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.

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.

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.

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.

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Radio frequency (RF) testing and measurement play a pivotal role in wireless communication. They are not just essential for development, production, and post-sales maintenance, but also across diverse domains such as smartphones, smart cars, antenna production, and RF chipset testing. To navigate this crucial aspect of product development, it’s important to understand the commonly used tools at different stages of the process.

RF Testing Instruments in Research and Development Stages

Signal generation and analysis tools are crucial during the research and development stages. They allow you to simulate real-world communication environments and conduct in-depth signal analyses. A vector signal generator generates signals, while a vector signal analyzer is employed for detailed signal analysis, including error rate analysis, spectrum analysis, and symbol timing analysis.

RF testing and measurement are instrumental in identifying and quantifying various issues and characteristics within the signals. In this context, YTTEK’s Y.FORCE PRO offers a new option. It simplifies your testing equipment by integrating both a vector signal generator and vector signal analyzer functions into a single platform. With built-in modulation options and the ability to generate various signals using C++ or MATLAB code, it’s a powerful tool for measuring and validating your communication system.

Y.FORCE PRO Features

• Highly flexible software-defined radio platform
• Support for 10 MHz to 9 GHz frequency band
• 400MHz high bandwidth per channel
• Maximum 2TX2RX
• Expandable to synchronize up to 4 units for achieving an 8T8R configuration
• Support 5G NR, WiFi, CCSDS (satellite communication) standards

RF Testing Instruments in Production

In production, signal sources like vector signal generators help you generate various types and frequencies of signals to verify product performance and frequency response. Meanwhile, vector signal analyzers (VSAs) analyze signals received from the antenna to evaluate its characteristics, such as gain, directivity, and frequency response. This process involves debugging, validation, and radiation characteristic testing to ensure optimal performance and adherence to specifications.

You may also conduct impedance matching and reflection loss tests to assess the product’s performance. A vector network analyzer (VNA) or Y.FORCE PRO can assist in testing the overall network performance by conducting comprehensive measurements of transmission parameters such as S-parameters.

The Y.FORCE PRO, a powerful RF testing and measurement instrument, can also connect with the mmWave front-end module. This enables higher-frequency communication research and testing, spanning from 5G mmWave to LEO satellite testing scenarios. With these capabilities, Y.FORCE PRO offers reliable tools for high-frequency wireless communication testing, fully unleashing your RF design capabilities.

Software-defined radio (SDR) payloads offer cost-effective and flexible solutions compared to traditional satellite hardware implementations. They are utilized in various low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite applications, including smaller CubeSat satellites. This article aims to explain why these satellites opt for SDR payloads, highlighting the differences between SDR payloads and traditional hardware implementations, and enumerating their advantages. 

The Difference Between Software-defined Radio Payload and Traditional Hardware Implementation 

Traditional satellite communication systems are predominantly hardware-based, often customized to specific communication needs, including communication protocols and frequency bands. This hardware-centric architecture lacks upgradability and reconfigurability, limiting its utility. In contrast, SDR payloads benefit from a software-centric architecture, enabling reconfiguration and even remote updates. This enables the payload to adapt to different missions. Take YTTEK’s Y.LOAD S as an example: it is an SDR-based X-band satellite payload that can be easily reconfigured via software, thus catering to various communication requirements in LEO satellites.  

Information About Y.LOAD S 

• Operation frequency band is 8.0~8.4GHz for downlink and 14.0~14.5GHz for uplink 
• Compact size for CubeSat (11cmx10cmx3cm) 
• Designed with Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ XCZU9EG reprogrammable FPGA​ 
• Includes ARM CPU core: Cortex A53, Cortex R5, and Mali-400 MP2​ 

3 Advantages of Software-defined Radio Payload 

Here we enumerate the advantages of SDR payloads to understand this type of device further: 

1. Reconfiguration: The reconfigurable nature allows for multiple communication scenarios to operate using the same hardware. A general-purpose processor enables efficient reuse of circuit elements, reducing the time and cost associated with hardware redesign. 
2. Remote Configuration and Flexibility: SDR systems offer the capability for remote configuration or updates, facilitating convenient bug fixes, upgrades, or optimizations. This functionality allows for in-flight re-tasking and mission repurposing, providing optimal flexibility during actual mission execution. A well-designed software-defined radio payload can be considered an off-the-shelf system component, significantly reducing mission development time and risk. 
3. Simplified Space Qualification: All systems and components must undergo environmental condition testing to ensure satellites operate smoothly in the harsh space environment. The SDR approach simplifies the challenge of space qualification by enabling a shift in focus towards using space-qualified devices instead of costly qualification processes for each customized device. 

These advantages streamline the development time and effort required for new systems and applications, making satellite communication systems more readily available as off-the-shelf products and enhancing overall efficiency in satellite development. 

