Anritsu Corporation announced that the Conformance Agreement Group (CAG) operated by Global Certification Forum (GCF) has approved the industry-first Release 16 Protocol Conformance tests for 5G New Radio (NR) at the CAG #68 meetings held in October 2021. This industry-first achievement was verified on the Anritsu 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR. 

Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 16 specifications for 5G NR include features that will greatly expand the reach of 5G NR to new industry verticals beyond traditional smartphone and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) applications. At a broad level, Release 16 introduces enhancements in coverage, power, mobility, reliability and ease in network planning and optimization. 

The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1 and were previously verified by Anritsu at 3GPP RAN WG5 (Radio Access Network Working Group 5). These tests have also been submitted to PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) PVG (PTCRB Validation group) for approval in the upcoming meetings. The 5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR is registered with both the GCF and PTCRB as Test Platform 251.  

5G NR Mobile Device Test Platform ME7834NR Outline 

The ME7834NR is a test platform for 3GPP-based protocol conformance test and carrier acceptance testing of mobile devices incorporating multiple radio access technologies. It supports 5G NR in both standalone and non-standalone mode, in addition to LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-A Pro and W-CDMA. When combined with Anritsu’s OTA RF chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR covers the sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G NR frequency bands.