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What does Keysight do?
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Keysight Technologies Introduces Phased-Array Beamforming Software Module for 5G, Radar, EW Systems

  
  

Software Enables Accurate, Dynamic System-Level Analysis of AESA Platforms, Increasing Range, Reducing Interference, Minimizing Power Consumption

Highlights:

  • Software predicts performance degradations in 5G, satellite and radar, electronic warfare (EW) systems that use RF-, digital- and hybrid-beamforming architectures
  • Consistent platform enables model-based design and verification from nonlinear RF and baseband algorithms up to complete, moving system scenarios

SANTA ROSA, Calif., May 16, 2016

Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) today introduced the W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit, a new add-on software simulation personality for the SystemVue 2016.08 design environment. The software enables researchers and system architects working on platforms using beamforming algorithms for 5G, satellite, NewSpace, radar and EW applications, to reduce interference and power consumption, while increasing physical range.

Active electronically-scanned array (AESA) systems can range from 16 to 256 elements for 5G applications to hundreds of elements in satellite systems, and many thousands of individual baseband and RF signal paths in military systems. Keysight EEsof EDA's W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit overcomes two key challenges facing AESA systems:

  • Engineers can easily model highly parallel architectures across multiple simulation domains, including nonlinear RF simulation, as well as a dataflow system level. This allows multiple teams to use the same tool and make architectural trade-offs not previously possible.
  • Engineers can also model the signals as single beams, or maintain access to the individual signals passing through the arrays. This enables multi-function, 3D conformal arrays to be validated in higher-level system scenarios using active signaling between multiple transmitters and receivers.

By incorporating MathWorks' MATLAB Script, SystemVue seamlessly integrates existing algorithms and extends array design tools to the RF and system design communities. This allows system modelers to explore realistic performance of baseband and RF beamforming architectures to save cost and complexity, and streamlines R&D design efficiency across disciplines.

Keysight EDA's new W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit provides several benefits, including:

  • Ease of design, with a simple use model and ability to quickly simulate sophisticated multi-function arrays and adaptive beamforming algorithms
  • Superior 5G and EW accuracy, stemming from the software's ability to allow beam width, direction and sidelobe levels (e.g., system performance) to account for underlying analog nonlinearities; measured X-parameters*, S-parameters and mismatch; noise, frequency dependence, quantization effects and 3DEM patterns of the RF design
  • Lower unit cost, by accounting for statistical variations, more aggressive design margins for a given delivered performance, and estimates of power dissipation
  • Lower research and development cost, which comes from uniting several disciplines into a single model-based design cockpit, helping to eliminate specialized in-house tools

"Organizations delivering products with phased-array subsystems typically use five to ten different, unconnected design tools; not counting spreadsheets," said Daren McClearnon, system-level marketing manager with Keysight EDA. "By bringing together algorithmic research with superior RF, application reference IP in 5G and radar, and links to the latest wideband test and measurement equipment, SystemVue's new software module allows users to cross-validate both the RF and baseband from proposal to test, using a common framework. This innovative design flow opens up new possibilities for integrating low-cost arrays into the next generation of mobility and security."

Keysight EDA's W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit complements any SystemVue environment. The Keysight W1905 Radar and W1906 5G baseband libraries will include the beamforming kit when SystemVue 2016.08 is released. SystemVue users in other beamforming applications, including satellite communications, are encouraged to consider the new W1467 SystemVue Array Architect bundle.

More information about the W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit for SystemVue 2016.08 is available at www.keysight.com/find/eesof-systemvue-phased-array. More information about SystemVue 2016.08 is available at www.keysight.com/find/eesof-systemvue2016.08. An image of the new software module is available at www.keysight.com/find/SV2016_images.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

SystemVue 2016.08 is expected to be available for download in late summer 2016. Pricing for the new Phased Array Beamforming Kit starts at $15,000. Contact Keysight at www.keysight.com/find/contactus to request early access and for more detailed pricing information.

Keysight will demonstrate the W1720EP Phased Array Beamforming Kit, along with other design, simulation and test solutions for wireless communications and aerospace & defense at the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS2016), Booth 1239, San Francisco, May 24-26.

About Keysight EEsof EDA Software

Keysight EEsof EDA is the leading supplier of electronic design automation software for microwave, RF, high-frequency, high-speed digital, RF system, electronic system level, circuit, 3-D electromagnetic, physical design and device-modeling applications. More information is available at www.keysight.com/find/eesof.

About Keysight in Software

Keysight software is downloadable design, test and measurement expertise. From first simulation through first customer shipment, Keysight software tools enable engineering teams to accelerate from data to information to actionable insight. Additional information is available at www.keysight.com/find/software. Download free software trials at www.keysight.com/find/free_trials.
About Keysight Technologies

Keysight Technologies (NYSE: KEYS) is a global electronic measurement technology and market leader helping to transform its customers' measurement experience through innovations in wireless, modular, and software solutions. Keysight's electronic measurement instruments, systems, software and services are used in the design, development, manufacture, installation, deployment and operation of electronic equipment. The business had revenues of $2.9 billion in fiscal year 2015. Information about Keysight is available at www.keysight.com.

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*X-parameters is a trademark and registered trademark of Keysight Technologies in the US, EU, JP, and elsewhere. The X-parameters format and underlying equations are open and documented. For more information, visit www.keysight.com/find/eesof-x-parameters-info

Contact:

Janet Smith, Americas
+1 970 679 5397
[email protected]
Twitter: @KeysightJSmith

Sarah Calnan, Europe
+44 (118) 927 5101
[email protected]

Connie Wong, Asia
+852 3197-7818
[email protected]