emerging 5g use cases and effective test strategies

White paper

Emerging 5G Use Cases and Effective Test Strategies

2 Emerging 5G Use Cases and Effective Test Strategies www.anritsu.com

Introduction

5G’s impact extends well beyond the traditional telecommunications. Devices in our homes and automobiles, as well as on manufacturing assembly lines and in healthcare will be connected to a 5G network within the next few years. In fact, the 2020 GSMA Mobile Economy report estimates that 20% of all mobile connections – or 1.8 billion – will be via 5G by 2025.

To address the fact that the new generation of wireless networking will touch every aspect of our lives, 5G is commonly segmented into three pillars – Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), as shown in figure 1.

These pillars serve as the foundation of a plethora of new use cases that have additional dimensions in terms of higher bandwidth, lower latency, and efficient scalability. They are changing how design and manufacturing engineers verify products, as standards and designated key performance indicators (KPIs) will be much more stringent in many instances.

Correspondingly, new test procedures are necessary to meet the challenges associated with the complex 5G ecosystem. For example, 5G will be reliant on millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies, which will require a new set of test considerations, such as higher path attenuation, frequency response, and phase noise. Due to the way beamforming is integrated into the cellular modem, it must be tested radiated, which adds expense and complexity. Linearity and efficiency aspects are also variables.

PCIE RAW TRANSFER LINK DATA RATE ENCODING GENERATION RATE (GT/S) (GB/S) SCHEME

PCIe 1.0a/1.1 2.5 2 8B/10B

PCIe 2.0/2.1 5 4 8B/10B

PCIe 3.0/3.1 8 8 128B/130B

PCIe 4.0 16 16 128B/130B

PCIe 5.0 32 32 128B/130B

Figure 1: Use Cases (image courtesy of ITU).


There are many other 5G aspects beyond the mmWave band that are changing the test landscape. A successful 5G test strategy, therefore, needs to take a use-case-driven approach, as the testing requirements for eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC vary. As shown in figure 2, each has key capabilities that require specific verification processes. Understanding each, how they are used in emerging use cases, and the tests that need to be conducted will help ensure product success, while also shortening test times and reducing cost of test.

Figure 2: Key capabilities of 5G Use Cases (image courtesy of ITU).


Evolving 5G Standards Enable Use Cases

A different approach is being taken in the development of 5G standards, in large part because of the broad set of 5G use cases. 3GPP Release 15 addresses the non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) versions of the 5G New Radio (5G NR) with an eye on applications. That is only the tip of the iceberg, however. Release 16 focuses on use cases, with Release 17 expected to further focus on massive machine communication.

Engineers must use test solutions that support standards-based measurements to ensure chipsets, peripheral circuits, UE, and systems all perform in accordance with agreed upon industry specifications in respective environments. Because 3GPP will have several Releases related to 5G, selecting flexible test solutions (figure 3) that can be easily and efficiently upgraded to address new standards as 5G evolves are recommended. Ideally, test instruments should be easily upgraded via hardware and software to provide the test support for each use case and their advancing specifications.

Figure 3: The Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A is an example of a 5G flexible test platform.


Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)

Faster speed translates to much higher throughput, which allows eMBB to support applications such as UHD streaming or virtual reality. Consumers will be able to download 4K movies in a matter of seconds using 5G. To create such improved experiences, eMBB introduces two major enhancements:

• New frequency bands where there is more spectrum, including mid-band (2.5 GHz to 7.125 GHz) Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and mmWave, specifically Frequency Range 2 (FR2) that includes 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz, for much higher bandwidth allocations.

• Advanced multi-antenna arrays with Tx/Rx antenna elements to enable massive MIMO and beamforming to overcome the high path loss at mmWave frequencies.

Because FR2 eMBB designs will have beam-management-based active antenna systems, they pose significant test challenges. Phase shifter tolerances, thermal effects of the power amplifiers (PA), and frequency drifts between modules will adversely affect beam patterns and hinder performance. Therefore, measurements on these parameters must be conducted with greater precision than before.

Another issue is that in an active antenna system, the transceiver frontends are integrated with the antenna array. The result is the elimination of RF output ports, which were used to conduct tests on 4G and earlier devices. An additional factor is that a fiber interface replaces the traditional RF input ports for digital I/Q data.

