WiFi 7 Revolutionizes Telemedicine, Bridging Healthcare Gaps Across Urban and Rural Areas

WiFi 7 is reshaping the future of telemedicine, bringing high-quality healthcare services directly to patients’ fingertips. With its unmatched speed, stability, and ultra-low latency, WiFi 7 provides the essential connectivity for seamless telemedicine experiences. Whether enabling smooth video consultations, connecting advanced medical IoT systems, or powering smart healthcare devices, WiFi 7 ensures a robust and high-quality connection.

 

What is Telemedicine, and Why Do We Need It?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become a vital tool in healthcare, enabling medical professionals to consult with patients remotely. But its value extends far beyond infectious disease control. Telemedicine has become essential across various scenarios:

Remote Area Care: Telemedicine provides a lifeline to underserved rural, mountainous, or desert regions. Through virtual consultations, residents can access healthcare without long and exhausting travel.

telemedicine

Home Care/Rehabilitation: Patients can receive care and rehab guidance from home, minimizing hospital visits and allowing healthcare providers to monitor health remotely.

Elderly/Disabled Care: Seniors and individuals with mobility challenges can access regular medical care via virtual appointments, ensuring continuous health support.

Emergent Situations: Telemedicine ensures patients receive essential care in disaster zones or conflict areas, where geographical and safety constraints limit access.

 

Emerging Applications in Telemedicine

With smart healthcare devices paired with telemedicine, they offer more advanced applications.

Wearable Devices: Wearable tech can monitor vital signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, hydration levels, and even glucose trends. These devices continuously transmit data, allowing healthcare providers to monitor patient health in real time and make accurate assessments during remote consultations.

3D Hologram Technology: 3D holography enables healthcare providers to present interactive patient models and health data remotely, enhancing diagnostic precision and improving treatment planning.

3D Hologram in smart healthcare

Remote Surgery: Surgeons can perform complex procedures remotely using robotic systems and ultra-low latency networks. This is particularly beneficial for optimizing the use of medical resources, reducing doctors’ exposure to high-risk environments, and supporting surgical training or assistance purposes.

These innovations are transforming the healthcare landscape, and Wi-Fi 7 is pivotal in delivering resilient, high-speed connections that ensure seamless performance across all telemedicine applications.

Features of WiFi 7

  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows simultaneous use of multiple bands for better performance.
  • 320 MHz channel bandwidth offers double the throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6.
  • 4K-QAM modulation enables higher data transmission efficiency.
  • Enhanced MU-MIMO supports up to 16 spatial streams for improved device connectivity.
  • Ultra-low latency minimizes transmission delays.

How YTTEK Supports WiFi 7

In the realm of WiFi 7 development, YTTEK’s Y.FORCE is a powerful SDR platform, empowering researchers and engineers to innovate in wireless systems design. It can easily serve as a versatile arbitrary waveform generator, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, and signal analyzer, and more critically, it enables dual-link real-time radio transmission.

Key Features of Y.FORCE (YTPC400)

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards

With advanced FPGA technology, Y.FORCE empowers system developers to rapidly prototype and validate WiFi algorithms for standards like WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi 7. By simplifying the path from initial concept to real-world implementation, Y.FORCE accelerates development cycles. This not only enables faster time-to-market but also reduces overall product development timelines.

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Circular Polarization in mmWave Applications. Enhances Connectivity in 3 Aspects

The rise of mmWave (millimeter-wave) technology in communication systems has sparked significant interest due to its ultra-high-speed wireless connectivity. From 5G to emerging 6G networks, mmWave applications are shaping the future of telecommunications. In this context, circular polarization (CP) is vital in enhancing signal quality and overcoming challenges unique to mmWave communication. 

 

Introduction of mmWave Communication 

mmWave operates in the 30 to 300 GHz frequency range and is a crucial enabler of advanced communication systems. Its high-frequency nature allows for data rates of several gigabits per second, reshaping many application scenarios. 

 

5G and 6G networks: These next-gen networks leverage mmWave to meet growing demands for data and low-latency services in urban and industrial environments. mmWave provides a high-quality network for immersive virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR) applications, cloud gaming, remote education and instant conferencing, and virtual workspaces (Metaverse). 

5G B5G 6G

 

Autonomous vehicles: mmWave technology enables fast, real-time data exchange between vehicles, intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and the cloud, ensuring safe and reliable autonomous driving. 

