ANRITSU CORPORATION and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air (OTA) measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap (Reduced Capability) specification optimized for IoT applications by 3GPP Release 17.
This solution combines Bluetest’s Reverberation Test System (RTS) series of reverberation chambers (RTS65/85/95) and the accompanying Flow measurement control software with Anritsu’s Base Station Simulator MT8000A. It supports comprehensive evaluation of RedCap-compatible devices, including Total Radiated Power (TRP), Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS), and throughput, ensuring both practicality and reliability.
OTA testing using the RTS65 evaluates the overall communication performance of wireless devices, including antennas, in a realistic environment by transmitting and receiving signals through free space. While OTA testing can sometimes result in unstable communications depending on test conditions, the wide reception range of the MT8000A helps stabilize communications, enabling fast, efficient testing.
RedCap is a new 5G specification characterized by low cost, low power consumption, and compact design. The 3GPP Release 17 RedCap specification is optimized for IoT applications, such as industrial sensors, surveillance cameras, and wearable devices. Commercial deployment started in China and the US in 2024 with expansion expected in Japan and other regions from 2025 onward.
Anritsu contributes to the global adoption of 5G IoT across a wide range of industries by supporting development and evaluation of RedCap -compatible devices through this collaborative solution with Bluetest.
“By collaborating with Anritsu, we have produced a test solution that combines the speed of reverberation chamber measurements with the ease of use of the MT8000A for RedCap devices,” says Sara Catteau, Business Development Manager at Bluetest. “This provides users with a test that is easy to configure and produces accurate results quickly.”
Makoto Yamada, Director of Solution Marketing Department, Mobile Solutions Division at Anritsu, says, “We are pleased to contribute to the efficiency of performance testing for 5G IoT devices through our collaboration with Bluetest. As the number of RedCap-compatible devices increases, pre-evaluation of RF performance will become increasingly important. We are confident that this partnership will significantly contribute to the growth of this market and the transition to 5G.”
