FR1–FR3 Carrier Aggregation Solution Advances 6G Readiness
A live demonstration from Rohde & Schwarz and Qualcomm Technologies aggregated a mid-band 2.5-GHz (FR1) channel with an upper mid-band 7-GHz (FR3) channel using 4x4 MIMO on both bands with higher-order modulation. Validating end-to-end device behavior across the aggregated spectrum, the test setup leverages a CMX500 one-box signaling tester that's been extended with the RFU18 board to provide coverage up to 18 GHz.
The device under test was a Mobile Test Platform using the Qualcomm Modem-RF System, enabling comprehensive validation of RF performance and protocol behavior. By validating FR3 as an additional frequency range for future networks, the demonstration will help accelerate 6G development and ecosystem readiness.
Aggregating existing spectrum bands with the new 6G spectrum in FR3 will establish 6G as the high-efficiency digital infrastructure, validating new spectrum layers and advanced RF capabilities.
The CMX500 allows for comprehensive multi-technology testing across all relevant frequency ranges (FR1, FR2, and FR3). All existing CMX500 platforms can be expanded with the new RFU18 board to extend frequency coverage and capabilities without replacing the entire system.
Engineered for data rates up to 20 Gb/s, the CMX500 supports wide dynamic range, 4096QAM, and up to 16 device antenna ports for advanced spatial multiplexing. It covers LTE and NR in SA/NSA modes, NR-NTN, NB-NTN, Direct-to-Cell (D2C/DTC) testing, and WLAN, including Wi‑Fi 7 and future Wi‑Fi 8.
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About the Author
Alix Paultre
Editor-at-Large, Microwaves & RF
Alix is Editor-at-Large for Microwaves & RF.
An Army veteran, Alix Paultre was a signals intelligence soldier on the East/West German border in the early ‘80s, and eventually wound up helping launch and run a publication on consumer electronics for the U.S. military stationed in Europe. Alix first began in this industry in 1998 at Electronic Products magazine, and since then has worked for a variety of publications, most recently as Editor-in-Chief of Power Systems Design.
Alix currently lives in Wiesbaden, Germany.