Description
TC5530B mmWave RF Shield Box
The TC5530B mmWave RF Shield Box is purpose-built to support accurate and repeatable millimeter wave (mmWave) over-the-air (OTA) testing for modern 5G New Radio (5G NR) technologies. This mmWave RF shield box delivers high RF isolation from 0.1 GHz to 67 GHz, providing a controlled test environment for advanced wireless devices operating at extremely high frequencies.
From the start, the TC5530B addresses the fundamental shift from conducted testing to OTA testing. As wireless technologies moved into the mmWave spectrum, traditional probe-based measurement methods became impractical. Compact mmWave devices no longer offer physical probe points, making OTA testing the only viable approach.
Designed Specifically for mmWave OTA Testing
The TC5530B mmWave RF shield box was developed to overcome the challenges introduced by higher operating frequencies and wide bandwidths. OTA testing at mmWave frequencies introduces significant complexity due to increased path loss, higher noise floors, and sensitivity to environmental variables.
At these frequencies, even small inconsistencies in the test environment can result in poor repeatability. Therefore, the TC5530B incorporates proprietary RF absorber material to minimize reflections and standing waves. As a result, engineers achieve stable, repeatable measurements across test cycles.
Addressing High-Frequency Measurement Challenges
As frequency increases, path loss between instruments and the device under test (DUT) rises sharply. This often leads to low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which makes it difficult to capture accurate signal analysis measurements such as error vector magnitude (EVM).
Wideband operation further complicates testing. While wide bandwidth enables higher throughput, faster data rates, and lower latency, it also raises the system noise floor. Consequently, transmitted signals must compete with increased noise, making accurate detection more challenging.
In addition, high-frequency operation makes DUT isolation and characterization more difficult. Cables, connectors, and fixtures between the signal analyzer and DUT can introduce frequency-dependent amplitude and phase errors. These effects degrade modulation quality and reduce confidence in test results.
The TC5530B mmWave RF shield box minimizes these issues by reducing external interference and providing a consistent OTA test environment.
Flexible Configuration and Accessories
The TC5530B supports a wide range of customizable data and RF connections, allowing engineers to tailor the enclosure to specific test requirements. EMI filters on all data and power ports help maintain signal integrity while preventing noise leakage.
To further enhance testing flexibility, the enclosure supports a variety of mmWave testing accessories, including:
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DUT holders
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Dual-polarized Vivaldi antennas (DPVA)
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Quadridge and horn antennas
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DUT rotators for angular measurements
When combined with the appropriate mmWave RF test equipment, the TC5530B becomes a complete OTA testing solution.