Satellite-Connected Car

 

Satellite communication: In space-based networks, mmWave provides high-throughput communication channels for satellite-to-ground and inter-satellite links. 

 

Challenges Faced by mmWave Communication and How Circular Polarization Overcomes Them

mmWave offers a promising solution for many applications requiring high-quality networks, but it also comes with several challenges. 

 

Propagation loss: mmWave signals face higher propagation losses, particularly in urban environments where buildings and other obstacles block or reflect signals. Circular polarization can help maintain signal quality in environments with significant signal reflections and polarization mismatches. 

 

Multipath interference: In urban or indoor settings, mmWave signals often encounter reflections from walls, windows, and other surfaces, leading to multipath interference. Circular polarization significantly reduces the impact of multipath reflections, as its signal pattern minimizes destructive interference caused by these reflections. 

 

Polarization sensitivity: Currently, 5G mmWave communication systems use linear polarization, which can suffer from polarization mismatch if the transmitting and receiving devices are not perfectly aligned. Circular polarization mitigates this by allowing signals to be received regardless of device orientation, providing more consistent communication quality. 

 

YTTEK’s Support in Circular Polarization R&D 

Y.BEAM is a 28GHz detachable FEM (Front-End Module) designed to drive innovation in circular polarization. It features two independent 4×8 32-element antenna arrays, which can be configured for LHCP (Left-Hand Circular Polarization), RHCP (Right-Hand Circular Polarization), or horizontal/vertical linear polarization through GUI. Additionally, the detachable antenna design allows engineers to switch out antennas and experiment with different substrate materials easily. 

Key Features of Y.BEAM

  • Detachable antenna array design for easy customization 
  • 26.5 – 29.5 GHz operating frequency for LEO satellite and 5G mmWave R&D 
  • Dual 4×8 antenna arrays with independently configurable polarizations 
  • Supports TDD half-duplexing and FDD 
  • IF frequency range of 2.6 – 5.8 GHz  
  • 48dBm high EIRP 

 

Y.BEAM enables 5G mmWave and LEO satellite communication researchers to efficiently validate communication algorithms, such as beamforming, beam management, and beam tracking. It can also serve as a signal source for OTA (Over-the-Air) testing, particularly in high-frequency applications where precise signal path and loss measurements are critical. 

 

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Power-efficient Solution for B5G/6G Networks: Y.RIS Debuts at the 3rd Taiwan-EU 6G SNS Joint Seminar. 2

At the invitation of the MoEA (Ministry of Economic Affairs), YTTEK was thrilled to participate in the 3rd Taiwan-EU 6G SNS Joint Seminar, where we showcased the Y.RIS LC-RIS (Liquid Crystal Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface). Designed to address the power consumption challenges of indoor mmWave communication systems, Y.RIS offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for 5G mmWave connectivity.

Y.RIS G showcase at 6g sns

 

The Y.RIS is an innovative LC-RIS product developed using a cost-effective 24-inch LCD panel. By harnessing the panel’s fine-pitch characteristics, each unit cell was meticulously engineered to be just one-fifth the size of a wavelength, resulting in a product comprising approximately 40,000 unit cells.

 

With power consumption below 2W—merely 5-10% of the energy typically required by mmWave small cells and repeaters—Y.RIS significantly reduced both energy usage and deployment costs. This remarkable efficiency positioned Y.RIS as a frontrunner in the ESG era, where sustainability and cost-effectiveness are paramount.

 

YTTEK’s CEO, Jiangson Chen, highlighted the pressing challenge of 5G mmWave, specifically the obstacles posed by walls and partitions that could obstruct signals indoors. He stated, “Our RIS product effectively addressed these challenges by allowing flexible adjustments to incident and reflection angles, ensuring robust signal coverage in diverse environments. Y.RIS employed liquid crystal technology for phase control, delivering superior phase resolution through precise voltage application. In contrast to PIN diode and Varactor-based RIS products, which required more components and incurred higher manufacturing costs, our liquid crystal solution was more mature, economical, and energy-efficient, providing a significant advantage in power consumption.”

