizer

    OTA Test Visualizer The mmWave OTA Test Visualizer completes offline analysis of your test data for antenna measurements. Load your measurement results into the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer to view your antenna pattern in different visualizations and analyze your antenna-specific measurements.
  • Page 28 30 dB below the maximum number. 3D Plot Scale Color code for 3D graphs and heat map. Manual 3D Plot Azimuth Camera view settings. Controls Elevation Viewing Distance 28 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 29 You can right-click on the Plot Plane window to display the built-in LabVIEW options, such as exporting the image or the plot data. 1D Cut Analysis Visualization Example Cut Analysis (Single Beam) Cut Analysis (All Beams) mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 29...
  • Page 30 Polar Plot Visualization Example Polar Plot (Single Beam) 3D Pattern Plot (Single Beam) 3D Pattern Plot (All Beams) 30 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture...
  • Page 31 Heat Map Visualization Example Heat Map (Single Beam) Heat Map (All Beams) mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 31...
  • Page 32 File Format for Measurement Results You must save your measurement results as a CSV file to load them into the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer. Figure 6. Example File Format •...

  • Page 33: Ota Measurement Interface

    Polarization—Use either 0 (H-Plane) or 1 (E-Plane) as the value of this column. • Each of the remaining columns corresponds to a measurement. The mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture uses TXPower and EVM measurements in the example, but these can be expanded to any other measurement that your application requires.

  • Page 34: Where To Go Next

    Set DB Beam Where to Go Next Additional Documentation Find additional documentation for the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture including known issues, a datasheet, and readme online at ni.com/r/otahelp. Contacting NI for Support Contact the NI services personnel contracted on your project for technical support, including troubleshooting and service requests.
  • Page 35 NI trademarks. Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. For patents covering NI products/technology, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the file on your media, or the National Instruments Patent Notice at . You can find patents.txt ni.com/patents...

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