Samsung has selected Keysight 5G network emulation solutions to successfully demonstrate a data link based on the 3GPP Rel-16 specification for the 5G New Radio (NR) standard. Finalized in 2020, Rel-16 brings numerous improvements to 5G NR deployments, aimed at improved spectrum utilization, lower network latency, and greater connection reliability. These improvements are critical for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications in industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and increased operational efficiency for service providers.

“We are pleased to support Samsung’s strategic 5G technology goals with integrated software-based device and chipset testing solutions to validate new designs according to the latest 3GPP specifications across the protocol stack,” said Cao Peng, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s wireless testing group. “Keysight is committed to providing testing platforms that accelerate the commercial introduction of 5G devices and networks for leading 5G customers such as Samsung.”

Samsung used the Keysight 5G Protocol R&D Toolkit and Application Testing software to validate Exynos Modem chipset , which is used by many global device manufacturers to bring 5G products to market. The toolkit enables Samsung to perform physical layer Interoperability Development Testing (IODT) in accordance with 3GPP Rel-16, verify IODT power-saving performance, and validate new radio-to-new radio dual connectivity (NRDC) functionality in both sub-7GHz (FR1) and millimeter wave (FR2) bands.

“We are pleased to work with key partners like Keysight, as their suite of tools has been proven across the global ecosystem of device manufacturers to confidently verify new designs,” said Jonghan Kim, Vice President of System LSI Protocol Development at Samsung Electronics. “With Keysight’s comprehensive range of 5G testing tools, we are able to rapidly develop successful 5G solutions that deliver exciting and electrifying mobile experiences.”

During more than ten years of collaboration, Keysight and Samsung have achieved some goals together, including the validation of the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) technology used in 5G modems.