 

Looking ahead to 2024, YTTEK announced plans to collaborate with UK-based DIREK and Surrey University, with support from the Department of Industrial Technology (DoIT) of the MoEA. By integrating DIREK’s positioning and AI-assisted tracking technology with Surrey University’s FR1 RIS design and measurement expertise, Y.RIS aimed to enhance its beam angle flexibility and control, balancing coverage and bandwidth requirements.

YTTEK CEO & Founder and VP pose for a photo with the DIERK CEO and a Professor from the University of Surrey

From left: DIERK CEO Amir, YTTEK CEO & Founder Jiangson Chen, University of Surrey Professor Rahim, and YTTEK VP TY Chen.

 

As the mmWave communication ecosystem continued to evolve, YTTEK actively forged partnerships with telecommunications equipment providers, system integrators, and telecom operators to expedite the development of Y.RIS network integration solutions. These initiatives aimed to empower customers to achieve optimal private network deployments, addressing the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency communication networks. Y.RIS is poised to become an indispensable product for mmWave communication network deployments.

LEO Satellite

Polarization is a key factor in antenna design, directly influencing performance and transmission efficiency. In LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite communications, array antennas are widely used, with circular polarization strategically employed. 

 

What is Antenna Polarization? 

Polarization refers to the orientation of an electromagnetic wave’s electric field vector. It describes how the electric field oscillates in a particular direction as the wave propagates. Based on the direction of the electric field vector’s oscillation, there are two main polarization types: linear and circular. 

Linear Polarization: The electric field vector oscillates along a fixed direction, such as horizontal or vertical. When the polarization directions of the transmitting and receiving antennas align, signal transmission efficiency is optimized. However, if the polarization directions differ, signal strength can diminish. Vertical or horizontal linear polarization antennas are commonly used in mobile communication systems. 

Linear Polarization

 

Circular Polarization: The electric field vector rotates in a helical pattern as the wave propagates, which can be either LHCP (Left-Hand Circular Polarization) or RHCP (Right-Hand Circular Polarization). Circular polarization helps to minimize signal attenuation caused by angular variations between the transmitting and receiving ends, making it particularly suitable for environments with movement, rotation, or multipath effects. Circular Polarization

 

Why Do LEO Satellites Use Circular Polarization? 

Circular polarization antennas reduce signal attenuation across various transmission paths, especially when satellites move rapidly. This enhances signal stability and communication efficiency. Here are three critical features of circular polarization. 

Reduce Polarization Loss: In LEO satellite communications, the satellite’s constant movement means that the transmission path and angle are not fixed. Linear polarization can lead to signal loss or attenuation due to the misalignment of polarization angles between the transmitting and receiving ends. 

 

Improve Multipath Interference Resistance: Circular polarization antennas effectively counter multipath effects, where signals reflect off different surfaces before reaching the receiver, potentially causing interference or signal distortion. Circular polarization maintains higher signal integrity across various reflection paths, thus improving signal quality. 

 

Reduce Path Loss: Atmospheric conditions like rain, fog, and ionospheric disturbances can degrade satellite signals. With its rotating electric field, circular polarization is less affected by these conditions than linear polarization. This makes it more effective at reducing path loss, especially in long-distance satellite communications, ensuring more stable and reliable signal transmission. 

 

YTTEK’s Support for Circular Polarization Antenna R&D

YTTEK’s Y.BEAM is a 28GHz detachable FEM (front-end module) tailored for LEO satellite communication R&D. This module combines a detachable array antenna design with circular polarization capability and an integrated up/down converter, offering a comprehensive solution for LEO satcom and 5G mmWave array antenna design, communication algorithm development, and system integration. 

 

Features of Y.BEAM 

  • Antenna array module detachable design 
  • 26.5 – 29.5 GHz operation frequency for LEO / 5G mmWave R&D 
  • Dual 4×8 antenna modules integrated with designable polarization independently 
  • Support TDD half-duplexing operation and FDD 
  • 2.6 – 5.8 GHz IF frequency range 
  • 48dBm high EIRP 

 

Y.BEAM features two independent 4×8 32-element antenna array modules. Each module can be configured for LHCP (Left-Hand Circular Polarization), RHCP (Right-Hand Circular Polarization), or horizontal/vertical linear polarization, making it ideal for both LEO satellite communication and 5G mmWave R&D. This module serves as a versatile tool for researchers to conduct OTA testing to validate algorithms related to beamforming, beam tracking, and beam management. 

