New-Tech Europe Magazine | August 2017

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Communications MIMO Application Framework. This makes the MIMO Application Framework the world’s only commercially available physical layer reference design that powers true Massive MIMO prototyping that goes beyond just desktop simulations to fully functional 5G deployments. Wireless researchers can pair the MIMO Application Framework with NI software defined radio hardware to conduct real-time, over-the-air experiments for a wide range of MIMO research topics including multi-user MIMO, single-user MIMO and Massive MIMO. This multi-FPGA physical layer reference design ships with well-documented LabVIEW Communications source code that is fully reconfigurable and modifiable, making it possible to create a complete network of multiple antenna devices with minimal system integration or design effort. Researchers can now explore beamforming techniques not just at the base station, but also at the UE to further improve overall network throughput, extend cell coverage, reduce interference and more. The MIMO Application Framework supports a maximum network throughput of more than 1.5 Gb/s, a flexible and reconfigurable Time Division Duplex-based frame structure and a fully bidirectional communications link that can be used out of the box to conduct Massive MIMO experiments and seamlessly integrate custom signal processing algorithms in a fraction of the time compared to other approaches. As participants in NI’s RF/Communications Lead User program, wireless researchers at Lund University in Sweden have used NI’s flexible prototyping platform for 5G research and have recently demonstrated the feasibility of Massive MIMO under mobile conditions for users moving at both pedestrian and vehicular speeds. “Massive MIMO has emerged as one of the leading 5G technologies that has the potential to provide unprecedented levels of spectral efficiency that will be critical in supporting the vast number of wireless devices expected to come online in the coming years,” said Fredrik Tufvesson, IEEE fellow and professor of radio systems at Lund University. “NI’s MIMO Application Framework provides the hardware and software

with lowEMI levels.With their frequency synchronisation- capability and very low coupling capacitance, typically 13 pF, EMC compliance is easier. The converters’ compact design reduces board space and development time, whilst their characterised dV/dt immunity of 80 kV/microsecond gives users confidence in a long service life, and similarly the use of planar magnetics increases product reliability and repeatability of performance. Typical applications include motor drives/motion control, solar inverters, UPS, alternative energy (wind-power generators), high-power AC-DC conversion, traction, EV/HEV and welding. The MGJ6 series converters offer an operating temperature range of -40 to 105 °C, with derating above 90 °C. Standard features of the patent protected converters include enable pin, short-circuit and overload protection, and a frequency synchronisation pin that simplifies EMC filter design. The series is pending IEC 61800-5-1 approval based on a high working voltage of 690 Vrms maximum between primary and secondary, and similarly is also pending UL approval to UL 60950 for reinforced insulation to a working voltage of 690 Vrms. As a targeted application solution featuring high isolation construction, high efficiency electronics and planar magnetics, no other manufacturer offers this type of product.

NI Announces Multiple Antenna UE Support for Its MIMO Application Framework to Further 5G Research The provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, today announced multiple antenna User Equipment (UE) support for its LabVIEW

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