Software-defined Radio Payload for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In addition, SDR payloads also find utility in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). YTTEK’s Y.LOAD G stands out as a purpose-built payload tailored for UAV applications. Similar to Y.LOAD S, it offers pre-built point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication software functionalities, meeting the needs of users seeking ready-made solutions for swift deployment.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT Y.LOAD S 

The rapid advancement of satellite communication technology has brought about endless possibilities for various industries, and the emergence of vehicle-to-satellite(V2S) technology is one of the most notable trends. In the automotive industry, the integration of vehicle-to-satellite technology has not only transformed traditional automobile models but also provided unparalleled prospects for the advancement of intelligent transportation systems. We will discuss various potential use cases in the article to help you gain a better understanding.

Autonomous vehicle/PIXABAY

Autonomous Driving

Robust communication systems are essential for autonomous driving. By leveraging satellite connectivity, vehicles can achieve real-time global positioning, which ensures precise navigation and mitigates driving risks, advancing autonomous driving.

Emergency Services and Safety Features

Vehicle-to-satellite technology is crucial for emergency services and safety. Satellite communication enables the rapid transmission of alerts and location data, facilitating a timely response from responders and minimizing losses.

Vehicle Diagnostics and Maintenance

Satellite connectivity allows remote vehicle diagnostics and maintenance, providing enhanced reliability. Manufacturers can diagnose issues and schedule maintenance without physical visits. Remote software updates ensure access to the latest features and enhancements.

YTTEK leverages its total wireless communication solution to make visions a reality. At CES 2024, YTTEK unveiled its Vehicle-to-Satellite solution, which seamlessly integrates the Y.LOAD S satellite communication payload with the Y.BEAM low Earth orbit satellite antenna.  Y.BEAM is a K/Ka band array antenna that features an optimized design that balances antenna size, weight, directionality, and performance to meet the efficiency demands of the vehicular environment. Meanwhile, Y.LOAD S is a software-defined architecture payload for satellite communication, offering high flexibility, stability, and reconfigurability. This seamless integration impressed attendees at CES 2024, enabling smooth satellite-to-vehicle communication.

As a provider of total wireless communication solutions, YTTEK also offers the Y.FORCE S high-speed satellite modem, which serves as a transmitter and receiver for satellite ground stations. In collaboration with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), we deployed the Y.FORCE S to successfully and promptly receive signals from Taiwan’s Formosat-5 satellite and decode signals from the U.S. Landsat-8 and Landsat-9 satellites. Built on an SDR architecture, the Y.FORCE S provides high flexibility and software upgrade capabilities, delivering a cutting-edge satellite modem solution for TASA.

Ground Station Illustration/PIXABAY

Vehicle-to-satellite technology provides substantial advantages and serves as a pivotal element in advancing intelligent transportation systems. YTTEK aims to complement ground-based mobile communication with satellite communication to deliver seamless signal connectivity.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), have become increasingly important in the field of communication. In addition to low Earth orbit(LEO) satellites, UAVs have emerged as another focal point for communication. They are characterized by their ability to be controlled autonomously by onboard computers or remotely by a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle.

Drone in smart city / UNSPLASH

Transforming Urban Living with UAVs

The use of drones equipped with precision sensors and communication technologies is helpful in providing real-time data on environmental parameters, which can elevate urban living in smart cities. They actively monitor air quality, noise levels, and other crucial factors, enabling authorities to promptly address pollution concerns and enhance overall environmental quality. Furthermore, UAVs provide invaluable insights into public safety by surveying critical areas and supporting emergency response teams. This not only results in manpower savings but also ensures precision and timely intervention compared to traditional methods.

Real-time Monitoring for Traffic Optimization / iStockPhoto

Real-time Monitoring for Traffic Optimization

Within the realm of intelligent transportation, UAVs are reshaping the way we perceive and manage traffic. Drones equipped with advanced imaging systems and communication capabilities can monitor traffic conditions in real-time, helping to alleviate congestion, enhance traffic flow, and improve overall transportation efficiency. In smart traffic management, UAVs offer dynamic insights, allowing authorities to respond swiftly to incidents and optimize routes.

Crucial Role of UAVs in National Defense Security

UAVs’ autonomous flight capabilities make them ideal for patrolling vast and challenging terrains, providing real-time intelligence to military forces. Furthermore, UAVs enhance situational awareness and responsiveness in critical situations, contributing to nations’ overall security and defense strategies.

YTTEK has designed Y.LOAD G – a specialized communication payload for UAVs. Operating in the S-band, it integrates a highly adaptable Software-Defined Radio (SDR) architecture and a high-performance FPGA. This design allows for customization to meet the distinct communication needs of our clients. The Y.LOAD G is equipped with rapid frequency hopping technology at a rate of 1000 hops per second, effectively mitigating signal interference during transmission. This feature is particularly critical in the realm of national defense and security applications.

Y.LOAD is currently undergoing a 30-50 km flight test to enhance drone performance using innovative technologies for an extended flight range and improved communication efficiency. YTTEK aims to advance drone technology by providing cutting-edge solutions for smart cities and various application scenarios. These efforts are expected to result in superior products and services for customers, fostering continuous progress on the path of technological innovation.

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