 

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WiFi 7 brings a new level of connectivity to our homes, delivering high-speed, wired-like performance that supports applications sensitive to network quality. This advanced WiFi technology provides stable, congestion-free network connections, benefiting many areas, with smart homes being one of them.

 

What is a Smart Home?

A smart home is a living environment with multiple smart devices that enable automation, remote control, and real-time monitoring of various home systems and appliances. For example, you can remotely access your home’s security system from your smartphone to check on elderly family members and children, or you can use a voice assistant at home to request information, set reminders, or play music.

 

Key Components of Smart Home

A smart home system may consist of multiple smart devices. Below, we list some of the most popular devices.

 

Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants: These voice-activated devices can control other smart home gadgets, provide information, play music, set reminders, and more. As they become increasingly integrated with other smart home devices, they offer greater convenience and functionality.

 

Smart Security Systems: These systems, which include smart locks, surveillance cameras, and video doorbells, allow real-time monitoring of home security. Users can view live feeds or receive alerts on their smartphones, ensuring immediate response to security issues.

 

Smart Appliances: From smart refrigerators and washing machines to robotic vacuum cleaners, these appliances can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps. They can even learn user habits to deliver personalized services, enhancing convenience and efficiency in daily life.

 

Smart Home Integration Platform: As more smart devices enter the home, interoperability becomes crucial. IoT integration platforms allow users to connect and control different brands of smart home devices through a single platform, streamlining automation and management. WiFi 7 offers excellent wireless connectivity, supporting the connection of numerous devices while ensuring smooth, uninterrupted performance, delivering the optimal smart home experience.

Features of WiFi 7

  • Multi-Link Operation (MLO) allows simultaneous use of multiple bands for better performance.
  • 320 MHz channel bandwidth offers double the throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6.
  • 4K-QAM modulation enables higher data transmission efficiency.
  • Enhanced MU-MIMO supports up to 16 spatial streams for improved device connectivity.

 

How YTTEK Supports WiFi 7

In the realm of WiFi, YTTEK’s SDR platform, Y.FORCE, offers a solution for wireless algorithm and system development. Y.FORCE is a SDR-based platform designed for high-performance wireless systems design. It is capable of over-the-air operations from 10 MHz up to 9 GHz and features two independent transmitter and receiver channels, each supporting up to 400 MHz bandwidth.

Key Features of Y.FORCE (YTPC400)

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards

 

Leveraging advanced FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, Y.FORCE enables system developers to prototype and validate algorithms for Wi-Fi, including Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7. This powerful SDR platform accelerates wireless system research and development, sparking more technological innovations that enhance our daily lives.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.FORCE

WiFi 7 illustration

The latest generation of WiFi communication, IEEE 802.11be Extremely High Throughput (EHT), also known as WiFi 7, ushers in unprecedented speeds, low latency, and high network capacity. It delivers the best WiFi user experience available today and paves the way for advanced applications. This article explores the critical upgrades brought by WiFi 7, how they will transform our lives, and how YTTEK can support the field. 

 

Wi-Fi 7 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: What’s New and Improved? 

WiFi 7 builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), operating across the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands. However, it introduces several innovative technologies that significantly elevate the user experience, making WiFi networks comparable to wired connections. 

 

320 MHz Bandwidth: Compared to Wi-Fi 6E, WiFi 7 doubles the bandwidth to a remarkable 320 MHz. This expansion doubles the data transfer capacity and supports simultaneous connections for more devices. 

 

Multi-Link Operation (MLO): MLO allows a single user device to connect across different frequency bands, enabling simultaneous data transmission and reception across these bands. By aggregating bandwidth across multiple bands, MLO results in faster and more stable WiFi connections and ensures more reliable connectivity. 

WiFi 7 Multi-Link Operation (MLO)

 

4K-QAM: Wi-Fi 7 utilizes 4K-QAM (4096QAM), an upgrade from the 1K-QAM (1024QAM) used in previous generations. This technology compresses data more densely within signal transmissions, potentially increasing data transfer rates by up to 20%. 

WiFi 7 4K-QAM

 

Multi-Resource Unit Puncturing: Previously, WiFi could only use an entire, continuous band. If part of the band was occupied by other devices or services, the remaining portion would go unused. Wi-Fi 7 can now isolate the occupied sections and fully utilize the available bandwidth, maximizing efficiency. 

