Anritsu has launched its software-defined radio (SDR) solution combining the Universal RF Unit MD8190A – an SDR platform supporting radio signal transmission, reception, and wideband IQ data capture – with its IQ Control Hub Software MX819040PC.
This solution interfaces with MATLAB®, the popular R&D numerical computing and analysis environment, to send, receive, and analyze radio signals. The compact, lightweight MD8190A can evaluate a wide range of scenarios in both controlled lab and mobile field environments. This enhances design, verification, and evaluation efficiency in the development of advanced wireless technologies, including 6G.
Development Background
Efficient communication system design, signal verification, and data analysis are key to R&D of next-generation wireless technologies such as 6G, helping cut development cycles and improve evaluation accuracy. However, mismatches in measurement equipment and data formats between stages can hinder efficient data transfer, conversion, and integration. In addition, field testing faces challenges including the need for dedicated measurement equipment tailored to specific communication systems, as well as constraints related to performance, installation conditions, and power supply.
To address these challenges, Anritsu developed the SDR solution linking a MATLAB® environment for wireless waveform design and analysis with the compact, lightweight MD8190A.
Product Overview
The solution consists of the Universal RF Unit MD8190A hardware and the IQ Control Hub Software MX819040PC.
The MD8190A is an SDR featuring arbitrary waveform generation and wideband IQ data capture. It supports evaluation across a wide range of environments, from laboratory bench testing to field evaluation using an external battery.
The MX819040PC software controls the MD8190A to provide the wireless evaluation environment. It interfaces with MATLAB® to enable an efficient evaluation workflow centered on common IQ data, connecting design and measurement—from wireless waveform design to transmission, reception, and analysis on actual hardware.
Key Features
- Wideband IQ Data Capture: Captures 100 MHz bandwidth radio signals simultaneously across four channels.
- Improved Design and Verification Efficiency: Supports common IQ data format used in MATLAB®, enabling end-to-end workflow from waveform transmission to IQ data analysis.
- Compact, Lightweight Design and Battery-Powered Operation: Supports field and mobile evaluations.
- Flexible System Configuration: Enables long-duration, high-volume IQ data capture when used with storage PC.