To showcase the potential of network energy saving (NES) in open radio access networks (O-RAN), Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions have collaborated with Analog Devices. At Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, visitors can experience the joint O-RU test solution of the two T&M companies as it verifies the low power consumption of Analog Devices’ new Titan O-RU platform according to ETSI specifications. These network energy saving tests help to significantly reduce energy consumption and OPEX in O-RAN integrations.
Analog Devices has introduced its new energy-efficient Titan O-RU platform at MWC 2025. The platform is powered by the ADTV906x Radio Unit and supports micro-sleep DTX, which saves up to 40% of energy during low traffic load. To monitor the platform’s energy consumption, the Titan O-RU is verified in a live demonstration under various time-distributed traffic models according to the ETSI 202 706-1 specification, using a comprehensive test solution from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions Inc. This test solution is based on the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope and R&S NGP power supply from Rohde & Schwarz and the TM500 O-RU Tester and O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA) from VIAVI Solutions.
Mobile network operators are prioritizing energy efficiency for cost optimization and net-zero commitments. The radio access network (RAN) is the main energy consumer in mobile systems, with radio units (O-RU) being the largest contributors. The goal is to make O-RAN networks energy efficient while maintaining high quality of service (QoS) for subscribers. Innovations in RF signal processing and energy-saving algorithms are vital for reducing energy consumption. Techniques like carrier or cell ON/OFF, RF reconfiguration and micro-sleep DTX contribute to power savings by dynamically deactivating resources in real time during periods of low data transmission.
The O-RU test setup from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions is a fully automated solution for verifying RU and O-RU energy efficiency. As a true single point of control (SPOC) solution, it simplifies O-RU R&D and conformance testing. The solution is based on the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope with respective current and high-voltage differential probes and the R&S NGP power supply. It is controlled and turnkey-automated by VIAVI’s O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA).
The R&S RTO6 oscilloscope from Rohde & Schwarz monitors the trigger signal from Analog Devices’ Titan O-RU platform. It is the ideal tool for tightly time-correlating power consumption dynamics to changes in the transmitted RF signal. A high input sensitivity and very low inherent noise enable precise measurements, and a high-definition (HD) mode allows for easy visualization and triggering on signals with up to 16-bit resolutions.
The R&S NGP power supply from Rohde & Schwarz powers the Titan O-RU platform while continuously monitoring voltage and current over time. It delivers a stable output to the device-under-test (DUT) and accurately measures the overall power consumption with a time resolution of 8 ms. Its intuitive interface and large touchscreen enable faster data entry and provide a real-time display of statistics.
The TM500 O-RU Tester from VIAVI Solutions provides O-DU emulation along with a pre-configured library for TDD/FDD traffic loads as defined by ETSI ES 202 706-1, for network energy efficiency testing. The VIAVI O-RU TMA executes the energy efficiency test scripts defined by the O-RAN ALLIANCE Fronthaul Working Group Conformance test specification (O-RAN.WG4.CONF.), test cases defined by ETSI (ES 202 706-1) or user-specific test scripts.
Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “We’re proud to partner with VIAVI Solutions and Analog Devices to showcase the new Titan O-RU platform at MWC 2025. Our comprehensive O-RU test solution simplifies the energy efficiency verification process and sets a new standard for R&D and conformance testing. We are committed to driving sustainability in the industry and demonstrating how our technology can help shape the future of energy-efficient networks.”
John Oates, Director of Wireless System Engineering at Analog Devices, says: “Reducing energy consumption is the number one request we hear from Mobile Network Operators. ADI’s Radio technologies’ have added Energy Saving Features including microsleep DTx/DRx. Through our engagement with R&S and Viavi, we are able to quantify the energy savings achieved from our technology, providing measured results to our customers.”
Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions present network energy saving O-RAN testing in collaboration with Analog Devices live at Mobile World Congress 2025 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80.
For more information on network energy saving (NES) test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/_257805.html