WiFi 7 Multi-Resource Unit Puncturing

 

Innovative Use Cases Unlocked by Wi-Fi 7 

With data throughput of up to 46 Gbps, ultra-low latency, and higher network capacity, WiFi 7 enables the realization of advanced applications that demand high-speed connectivity. 

 

8K Ultra HD Streaming: WiFi 7’s high speeds enable rapid loading and smooth playback of 8K video streams, providing a seamless viewing experience. 

 

XR/AR: In XR/AR applications, slight signal delays can cause ghosting effects, leading to visual disorientation. WiFi 7’s ultra-high data throughput and low latency ensure a fluid and immersive experience. 

XRAR

 

Cloud Gaming and Interactive Applications: WiFi 7 offers the high bandwidth and low latency needed for real-time responsiveness. It delivers a more immersive and interactive experience while reducing the hardware requirements for user devices. 

 

Industrial IoT (IIoT) 4.0: In intelligent factories, WiFi 7 supports the simultaneous connection of many sensors and precision machinery, providing a high-capacity, low-latency network. 

IIoT 4.0

 

YTTEK’s Support to the WiFi7 

YTTEK offers a highly flexible software-defined platform, Y.FORCE, enabling Wi-Fi 7 researchers and system developers to validate and perform OTA testing rapidly. Y.FORCE operates across a frequency range of 10 MHz to 9 GHz and supports up to 400 MHz of bandwidth, meeting and exceeding the hardware requirements for Wi-Fi 7 research. 

Key Features of Y.FORCE (YTPC400) 

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform 
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz 
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel 
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards  

 

Leveraging SDR’s high flexibility, the Y.FORCESDR platform enables wireless researchers and system developers to rapidly prototype wireless communication systems and validate their concepts, including WiFi (WiFi 6, WiFi 6E, and WiFi7), 5G NR, and CCSDS technologies. This accelerates product development timelines and serves as an important tool for shortening the gap between research and application. 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.FORCE

 

AI applications often involve the transmission of large volumes of data, real-time processing, and the connection of numerous sensing devices. These demands require a high-speed, stable network capable of supporting many devices simultaneously. As a result, high-bandwidth wireless communication is crucial to the advancement of AI technology. This article explores why AI relies on high-bandwidth wireless communication and provides the use case of autonomous driving to help you better understand it.

AI applications often involve the transmission of large volumes of data, real-time processing, and the connection of numerous sensing devices. These demands require a high-speed, stable network capable of supporting many devices simultaneously. As a result, high-bandwidth wireless communication is crucial to the advancement of AI technology. This article explores why AI relies on high-bandwidth wireless communication and provides the use case of autonomous driving to help you better understand it. 

AI image

Why Does AI Need High-Bandwidth Wireless Communication? 

In AI applications, processing large amounts of data from user devices, sensors, cameras, and IoT devices is common. High-bandwidth wireless networks facilitate the rapid transmission of this data, support numerous simultaneous connections of these IoT devices, and minimize latency. This ensures that AI systems can promptly receive and process information. Consequently, high-bandwidth wireless networks are essential infrastructure for effective AI implementation. 

 

Edge Computing 

As the demand for AI computing increases, edge computing is becoming increasingly important. High-bandwidth wireless communication can also effectively support rapid data exchange between these edge devices and the cloud, thereby improving system efficiency and response speed. 

Use Case: High-Bandwidth Wireless Communication in Autonomous Driving 

Next, we will use the autonomous driving use case to explain why AI needs high-bandwidth wireless communication.  

Satellite-Connected Car

 

Autonomous vehicles rely heavily on AI to navigate, detect obstacles, and make real-time decisions. These vehicles are equipped with numerous sensors, cameras, and radar systems that generate terabytes of data. High-bandwidth communication is essential for real-time data transfer, ensuring that data from various sensors is transmitted to the AI system with low latency. 

 

Remote monitoring and updates facilitate over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics, ensuring the vehicle’s AI system is always up-to-date and functioning correctly. High-bandwidth wireless communication can provide network connectivity for these vehicles. 

 

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) is another key technology for autonomous driving. It enables vehicles to communicate with each other and with infrastructure (like traffic lights and road signs), improving safety and traffic management to minimize accidents and traffic jams. This involves a vast network of connected infrastructures, which high-bandwidth wireless communication can effectively support. 