This creates an entirely different environment for product design verification. Over-the-air (OTA) testing must be conducted on beam-management systems and their elements. To conduct OTA tests most efficiently, anechoic chambers are used (figure 4). Given that beam-management systems vary in size, different shielding environments are necessary when testing in far-field conditions.

Figure 4: Anechoic test chamber for 5G OTA measurements.


Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC)

5G opens several new mission-critical applications that range from self-driving cars to remote surgery. These use cases require a 5G tactile network that can deliver data quickly without transmissions being dropped or significant lag. URLLC promises low latency interfaces with very high reliability, not to mention greater availability and tighter data security.

URLLC can deliver data so quickly and reliably that responsiveness will be fast – 5 ms end-to-end latency – and transmission errors will be less than 1 packet loss out of every 100,000 packets. It will not have the same download speed as eMBB, however, as bandwidth will be limited to under 10 Mbps.

URLLC presents a challenge when designing the physical layer. Satisfying low latency and extremely high reliability simultaneously is no easy task. Yet, engineers will have to ensure their product designs achieve both within specification, given the expectations surrounding these mission-critical applications. For this reason, products must operate with near 100% reliability. Testing and verifying performance in these environments become integral to the successful rollout of 5G for these use cases.

Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC)

5G will bring a greater state of connectivity to all the distributed sensors participating in the fourth industrial revolution by enabling faster and more reliable data exchanges. mMTC is geared towards meeting the need of the robust connection of billions of devices without overloading the network. To do so, it has to meet a number of benchmarks, including: • Broad coverage • Cost efficiency • Low power consumption • Long life

5G architecture will help mMTC check these boxes. Additionally, when it is combined with machine learning algorithms and big data analytics, there will be greater control of automated processes.

An example of mMTC in action is in the growing number of smart cities throughout the world. Deployment of 5G is allowing all areas of transportation and city infrastructure to transmit real-time data. Roads will be safer and there will be less emissions because of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications. Buses, public transportation, and automobiles will operate more efficiently by transmitting traffic updates, parking availability, emergency alerts, and other aspects to alleviate congestion.


5G Impact on Smart Factories

Most 5G use cases will utilize a blend of eMBB, mMTC and URLLC. One such example of that integration is smart factories. mMTC provides ubiquitous connectivity and battery-saving low-energy operation. URLLC facilitates mission-critical applications with very demanding requirements in terms of end-to-end (E2E) latency, reliability, and availability, including industrial automation and control.

Because 5G can support Industrial Ethernet and time-sensitive network (TSN) technologies, it can be integrated easily into the existing wired infrastructure found in factories and manufacturing plants. Table 1 lists applications in which 5G can provide advantages.

Motion control is a prime example of the challenges and demands associated with the smart factory environment that are met with 5G. Regulating printing machines, machine tools, packaging machines, and similar equipment must be controlled in a well-defined manner and requires ultra-low latency and high reliability.

Another example is process automation, which focuses on monitoring and controlling chemical, biological, or other processes in a plant. A wide range of different sensors to measure temperature, pressure, and flow, as well as actuators such as valves and heaters must be precisely controlled, for smart factory systems to be implemented effectively.

These industrial use cases have high requirements when it comes to availability and latency/cycle time. For example, machine tools have a cycle time (transmission interval in periodic communication) of <0.5 ms while video-operated remote control robots can have a cycle time of as much as 100 ms.1 They are also often characterized by payload sizes as small as 20 bytes1. Some industrial automation requirements are addressed in the first release of 5G, however, most of the requirements will be outlined in 3GPP Releases 16 and 17.

A 5G system applied in industrial automation needs more than reliability. It also must support functional safety. It is important for the safety design to determine the target safety level, including the range of applications in hazardous settings. Additionally, 5G industrial solutions must be protected against local and remote cyberattacks, as these can be automated and launched by anyone against a large number of devices. Local and isolated device management is necessary to assist in the prevention of remote attacks.

TABLE 1

• Augmented reality

• Control-to-control communication

• Human remote control of automation equipment

• Inbound logistic for manufacturing

• Process automation: monitoring

• Process automation: plant asset management

• Remote access and maintenance

• Wide area connectivity for fleetmaintenance


Ensuring Autonomous Vehicle Safety

Cybersecurity also plays an important role in autonomous vehicles, one of the fastest growing use cases. Industry predictions believe all self-driving vehicles shipped by OEMs by 2022 will have smart telematics and other connectivity systems2. Autonomous cars transmit enormous volumes of data; some estimates are about 4TB every 90 minutes3. This data will need to be rapidly uploaded to a cloud platform, operationalized by Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms.

