Rohde & Schwarz and Pegatron have worked together to test the performance of FR3 phased array technology in a MIMO setup. Using Rohde & Schwarz’s FSWX signal and spectrum analyser and R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the companies demonstrated dual-polarised signal transmission at 13 GHz and 15 GHz. The test achieved nearly twice the data throughput of a single-stream transmission, demonstrating the potential of FR3 technology for future wireless communication systems.
Rohde & Schwarz and Pegatron have jointly demonstrated FR3 phased array technology for future wireless communication systems. The demonstration took place at the 6G Summit in Taipei, Taiwan, where the companies tested Pegatron’s dual-polarised FR3 phased array using Rohde & Schwarz’s FSWX signal and spectrum analyser and R&S SMW200A vector signal generator. The tests focused on MIMO signal transmission at 13 GHz and 15 GHz. These frequency bands are being studied for future 6G applications, including radio access network (RAN) infrastructure and satellite communications.
The demonstration showed how dual polarization can increase data throughput in FR3 systems. In the exhibition setup, the companies reached a projected data transmission rate of 1.7 Gbps using 100 MHz bandwidth, 4096 QAM, and dual stream transmission. This corresponds to about twice the throughput of a comparable single stream configuration. The result gives an example of how FR3 can support high bandwidth, high order modulation, and multi-stream wireless links.
Pegatron also tested its FR3 phased array antenna in a standard office environment. Under the 5G NR protocol, the system reached a peak expected data rate of 1.4 Gbps across an indoor distance of 40 meters. The setup used 100 MHz bandwidth, 1024 QAM, and dual stream transmission. This test adds a more practical scenario to the exhibition result and helps compare laboratory style verification with indoor deployment conditions.
For the verification work, Pegatron leveraged the multi-channel analysis capabilities of the FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer together with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator. Earlier measurements relied on a conventional spectrum analyzer, where horizontal and vertical signal controls had to be adjusted separately. The newer setup based on the game-changing architecture of the FSWX made it possible to analyze multiple channels in parallel and to obtain results that are closer to actual system behavior.
The collaboration reflects ongoing work around FR3 for 6G, radio access infrastructure, satellite links, and other high data rate wireless applications. Alexander Pabst, Vice President Market Segment Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “FR3 is expected to provide the highly demanded additional spectrum for 6G. Wider bandwidth, higher order modulation and massive MIMO demand evolved test and measurement equipment. Rohde & Schwarz test solutions play a central role in the verification of demanding wireless and phased array performance criteria. With its new architecture, the FSWX combines multiple input ports, cross correlation capabilities, advanced filter banks and broadband ADCs to address complex signal analysis tasks at unprecedented speed and accuracy.”
William Wu, Director of the Communication Technology Center at Pegatron, said: “As 6G enters the critical phases of standardization and technology R&D, the FR3 frequency band has become a pivotal battleground for future wireless innovation. Pegatron continues to invest in next-generation wireless technology. Having successfully developed 13 GHz (FCC) / 15 GHz (ITU) phased array antenna technology, which integrates array antennas, BFICs, and RF frontends with beamforming, H/V (Horizontal/Vertical) dual-linear polarization, and multi-channel designs, we have built robust beam control and high-speed transmission capabilities for the FR3 band. Moving forward, we are expanding our FR3 portfolio by actively developing 7 GHz / 8 GHz array antenna modules for Massive MIMO.”
