Addressing Multi-Channel

Synchronization for MIMO and

Beamforming Test

Sheri DeTomasi
Keysight Technologies

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Agenda

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Overview of Multi-Antenna Techniques

Multi-Antenna Test Challenges
Calibration of a Multi-Antenna System
Measurement Examples

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 2

The Data Challenge

Internet
Email
Navigation
Texting
Music
Safety alerts
Youtube

TV
Social networking
Video/Photo Sharing
Games

More connected devices

Expanded coverage

Cloud
Imaging
Banking

Explosion of mobile data

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 3

How do wireless service

providers keep up with the
Data Demand?
Make better use of spectrum
Combine carriers with carrier
aggregation
Wider channel bandwidths
Denser modulation techniques
Multi-antenna techniques
Heterogeneous networks

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 4

Comparing Wireless Standards

Cellular
Peak
Data Rate
(DL/UL)

Modulation Types

Beamforming

LTE-Advanced

300 Mbps/
75 Mbps
Up to 20 MHz

Tx Bandwidth

MIMO
Technology

LTE

Wireless LAN
802.11n

802.11ac

1 Gbps/
500 Mbps

600 Mbps
(40 MHz, 4 streams)

6.9 Gbps
(160 MHz, 8 streams,
256 QAM)

Up to 100 MHz

20 MHz mandatory, 40
MHz optional

20 MHz, 40 MHz, 80
MHz to 160 MHz,
80+80 MHz

BPSK, QPSK,
16QAM, 64QAM

BPSK, QPSK,
16QAM, 64QAM,
256 QAM (opt)

QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM

(256 QAM in small cell)

5G

Being Defined
Higher freq
Higher mod
Wider BW
Massive MIMO

DL

up to 4x4

Up to 8x8

UL

N/A

Up to 4x4

1 mandatory

1 mandatory, 2 to 8
layers opt

Up to dual layer (DL)

Up to 8 layer (DL)

Up to 4 Tx
beamforming

Up to 8 layers Tx
beamforming

Multi-Antenna techniques are a key technology used to get

higher spectral efficiency and increase peak data rates
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 5

Enhanced Multi-Antenna Techniques

Use of multiple antennas to improve spectral efficiency - increase
overall capacity and the data rate through multiple antennas

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 6

Enhanced Multi-Antenna Techniques

Transmit Diversity

Receive Diversity

Space-time block
coding (STBC)

Path diversity

X1, X2

Improves robustness

y1, y2
-X2, X1*

Spatial multiplexing
Improves spectral efficiency
and throughput

Spatial division
multiplexing

MIMO

y1

X1

Spatial multiplexing with

Beamsteering

4 streams, 3 users
y2

X2

Increases signal robustness

w/the added advantage of the
improved throughput through
spatial multiplexing MIMO

Multi-user MIMO

Transmit Beamforming
MIMO (4x2)

Matrix
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 7

How does Beamsteering Work?

Use multiple antennas to electronically steer a single data stream
Used in radar, sonar, seismology, electronic warfare, wireless
communications, radio astronomy, acoustics
Takes advantage of multi-antenna interference to control directionality
Multi-antenna signals are weighted relatively in both magnitude and phase to
produce spatial selectivity
Constructive (in-phase) interference power gain in desired directions
Destructive (out-of-phase) interference power nulling in other directions
Direction of
destructive
interference
nulling

0 deg
Direction of
constructive
interference
gain

+30
deg

-30 deg

-60 deg

Antenna array geometry along with

relative per antenna element
mag/phase weightings determine
constructive/destructive interference pattern

+60
deg

-90 deg

||||
N Antenna Elements
Correlated co-polarized 0.5 wavelength
separation

+90
deg

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 8

Agenda

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Overview of Multi-Antenna Techniques

Multi-Antenna Test Challenges
Calibration of a Multi-Antenna System
Measurement Examples

Page 9

Advantages and Challenges with Beamforming

Common Issues
Advantages
Improved user experience through better
signal quality
Beamforming selectivity
Increases the signal to noise ratio

Single User MIMO

Coherent signal gain

Increase cell capacity with MU-MIMO

Challenges
Requires more antennas
Phase alignment of RF carrier is critical in
beamforming: < 1 deg at RF frequency

Often requires multiple, highly synchronized

instruments in test

Multi-User MIMO

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 10

Enhanced Multi-Antenna Designs

Test Challenges
Complicated test setup for higher order MIMO
including beamforming

Complexity of connecting multiple synchronized instruments

Control of relative phase, time and frequency of multiple channels
Calibration of the measurement system at the device under test
Visualizing and validating the MIMO signal at the RF
antenna
Analyzing multi-antenna beamforming signals with up to 8x8 MIMO
Simultaneous UL & DL measurements

Cost and footprint

Test equipment cost & size
Time consuming tests
Development while standards evolving

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 11

Complicated Test Set-up

Need for multiple test channels
Carrier aggregation with
carriers in different frequency
bands
Multi-standard radios
Diversity where antennas are
in different frequency bands
Spatial multiplexing MIMO up
to 8x8
Beamsteering

Considerations for Test

Equipment
Is channel testing done
sequentially or in parallel?

