Anritsu Company introduces its butler matrix 8x8 MA8118A module that simulates 8x8 MIMO connections for efficient 5G UE throughput tests. Designed for use with the industry-leading Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A, the MA8118A Butler Matrix is a transmission path with eight input and eight output ports and supports the 0.6 to 7.125 GHz 5G frequency range (FR1) bands, expanding the MT8000A’s ability to conduct efficient tests on 5G FR1 UEs.

The 8x8 MA8118A augments the existing Anritsu ACC-380 Butler Matrix 8x8 module to provide full coverage of the 5G FR1 band. The MA8118A’s fixed 8x8 MIMO transmission path divides one input signal into eight output ports, minimizing re-cabling when changing test conditions, creating time efficiencies, as well as improving accuracy and repeatability.

In addition, expanding the frequencies to cover 0.6 to 7.125 GHz supports the 5G NR unlicensed band and licensed 6 GHz band specified by 3GPP Release 16 and 17, respectively. With the introduction, Anritsu continues to support 5G and addresses the need for test solutions to address the increased number of 5G FR1 frequency band combinations resulting from advanced carrier aggregation (CA).

With a 5G base station emulation function, the Radio Communication Test Station MT8000A provides all-in-one support for RF measurements, protocol tests and applications tests in FR1 (to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 mmWave bands. An intuitive GUI supports various application measurements, such as handover tests and quasi-normal and abnormal network tests. Maximum IP data throughput can be measured for a wide variety of band, CA and MIMO combinations. Integrating it with an OTA chamber enables mmWave-band RF measurements and beamforming tests using call connections specified by 3GPP.