 

YTTEK’s Support in High Bandwidth Wireless Communication 

High-bandwidth wireless communication technology is key to realizing AI applications, and YTTEK is at the forefront of supporting advancements in this field by providing R&D equipment. Our Y.FORCE SDR (Software-Defined Radio) platform, featuring up to 400MHz of high bandwidth, is a powerhouse designed for the research and development of high-bandwidth wireless systems. It can easily perform 5G NR and WiFi OTA (over-the-air) testing across a frequency band ranging from 10 MHz to 9 GHz. 

 

Key Features of  Y.FORCE (YTPC400) 

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform  
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz  
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel  
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards 

 

Leveraging SDR’s high flexibility, the Y.FORCE SDR platform enables wireless researchers and system developers to rapidly prototype wireless communication systems and validate their concepts. This accelerates product development timelines and provides a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving fields of wireless communications and AI. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.FORCE

Higher bandwidth means that more data can be transmitted simultaneously. In an era where high-definition video streaming and IoT (Internet of Things) infrastructure are becoming increasingly prevalent, the demand for high data throughput has driven wireless technologies to seek higher bandwidth. 

 

Technologies Needing Higher Bandwidth 

5G mmWve and B5G/6G: One of the forefront technologies leveraging high bandwidth is 5G mmWave. This technology operates at mmWave frequencies, providing high bandwidth that facilitates ultra-fast data transfer rates and low latency. 

5G B5G 6G

 

As we look beyond 5G, the terahertz frequency band used in B5G/6G is expected to provide bandwidth up to a hundred GHz and offer peak transmission speeds ranging from 100 Gbps to 1 Tbps. 

 

LEO Satellite Constellation: LowEarth orbit (LEO) satellites require high bandwidth to interconnect the entire constellation, enabling the capacity to deliver high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas, thereby bridging the digital divide. 

Satellite communication

 

WiFi 7: In the realm of WiFi, the upcoming WiFi 7 is making remarkable strides. WiFi 7 is anticipated to offer even more significant enhancements, including support for wider channels and higher modulation rates, which translates to faster and more reliable connections with its 320MHz bandwidth. 

 

Why We Need High Bandwidth? 

High bandwidth is anticipated to bring future applications into the real world. Below, we provide two examples illustrating how higher bandwidth communication will elevate various technologies. 

 

IoT application: High bandwidth is essential for the proliferation of IoT devices, which require robust and reliable connectivity to function effectively. From smart homes to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) 4.0, high bandwidth ensures that many devices can communicate seamlessly, transmitting large amounts of data in real time. 

IIoT 4.0

 

XR/AR application: High bandwidth greatly benefits XR(Extended Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) applications. These technologies rely on high data transfer rates to deliver immersive and interactive experiences. For instance, AR applications in retail, healthcare, and education require real-time processing and delivery of high-definition visuals and audio, which high bandwidth can efficiently support. 

XR AR

 

YTTEK’s Support in High Bandwidth Wireless Research 

Understanding the challenges in developing next-generation communication systems, YTTEK provides RF testing and measurement solutions to assist developers in turning concepts into reality. The RF testing instrument Y.FORCE PRO, featuring a 400MHz high bandwidth, will facilitate testing communication systems that demand higher bandwidth. 

Key Features of Y.FORCE PRO  

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform  
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz  
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel  
  • Expandable to synchronize up to four units for an 8T8R configuration  
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards 

 

Through the enhancement of bandwidth, more innovative applications requiring large data transfer rates and multiple device connections can be realized. The fields of smart homes, smart factories, and smart cities are expected to thrive significantly. 

How to Prototype Wireless Systems? Using SDR for rapid prototyping

Wireless system developers create prototypes to test and validate their ideas in real-world conditions. In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, reducing prototype creation time is crucial. SDR (Software-defined radio) has emerged as the optimal solution for rapid prototyping, empowering system developers to validate their concepts efficiently. 

Wireless prototyping

 

Why is SDR an Optimal Solution for Rapid Prototyping? 

The flexibility of SDR allows engineers to define and process wireless communication protocols through software, including real-time signal modulation, processing, and analysis. This enables the same hardware to support different communication standards and prototype configurations rapidly. 

 

Leveraging advanced SoC (System-on-Chip) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, SDR enables system developers to prototype and develop algorithms. SDR is now widely used in R&D and academic experimental applications. 