What level of time

synchronization is needed?
Do you need phase coherent
channels?
Calibration of the measurement
system at the device under test

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 12

Critical Multi-Channel Synchronization Parameters

Time Alignment
Use clock synchronization & triggering to
ensure waveform playback and waveform
captures start synchronously on all channels
MIMO, carrier aggregation

Phase Coherence
Two signals are coherent if they if they have a
constant relative phase at all instances in time
Coherence is then a statistical property
between signals

Beamforming

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 13

Multi-Channel Time Synchronization

Example using PXI 10 MHz CLK

Master Trigger Module

Slave Module

Slave Module

Ref10

One unit designated master,

synchronizes with multiple slaves

Sync State
Machine

...

D1
D2
D3

Dn

Master uses one PXI trigger line to send

to all slave units

Ref10

Sync State
Machine

Ref10

Q
D

PXI_TRIGGER
(Slave 1)

PXI_TRIGGER
(Slave N)

First Module
Ready

3
Last Module
Ready

Rdy seen at Sync

State Machine

Trg seen at
modules

9
All modules assert
not ready

PXI_CLK10

~
~

~
~

PXIe_DSTARCm

~
~

PXI_CLK 10

~
~
~
~

~
~

~
~

~
~
~
~

PXIe_DSTARCp

~
~

PXI Trig 2

~
~

PXIe_DSTARCn

~
~

PXI Trig 1

PXI Trig 3

A common clock reference provides

time alignment but not phase coherence

Sync State
Machine

PXI_TRIGGER
(Master)

Slaves each use one PXI trigger line to

send to master unit
When all channels are armed, master
can signal a trigger event and all units
start on next 10MHz clock edge after
trigger event

All modules ready

PXIe_DSTARB[m..p]

All modules
ready
Module
n is Trigger
Module

Trg Module
Ready

All Ready seen

at Trg Module

Trg Module
asserts BP Trg

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Trg seen at all

Sync SMs

Page 14

Considerations for Phase Coherence

Phase Matching Issues
Two signals are coherent
if they if they have a
constant relative phase
at all instances in time

Solution

Use a single, shared LO for all channels to achieve

True Phase Coherence
All channels will have a constant, relative phase error

Calibration is critical to remove any fixed phase offset

between channels

However, each signal

generation and
measurement channel
has its own phase noise

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 15

Source Simplified Block Diagram

Example of 2 phase coherent channels
Modulator 1

Source output 1
Level control

RA
M

Output
signal
1

90

Modulator 2

Download &
definition

Source output 2
Level control

Controller
RA
M

90

4 LO
outputs

Output
signal
2

Frequency reference
Reference
oscillator
Local oscillator

Synthesizer

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 16

Analyzer Simplified Block Diagram

Example of 2 phase coherent channels
Downconverter 1

Digitizer 1

Mixer

Analog-digital
converter

Input
signal
1
RF input
attenuator

Pre-selector, or
low-pass filter

IF gain

IF filter

Downconverter 2
Digitizer 2
Input
signal
2

Results & display

Controller

Local
oscillator

Synthesizer

Reference
oscillator

Frequency reference
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 17

Synchronization across Multiple Chassis

Extending PXI 10 MHz CLK to a second chassis
Example Two Chassis Receiver Configuration, two receivers per Chassis

Front panel connections

between master in each chassis

Chassis 1, Master
10 MHz OCXO Out

10 MHz OCXO
100 MHz

10 MHz Ref In

Reference
Module

PLL

/10

100 MHz In System

Sync
Master

10 MHz
Sync over TRIG

10 MHz TTL TRIGs

100 MHz Out

Common 10 MHz reference

shared via front panel

10 MHz
100 MHz In Slave
Sync
Digitizer Sync over TRIG

Alignment of 10 MHz reference

required

Chassis 2, Slave

Within each chassis, backplaneExternal SMB

Splitter
triggers used

10 MHz OCXO
10 MHz Ref In

Equal Length SMB

Cables

Provides synchronous
frequency and timing but need
more for phase coherency

Reference
Module

PLL

/10

100 MHz In Group

Sync
Master

10 MHz
Sync over TRIG

10 MHz TTL TRIGs

100 MHz Out

10 MHz
100 MHz In Slave
Sync
Digitizer Sync over TRIG

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 18

Agenda

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Overview of Multi-Antenna Techniques