Though 5G networks will bring benefits to automotive designs, the trade-off is that they will introduce vulnerabilities at almost every layer of the network stack. User Equipment (UE) and the Air Interface that connects it with the base station present cyber criminals with the potential opening to inject malicious control signals. If successful, they can misdirect traffic, take control of vehicles, force disconnections, or induce critical system failures.

Because considerable 5G traffic will be offloaded from the more secure carrier networks to the Internet, it is more susceptible to penetration from cyber criminals. Recognizing the potential for nefarious activity, the 5G network architecture integrates several security features, including security edge protection proxy at the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) border, enhanced Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) privacy, and a unified authentication framework that includes the Security Anchor Function (SEAF). To design secure UE, engineers must use components, software, and design practices that ensure compatibility and compliance with ABBA, SEAF, and other security mechanisms defined in 3GPP TS 33.501.

Figure 5 shows a typical test configuration for cybersecurity verification. It can be used to verify autonomous vehicle designs, as well as devices and systems used in smart factories.

Figure 5: Test configuration for cybersecurity verification.


Bringing Remote Surgery to Life

The impact of 5G in terms of the overall health and wellbeing of society takes on many different paths. Current wearables are widely used for preventative health measures, but it is in surgery and diagnosis where 5G will significantly change patient treatment.

One such use case is remote robotic surgery. Low latency, high throughput, and extreme reliability associated with 5G will make remote surgery possible. The 1 ms latency is critical for haptic feedback, sometimes referred to as haptics. Haptic feedback enhances remote control of telerobotics by allowing surgeons to feel remote textures, surfaces, and forces. Prototypes are integrating a haptic device with a virtual reality (VR) station and an augmented reality (AR) station to create a framework, so doctors will have advanced and enhanced communication, as well as a more immersive experience.

Another 5G benefit making remote surgery a reality is high data rates, which allow HD image streams to be transferred. Equally important is the low packet loss of 5G, which ensures life-saving procedures are not interrupted.

Very low end-to-end latency and ultra-reliable communications are also essential for faster patient diagnosis. Physicians will have faster and more convenient access to HD images and medical records. Gigabyte imaging files rendered into diagnostic animations can be provided to mobile devices over a 5G network using mmWave, allowing physicians to review medial results in seconds without access to a wired terminal.

Another positive effect of 5G is realized on local device processing and storage. The lower latency, high-bandwidth environment allows computing to be performed “at the edge,” so content can be transmitted faster over cellular networks. When edge computing systems can process the rendering on large GPUs and transmit the visual and audio outputs to mobile devices, the impact from the device’s resources is minimized. 5G allows for mobile transfer of large files, such as MRIs, so clinicians can review results from outside the hospital.

5GTesting

eMBB, mMTC, and URLCC are transforming how automobiles drive, factories operate, and healthcare systems treat patients. They are also changing how engineers must test the performance of their products. The complexity associated with 5G has required new testing approaches be implemented. Three factors to consider are:

Selecting the Appropriate Test Partner – A successful test strategy begins with choosing a test manufacturer who has been active in the standards development. Such a partner will have developed test solutions based on standards and industry-best practices. They can also provide insight on the development of new test requirements, allowing chipset, UE, and system design engineers to best keep pace with the evolution of 5G.


Figure 6: Base station simulators mimic near-to-real operating conditions in the lab to verify 5G chipset and UE designs.

Establish Test Processes – It is important that chipset, UE, and system manufacturers, as well as mobile operators, have strategies that address current testing, as well as build an efficient path that leads to meeting future 5G standards and requirements. By doing so, accurate and efficient testing can be achieved at every stage – from early prototypes to complete system-level verification.

Ability to Conduct OTA Tests – OTA tests must be performed on all elements of 5G UE and systems. 5G devices are all measured OTA, so developers can ensure the RF performance of the device through the antenna, as it is used in operation on the cellular networks. Developers of RF circuits and parts must test their designs in this manner to assure optimized RF signal processing for the target communications and to achieve the specified performance.

It is critical to test operation and performance under a communications control (signaling check under call processing) with a base station simulator (figure 6) mimicking near-to-real operating conditions, such as Anritsu’s MD8475B. Consequently, analysis of message protocols and evaluation of RF performance requires a measuring instrument that can connect to, communicate with, and control the chipset correctly for both RF testing and protocol testing.


