New mmWave radio heads target 5G NR research and system prototyping

Two series of new millimeter wave (mmWave) radio heads for the NI mmWave Transceiver System cover the spectrum from 24.5 GHz to 33.4 GHz and 37 GHz to 43.5 GHz. Both target wireless researchers prototyping 5G New Radio (NR) systems.

As the first phase of 5G NR wraps up and the 3GPP finishes defining the communications protocol, the standards body also has identified specific frequency bands intended for 5G. Additionally, various regulatory bodies across the globe have begun the process of allocating spectrum for mmWave 5G mobile access. The coverage offered by these new radio heads enables researchers in countries like the U.S., South Korea, Japan, Europe and China to quickly prototype 5G systems at the different frequency bands being considered.

In 2016, NI announced its mmWave Transceiver System, which features modular mmWave frequency software defined radio (SDR) technology designed for 5G and advanced wireless communications. The new radio heads are completely compatible with the mmWave Transceiver System, including the baseband subsystem and software. They are also interchangeable with the previously released radio mmWave heads, which means the existing software can be reused with minimal changes.

The open, modifiable physical layer provided in the source code created using LabVIEW aligns with the Verizon 5G TF specification and Release 15 of 3GPP’s 5G NR specifications. It also pairs with the mmWave Transceiver System to offer researchers a flexible solution that operates as an over-the-air communications system out of the box. They can modify the source code for their specific research areas and use it for a wide range of applications including channel sounding, 5G NR algorithm development and optimization and beam steering algorithm research and test.

The new 24.5-33.4-GHz radio heads include the mmRH-3642, mmRH-3652 and mmRH-3602. The new 37-43.5 GHz radio heads include the mmRH-3643, mmRH-3653 and mmRH-3603.

National Instruments Corp., 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, TX 78759-3504, ni.com/sdr/mmwave.