Rohde & Schwarz has announced that MediaTek is using its CMP180 radio communication tester to test and verify TC-DFT-s-OFDM, a proposed waveform technology for 6G networks. This collaboration demonstrates the critical role of advanced test equipment in developing foundational technologies for next-generation wireless communications.
Research into 6G, such as TC-DFT-s-OFDM, is central to the development of future vehicle-to-everything (V2x) communication, which is a cornerstone of next-generation ADAS and autonomous mobility. TC-DFT-s-OFDM (Trellis Coded Discrete Fourier Transform spread Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) is being proposed to 3GPP as a potential candidate technology for 6G standardization. MediaTek’s research shows that TC-DFT-s-OFDM delivers superior maximum coupling loss (MCL) performance across various modulation orders, including advanced configurations like 16QAM.
Key benefits of this 6G waveform proposed by MediaTek include enhanced cell coverage through reduced power back-off requirements and improved power efficiency through optimized power amplifier operation techniques such as average power tracking (APT). TC-DFT-s-OFDM enables up to 4dB higher transmission power compared to traditional modulation schemes, while maintaining lower interference levels, implying an up to 50% gain in coverage area.
“MediaTek’s selection of our CMP180 for their 6G waveform verification work demonstrates the instrument’s capability to support cutting-edge research and development,” said Fernando Schmitt, product manager, Rohde & Schwarz. “As the industry advances toward 6G, we’re committed to providing test solutions that enable our customers to push the boundaries of wireless technology.”
In related news, Keysight launches optical automotive ethernet transmitter test solution