Test Solutions for Each Product Stage

Similar to earlier technologies, each stage in the development, manufacturing, and deployment of 5G products and systems will require dedicated test solutions that meet specific requirements. R&D requires simulation and comprehensive evaluation, while manufacturing has a clear emphasis on throughput and simplicity. Nonetheless, testing during every phase is necessary for success.

Design Simulation – An important part of developing products for new technologies, such as those associated with 5G, is using design simulation to provide cost and time efficiencies by reducing design turns. Additionally, it is typically faster to simulate a design compared to building a prototype, and it’s easier to make necessary design alterations when an issue surfaces.

Engineers simulate designs at different stages, from circuits to system level simulations. Interoperability Development Tests (IoDT) should be performed at the pre-silicon stage to test connectivity of their designs with other infrastructure manufacturers. At this stage, a base station simulator or similar test solution that can mimic the messaging protocol in the laboratory is necessary because of the limited deployment of 5G base stations.

Design Validation – Engineers must conduct comprehensive physical tests during design and manufacturing to ensure performance is in compliance with established industry standards. Individual components, chipsets, devices, subsystems and ultimately the entire 5G system need to be tested before the design advances to the manufacturing line. Test solutions used in design validation must be able to conduct a full complement of OTA measurements at both sub 6-GHz (FR1) and mmWave (FR2) bands. Protocol tests must also be conducted.

Conformance Test – Required by most vendors before a device is introduced to the market, conformance tests must be performed to ensure designs meet industry standards and regulatory compliance. Occupied bandwidth, receiver performance, intermodulation distortion, and radio resource management (RRM) are critical conformance tests that need to be conducted. Tests should also be conducted to ensue 5G UE terminals and base stations (gNB) are in compliance with 3GPP RAN4 and RAN5.

Manufacturing Test – Striking a balance between accuracy and economics is critical when verifying product performance during production. Throughput is also a criterion of an effective test solution for manufacturing environments. Many of the tests made during design are also conducted on the production floor but with simpler operation and often times as a Pass/Fail threshold to expedite the manufacturing process. Circuits, parts, module chipsets, and terminals must all be verified before being designed into a UE or system. Subsequently, they must be tested for assurance that they will meet specified performance.


1 Copyright© ANRITSUSmartStudio NR Product Introduction | CONFIDENTIAL |

Anritsu 5G Test Solution Portfolio

Commercial

Vector Network Analyzer

OTA Chamber/Shield Box

Signal Analyzer

5G NR DeviceProtocol & RF Test

NSA-NR LTE Anchor

Protocol Conformance

Carrier Acceptance

Spectrum Master

RF Conformance

ComponentsTransmitter

ChipsetDevice R&D

CertificationAcceptance Production

MT8000AME7873NR

ME7834NR

Production Test(Sub-6GHz)

Production Test(mmWave)

MS2850A

MS2760A

MT8870A

MT8000A

Application TestMaintenance

SmartStudio NR

MT8821CRF

MD8430AScripting

MD8475BFunctional

For more IoT test resources visit Anritsu’s IoT Solutions Center

Conclusion

5G is commonly segmented into eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC. These pillars allow for numerous uses cases that extend into all areas, including automotive, smart manufacturing, and telehealth.

New test procedures are necessary to meet the challenges associated with the complex 5G ecosystem. As a result, a successful 5G test strategy must have a use-case-driven approach, as the testing requirements for eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC vary. By doing so, engineers can help ensure product success, shorten test times, and lower test costs.

References:

1. ZVEI2. PwC: Digital Auto Report3. For Self-Driving Cars, There’s Big Meaning Behind One Big Number: 4 Terabytes; Intel Corporation

https://resources.goanritsu.com/internet-of-things

2020-12 Emerging 5G Case Uses (1.0)©2020 Anritsu Company. All Rights Reserved.