Multi-Antenna Test Challenges
Calibration of a Multi-Antenna System
Measurement Examples

Page 19

Calibration of Phase Coherent Measurement Systems

Why is this important?
Even when using a shared LO, there
will be some static time and phase
skew between instrument channels in
the measurement system
Time and phase variations due to
cables, connectors, and signal
conditioning
Correcting out these offsets will ensure
that any measured differences is due to
the signal/device under test and not the
test equipment

Uncorrected

Corrected
using Keysight LTE-A
Multi-Channel Reference
Solution Tools
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 20

Calibration of Phase Coherent

Signal Generation System
The End Goal Perfectly Aligned in Time
and Phase
Determine channel to channel time and
phase differences and apply corrections
Apply known signal to all channels and
measure each channel relative to master
source

Collect BB time and phase differences

between channels
Repeat for each frequency, amplitude, and
sample rate
Apply time and phase corrections to multichannel phase coherent measurements

Keysight has helpful tools to automate this

process and allows for integration of deltas
for design verification
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 21

Multi-Channel Calibration Methods

Traditional Source
Calibration
VSG 1

VSG 2
VSG 3

New Source
Calibration
VSG 1

4chan
Scope

VSG 4

New Patent-Pending MultiChannel Calibration Method

VSG 2

4 Way
combiner

VSA

VSG 3
VSG 4

Analyzer
Calibration

VSA 1

Automated for faster tests

Less HW & SW lowers the cost

VSG

4 Way
Splitter

VSA 2
VSA 3

For best results minimize cable length, keep cable

lengths the same, and select high quality splitter,
connectors, and cables.

VSA 4
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 22

Tips for True Phase Coherent Measurement Systems

Minimize Phase Variations and Calibrate
1. Use common LO Source
2. Use phase stable LO
3. Use low phase noise LO

4. Use reference clock synchronization to ensure

waveforms and acquisitions start at the same time
5. Calibrate out any time and phase skew between
generator channels or between analyzer channels
6. Calibrate out any losses and mismatches due to cables
and connectors

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 23

Agenda

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Overview of Multi-Antenna Techniques

Multi-Antenna Test Challenges
Calibration of a Multi-Antenna System
Measurement Examples

Page 24

Test Challenge: Complicated Test Setup

LTE-Advanced Multi-Channel Reference Solution
Software

Accelerate LTE-A designs and gain deeper insight faster

Multi-Channel
Configuration &
Correction Utilities

Signal Studio
N7624B & N7625B for
LTE/LTE-A FDD & TDD

89600 VSA & WLA Software

(Optional X-Series measurement
applications for SISO analysis)

Hardware

Available Configurations
Analyzers, sources or both
2, 4, or 8 channels
Time synchronized or
phase coherent
Chassis, controller, cables
V2802A LO distribution

Test stimulus
from VSGs

Device
under test

Signal to be
analyzed by VSAs
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 25

Test Challenge: Visualization & Validation of Signals

Test Challenge: Characterizing the full set of
LTE/LTE-A tests, including 8x8 MIMO, cross
channel measurements and multi-antenna
beamforming, which typically includes 4 or 8
antenna elements

Solution

89600 VSA Software

Spectrum measurements like SEM, OBW, power, spurs,
ACPR
Isolation/cross-channel skew crosstalk, time alignment error
(TAE)
MIMO and beamforming measurements with beamforming
weightings per antenna

eNB

Modulation quality with EVM per layer

LTE/LTE-A FDD/TDD UL & DL, WLAN including 802.11ac
M9391A VSAs provide up to 8
LO locked phase coherent, time
aligned analyzers, 160 MHz BW

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 26

8x2 BF modulation analysis example

MIMO/BF Downlink

89600 VSA SW

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 27

Testing the Receiver Side

Test Challenge: Ability to generate complex MIMO and
beamforming signals that have relative phase, time and
frequency characteristics to adhere that the latest wireless
standards
LO Distribution

Solution
or

or

Signal Studio
Support for the latest WLAN and cellular
multi-channel signals including 802.11ac and
LTE-Advanced TDD and FDD

