The rapid expansion of 5G technology, particularly within frequency range 2 (FR2) utilizing mmWave spectrum, has sparked a significant transformation in wireless communications infrastructure. As operators seek to address ever-growing demands for high-capacity, low-latency connectivity across dense urban and industrial environments, advanced antenna technologies become crucial. One promising advancement in this domain is the collaboration between Kyocera and Rohde & Schwarz, which focuses on the development and rigorous testing of mmWave phased array antenna modules (PAAMs) designed to optimize the performance of 5G FR2 networks. This partnership not only integrates innovative antenna design with cutting-edge testing technology but also illustrates the strategic role of cross-industry cooperation in advancing telecommunications infrastructure.
Kyocera’s latest mmWave PAAM stands out due to its capability to simultaneously generate multiple beams across different directions and frequencies, a defining feature that directly responds to the complexity of modern wireless environments. The module incorporates 384 dual-polarization elements, enabling up to eight independent beams to be formed concurrently. This multi-beam architecture offers significant advantages for 5G FR2 deployments, where high-capacity, directional communication is essential amidst signal blockages and interference typical in urban settings. Unlike traditional antennas that may require multiple physical units to achieve similar coverage, Kyocera’s PAAM consolidates these functions into a single, integrated solution, reducing hardware footprint and thereby streamlining network infrastructure.
Beyond mere multi-beam support, the module’s ability to operate across multiple frequencies enhances its versatility in real-world applications. This flexibility facilitates site co-location where different operators or services can effectively share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining distinct spatial and spectral channels. Such a setup leads to more efficient spectrum utilization and cost savings on deployment. Moreover, the multi-beam functionality expands the role of PAAMs beyond communication, opening doors to integrated sensing capabilities. This convergence is particularly relevant in emerging technologies such as smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things (IoT), where simultaneous communication and radar sensing can enhance system responsiveness and safety.
The critical process of validating these sophisticated antenna modules falls to Rohde & Schwarz, whose expertise in high-frequency test and measurement equipment is well recognized in the industry. Their R&S ATS1800M 5G NR multi-directional mmWave test chamber serves as a key platform in over-the-air (OTA) testing, reproducing realistic antenna operating conditions in a controlled environment. This chamber allows free-space measurements focusing on beam steering accuracy, antenna directivity, and performance across multiple angles and frequencies, which are fundamental for ensuring reliability in complex deployment scenarios.
A defining characteristic of the ATS1800M chamber is its compact form factor, a non-trivial advantage given the typically bulky and elaborate nature of mmWave test setups. Its smaller footprint enables flexible positioning in development laboratories and exhibition spaces, facilitating detailed and iterative evaluation of antenna modules in configurations mimicking actual use cases. The chamber employs CATR-based multi-reflector technology that significantly reduces distortions and interferences commonly encountered in traditional test environments. This precision is vital for capturing nuanced beam patterns and steering capabilities of PAAMs, ensuring that the modules perform to their specifications when deployed in live networks.
The synergy between Kyocera’s antenna innovation and Rohde & Schwarz’s precise OTA testing ensures that the developed PAAMs meet stringent performance benchmarks that are critical to the operation of 5G FR2 infrastructure. Accurate beam steering and adaptive beam directivity translate directly into improved network throughput, reliability, and latency — parameters that underpin advanced 5G use cases like enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The ability to dynamically manage multiple beams simultaneously also helps networks to better handle traffic loads and maintain robust connections even in interference-rich environments.
Public demonstrations at notable industry events, including the MWC 2025 in Barcelona and IMS San Francisco 2025, have provided platforms to showcase these technological breakthroughs. These events not only highlight the readiness of Kyocera’s and Rohde & Schwarz’s solutions for commercial deployment but also bring together key stakeholders — operators, vendors, and researchers — to explore collaborative pathways that can accelerate 5G infrastructure evolution. Such demonstrations emphasize the maturation of the 5G ecosystem, where hardware innovation converges seamlessly with sophisticated testing methodologies to meet the demands of next-generation wireless communications.
This partnership exemplifies the strategic alignment of expertise between a global semiconductor and device manufacturer and a leading test equipment provider. Together, Kyocera and Rohde & Schwarz drive forward the readiness of mmWave PAAMs to meet future wireless challenges, establishing a foundation for more flexible, efficient, and capable 5G networks. Their combined efforts contribute to dismantling traditional barriers of deployment complexity and cost, paving the way for widespread adoption of multi-beam, multi-frequency antenna solutions essential for the pervasive connectivity envisioned in upcoming smart city and industrial 4.0 scenarios.
In closing, the joint efforts of Kyocera and Rohde & Schwarz mark a significant milestone in the advancement and validation of mmWave phased array antenna modules tailored for 5G FR2 infrastructure. Kyocera’s innovative multi-beam, multi-frequency PAAM design addresses the intricacies of modern wireless communication environments by enhancing capacity, coverage, and spectrum efficiency. Simultaneously, Rohde & Schwarz’s R&S ATS1800M OTA test chamber provides a precise and adaptable platform that ensures these modules meet rigorous performance requirements. The successful demonstrations at premier industry forums underscore the technological leadership and practical readiness of these solutions, which promise to elevate network flexibility, efficiency, and performance as the 5G era progresses toward broader adoption and increasingly sophisticated applications.
发表回复