® Anritsu All trademarks are registered trademarks of their respective companies. Data subject to change without notice. For the most recent specifications visit: www.anritsu.com

• United States Anritsu Company450 Century Pkwy, Suite 109, Allen, TX, 75013 U.S.A. Toll Free: 1-800-267-4878 Phone: +1-972-644-1777 Fax: +1-972-671-1877

• Canada Anritsu Electronics Ltd.700 Silver Seven Road, Suite 120, Kanata, Ontario K2V 1C3, Canada Phone: +1-613-591-2003 Fax: +1-613-591-1006

• Brazil Anritsu Electrônica Ltda.Praça Amadeu Amaral, 27 - 1 Andar 01327-010 - Bela Vista - Sao Paulo - SP - Brazil Phone: +55-11-3283-2511 Fax: +55-11-3288-6940

• Mexico Anritsu Company, S.A. de C.V.Av. Ejército Nacional No. 579 Piso 9, Col. Granada 11520 México, D.F., México Phone: +52-55-1101-2370 Fax: +52-55-5254-3147

• United Kingdom Anritsu EMEA Ltd.200 Capability Green, Luton, Bedfordshire LU1 3LU, U.K. Phone: +44-1582-433280 Fax: +44-1582-731303

• France Anritsu S.A.12 avenue du Québec, Batiment Iris 1-Silic 612, 91140 Villebon-sur-Yvette, France Phone: +33-1-60-92-15-50 Fax: +33-1-64-46-10-65

• Germany Anritsu GmbHNemetschek Haus, Konrad-Zuse-Platz 1 81829 München, Germany Phone: +49-89-442308-0 Fax: +49-89-442308-55

• Italy Anritsu S.r.l.Via Elio Vittorini 129, 00144 Roma Italy Phone: +39-06-509-9711 Fax: +39-06-502-2425

• Sweden Anritsu ABKistagången 20B, 164 40 KISTA, Sweden Phone: +46-8-534-707-00 Fax: +46-8-534-707-30

• Finland Anritsu ABTeknobulevardi 3-5, FI-01530 VANTAA, Finland Phone: +358-20-741-8100 Fax: +358-20-741-8111

• Denmark Anritsu A/SKay Fiskers Plads 9, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark Phone: +45-7211-2200 Fax: +45-7211-2210

• Russia Anritsu EMEA Ltd. Representation Office in RussiaTverskaya str. 16/2, bld. 1, 7th floor. Moscow, 125009, Russia Phone: +7-495-363-1694 Fax: +7-495-935-8962

• Spain Anritsu EMEA Ltd. Representation Office in SpainEdificio Cuzco IV, Po. de la Castellana, 141, Pta. 5 28046, Madrid, Spain Phone: +34-915-726-761 Fax: +34-915-726-621

• United Arab Emirates Anritsu EMEA Ltd. Dubai Liaison OfficeP O Box 500413 - Dubai Internet City Al Thuraya Building, Tower 1, Suite 701, 7th floor Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +971-4-3670352 Fax: +971-4-3688460

• India Anritsu India Pvt Ltd.2nd & 3rd Floor, #837/1, Binnamangla 1st Stage, Indiranagar, 100ft Road, Bangalore - 560038, India Phone: +91-80-4058-1300 Fax: +91-80-4058-1301

• Singapore Anritsu Pte. Ltd.11 Chang Charn Road, #04-01, Shriro House Singapore 159640 Phone: +65-6282-2400 Fax: +65-6282-2533

• P. R. China (Shanghai) Anritsu (China) Co., Ltd.27th Floor, Tower A, New Caohejing International Business Center No. 391 Gui Ping Road Shanghai, Xu Hui Di District, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China Phone: +86-21-6237-0898 Fax: +86-21-6237-0899

• P. R. China (Hong Kong) Anritsu Company Ltd.Unit 1006-7, 10/F., Greenfield Tower, Concordia Plaza, No. 1 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, P. R. China Phone: +852-2301-4980 Fax: +852-2301-3545

• Japan Anritsu Corporation8-5, Tamura-cho, Atsugi-shi, Kanagawa, 243-0016 Japan Phone: +81-46-296-6509 Fax: +81-46-225-8359

• Korea Anritsu Corporation, Ltd.5FL, 235 Pangyoyeok-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13494 Korea Phone: +82-31-696-7750 Fax: +82-31-696-7751

• Australia Anritsu Pty Ltd.Unit 20, 21-35 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149, Australia Phone: +61-3-9558-8177 Fax: +61-3-9558-8255

• Taiwan Anritsu Company Inc.7F, No. 316, Sec. 1, Neihu Rd., Taipei 114, Taiwan Phone: +886-2-8751-1816 Fax: +886-2-8751-1817

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

www.anritsu.com

www.anritsu.com

emerging 5g use cases and effective test strategies

Documents