OpenRAN ARTS is developing a Future RAN Radio Test system, for use by 3rd party radio development vendors designing, building and testing 5G Future RAN radios
Total project funding amount: £365,641
Project date(s):
Category: Government Funded
Location(s): Swindon, Southampton
Status: Open
Partners
AceAxis Limited, MAC Limited
AceAxis in partnership with MAC Limited are developing a Future RAN Radio Test system, for use by 3rd party radio development vendors designing, building and testing 5G Future RAN radios.
Radio test systems have historically required customized, “home-brewed” test setups that are difficult to support. As much time and cost can be spent debugging the test setup as is spent designing the radio. This creates a significant barrier to entry for radio developers, as the development team not only requires radio expertise but also requires digital skills to develop baseband emulators.
Future RAN interfaces are clearly defined. Using these interfaces, along with 3GPP definitions provides the opportunity for this Future RAN Radio Test system to become the trusted industry standard for developing 5G radios. By allowing radio developers to focus on their areas of expertise, the Future RAN Radio Test system will reduce barriers to entry and encourage 5G radio supply chain diversification.
The Future RAN Radio Test system provides a standardised, cost-effective, off-the-shelf solution that covers many of the key RF measurements along with the Future RAN optical interface, all in a single unit.
A standardised solution will encourage new entrants to focus on innovation of the radio and antenna, whilst supporting fast development and integration of radios. It will therefore accelerate the adoption of Future RAN, further supporting supply chain diversification.
Project Overview from Innovation Briefing Issue 8
Although the smallest project in FRANC in terms of funding, the FRAT project packs a punch and will produce equipment to be used in the development of mobile base station infrastructure.
Radio test systems have historically required customized, home-brewed setups. As much time and cost can be spent debugging the test setup as is spent designing the radio. This creates a significant barrier to entry for radio developers, as the development team not only requires radio expertise but also requires digital skills to develop baseband emulators. AceAxis, in partnership with MAC Limited will build a Future RAN Advanced Test system, for use by radio network equipment vendors who are designing, building and testing 5G Future RAN radios. A standardised solution will encourage new entrants to focus on innovation of the radio and the antenna.
Swindon based AceAxis has a history of building equipment which optimises the use of radio spectrum on cell sites so that different frequencies don’t interfere with one another. MAC, which is based in Southampton, has been experience of the specification, design and implementation of wireless systems going back to 2G.
Future RAN interfaces are clearly defined. Using these interfaces, along with 3GPP definitions, provides the opportunity for the Future RAN Advanced Test system to become a trusted industry standard for developing 5G radios. By allowing radio developers to focus on their areas of expertise, FRAT will reduce barriers to entry and encourage 5G radio supply chain diversification.
Building on AceAxis existing products this project will create a standardised, cost-effective, off-the-shelf solution that covers the key RF measurements with the Future RAN optical interface, in a single unit.