Millimeter-wave applications such as 5G, 802.11ad and automotive radar as well as a move towards technology in excess of 50GHz were on display as were the integrated tools in design, simulation, measurement and analysis necessary to meet the challenges associated with designing the systems capable of operating at these frequencies.
“We are seeing a huge evolution in the communications industry,” explained David Hall, principal product market manager, National Instruments. “There’s a tremendous amount of research into designing new communications systems and we are actively engaged with organisations like Nokia and with leading academic institutions, like Bristol University in the UK. Millimetre wave is a key driver in the test and measurement industry of which 5G is an important part.”
Keysight Technologies unveiled what it described as an 'industry-leading' breakthrough in spectrum and signal analysis at millimeter-wave frequencies, while Rohde & Schwarz was able to demonstrate successful trials of 5G signals using its SMW200A vector signal generator and the FSW signal and spectrum analyser.
Keysight’s N9041B UXA X-Series signal analyser is said to be the first to provide frequency coverage to 110GHz with a maximum analysis bandwidth of up to 5GHz. Guy Sene, senior VP of worldwide sales, said: “The N9041B UXA is able to achieve low loss and efficient mixing, providing a displayed average noise level as low as -150dBm/Hz when characterising wideband modulated signals in the millimeter-wave band.”
At a press event, Keysight’s general manager, EMEAI, Benoit Neel, said that the company’s strategy was evolving and now involved becoming a solutions software company and one in which service provision would become increasingly important. “We are transforming Keysight from a hardware-centric products company to a software-centric solutions company and our decision to establish a R&D centre at Georgia Tech in Atlanta is intended to develop the next generation of software for use in design and test.”
John Page of the company’s Services Solution Group said that Keysight was extending the range and mix of services it was able to offer to customers.
“Our Technology Refresh service, for example, enables customers to keep the equipment they have up-to-date and we are able to advise them of developments in next generation test equipment. Customers are also more interested in discussing alternative purchasing arrangements whether that is purchasing or leasing equipment, so we are having to develop more flexible financial solutions.”
Another area of growing interest for many of the suppliers at this year's show was the importance of keeping customers and their employees abreast of technology developments and the learning of new skills.
While Keysight is extending its e-learning platform, Interlligent RF & Microwave Solutions has launched a flexible support service to meet test equipment and skills requirements in the UK.
Interlligent UK provides test equipment for both rental and sale, but it also offers advanced technical training courses and support services.
“A shortage of skills and resources is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today,” said Oren Hagai, CTO and president of Interlligent. “With the rapid growth we are currently seeing in wireless communications, whether the development of 5G, the IoT and the Connected Car, even small companies without a background in RF technology are facing the need to acquire RF skills, and microwave engineers need to learn how to work at millimetric frequencies.”