Up to 8x8 LO locked phase coherent,

time aligned generators, 160 MHz BW

MIMO signal generation solutions that can be used

with RF fading simulators

Select transmission mode including diversity,

spatial multiplexing, beamforming up to 8x8
MIMO and carrier aggregation
Define, generate and export waveform files

Can be combined with carrier aggregation

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 28

From Simulation to Manufacturing

LTE design flow

Model new LTE/LTE-A and

WLAN 802.11ac MIMO designs
Verify interpretations of the
standard
Rapid proto-typing and
integrated measurements

IP Reference Libraries

Use in design simulation,

verification and testing

4G LTE-Advanced, LTE
3G HSPA+, WCDMA, EDGE, GSM
WLAN 802.11ac/n/a/b/g
WPAN 802.11ad, 802.15.3c

New 5G libraries available

Test Software

Test Equipment

I/O Lib, ComExpert

89600 VSA
Signal Studio
3rd Party

RF Sources & Analyzers

AWG & Digitizers
Scopes, Logic, Modular

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 29

Case Study Xidian University, China

Application: Research Verification
Need 8x8 system with wide
bandwidth and phase coherent
channels

Key Test Challenges:

Complexity and size of integrating 8
sources and 8 analyzers
Phase coherency between channels to test
beamforming
Characterizing wireless communications

Solution provides:
Compact size
Automatic routing of triggers
Reduced complexity

8x8 implementation
8 PXI VSGs, 6 GHz, 160 MHz
8 PXI VSAs, 6 GHz, 160 MHz
MATLAB
89601B VSA SW
4 PXI Chassis with 1 embedded controller plus LO
distribution unit (not shown)
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 30

Keysight Solution for MIMO Throughput Test

LTE/LTE-A 4x4 MIMO waveform generation, EVM, throughput test

Throughput test

PXIe VSG M9381A

DUT

SystemVue Software to create

LTE-A FDD or TDD channel &
capture measurements via 89600
VSA software

PXIe VSA M9391A

LTE-A Multi-Channel Reference Solution

PXI chassis w/ embedded controller
4 M9381A PXI VSGs
4 M9391A PXI VSAs
Keysight Tools
Configuration & Correction
Page 31
Technologies 2015

Configuration and Calibration Demo

Software

Accelerate LTE-A designs and gain deeper insight faster

Multi-Channel
Configuration &
Correction Utilities

Signal Studio
N7624B & N7625B for
LTE/LTE-A FDD & TDD

89600 VSA & WLA Software

(Optional X-Series measurement
applications for SISO analysis)

Hardware

Available Configurations
Analyzers, sources or both
2, 4, or 8 channels
Time synchronized or
phase coherent
Chassis, controller, cables
V2802A LO distribution

Test stimulus
from VSGs

Device
under test

Signal to be
analyzed by VSAs

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 32

Summary
Newer carrier aggregation, spatial
multiplexing, beamforming applications require
tightly synchronized, phase-coherent channels
for accurate test
Channel-to-Channel phase and time alignment
and calibration is critical in the multi-antenna
measurement system
Keysight provides in-depth signal generation
& analysis solutions for advanced technology
& research
Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 33

Thank You !!!

Questions and Answers

Keysight
Technologies 2015
Copyright 2014 Agilent. All rights reserved

Page 34

LTE / LTE-Advanced Design and Test Solutions

89600 VSA/WLA
Signal Studio
Software

For Signal Analyzers, Scopes, LA

SystemVue and ADS

Signal Analyzers

Signal
Generators
3D EM Simulation
SystemVue (BB)
ADS/GG (RF/A)

Baseband
Generator and
Channel Emulator

RF Module Development
RF Proto

Design
Simulation

RF Chip/module

BTS and Mobile

BB Chipset Development
L1/PHY

RF and BB
Design
Integration
L1/PHY
DigRF v4

FPGA and ASIC

Protocol Development
L2/L3

LTE UE Signalling, RF, Protocol and

Functional Test

Scopes and
Logic Analyzers

PXI Modular
Solutions

RF Handheld Analyzers

Battery Drain
Characterization

Pre-Conformance

System
Design
Validation
System Level
RF Testing

Conformance

Manufacturing

BTS
or
Mobile

Power Measurement

Network Deployment

Manufacturing
Test

Systems for RF and

Protocol Conformance

3-year repair warranty coverage on all instruments

Optional Calibration and Repair Service Plans

Keysight
Technologies 2015

Page 35