 

How YTTEK Assists System Developers in Prototyping Wireless Systems? 

Beyond serving as an RF testing and measurement instrument, the Y.FORCE PRO is also capable of prototyping wireless systems leveraging its SDR architecture. Leveraging Y.FORCE PROs MATLAB and C++ environments, system developers can build fully functional wireless systems via code and perform OTA (Over-the-Air) testing to simulate real-world communication scenarios. 

Key Features of Y.FORCE PRO 

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform  
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz  
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel  
  • Expandable to synchronize up to four units for an 8T8R configuration  
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards 

Below, we provide two example scenarios to help you better understand how Y.FORCE PRO assists system developers in prototyping wireless systems. 

Example 1: Dual-link Real-time 4G or 5G Sub-6 GHz Prototyping 

The Y.FORCE PRO with a 2TX and 2RX configuration enables the connection of four antennas for dual-link real-time 4G or 5G sub-6 GHz prototyping. This setup supports advanced MIMO technology, providing enhanced data throughput and reliability. 

 

Example 2: 5G mmWave System Prototyping 

For 5G mmWave prototyping, the Y.FORCE PRO can connect to the Y.BEAM mmWave front-end module (FEM) to create realistic 5G mmWave transmission scenarios and validate beam management algorithms. 

5G mmWave System Prototyping

 

In this setup, an automatic planar scanner can also be integrated for near-field measurements to verify antenna and RF component performance. If you want to connect your own mmWave FEM, YTTEK provides technical support services to integrate your mmWave FEM with Y.FORCE PRO. 

 

By using Y.FORCE PRO, wireless system developers can efficiently prototype and validate wireless systems, ensuring robust and reliable communication solutions in the rapidly advancing field of wireless technology. 

What is OTA Testing A Method to Assess Real-World Wireless Performance

Over-the-air (OTA) testing simulates the real-world transmission of wireless signals through the air. From research and development (R&D) to production, OTA testing helps engineers understand the overall performance of communication systems in real-world environments. This article explores the role OTA testing plays in different product development phases and how to conduct OTA tests.

 

OTA Testing in the R&D Phase: Simulating Real Communication Environments

During the R&D phase, engineers leverage OTA testing to simulate signal transmission and reception under diverse conditions, such as varying directions, distances, and the presence of obstacles.

 

This comprehensive simulation allows for the evaluation of both software and hardware performance in wireless communication systems, helping to identify potential incompatibilities or performance issues early in the development process.

R&D

 

OTA Testing in Quality Assurance and Production Phases

In the quality assurance phase, OTA testing ensures that each product complies with regulatory requirements. For instance, testing the product’s Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) values to evaluate its overall performance.

 

In the production phase, OTA testing is integrated into the manufacturing process to identify and address any defects or inconsistencies early on. This helps to maintain high-quality output and reduces the likelihood of performance issues in the final products.

Production

 

How to Conduct OTA Testing?

OTA testing is typically conducted in an anechoic chamber to prevent signal leakage or interference. Essential components for OTA testing include a turntable antenna positioning system, measurement antennas, and control and reporting software for automation.

OTA Equipment

 

Key testing instruments for signal generation and analysis are also crucial. YTTEK’s Y.FORCE PRO is an instrument-level non-signaling tester with a software-defined radio architecture, capable of generating and analyzing various signals, such as WiFi, 4G LTE, 5G NR, and CCSDS.

 

If you want to conduct 5G mmWave OTA testing, the Y.FORCE PRO can connect to a mmWave front-end module for 5G NR signal transmission and reception. This setup enables beamforming and beam tracking in the mmWave band, facilitating near-field measurements with an automatic planar scanner.

Key Features of Y.FORCE PRO

  • Highly flexible software-defined radio platform
  • Supports a frequency band of 10 MHz to 9 GHz
  • 400 MHz high bandwidth per channel
  • Expandable to synchronize up to four units for an 8T8R configuration
  • Supports 5G NR, WiFi, and CCSDS (satellite communication) standards

 

With over a decade of expertise in wireless communication, YTTEK offers high-quality and flexible solutions for wireless communication test and measurement. Our non-signaling tester, Y.FORCE PRO, enables product developers to evaluate product performance and functionality comprehensively through OTA testing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.FORCE PRO