National Instruments mmWave User manual

USER GUIDE
mmWave OTA Validation Test
Reference Architecture
The mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture integrates mmWave signal
generation and analysis instrumentation, an anechoic chamber, a positioner, and positioner
control, providing the ability to measure the complete radiated field of the DUT in all
transmitting directions.
This manual contains hardware and software information, including step-by-step procedures
and basic information about how to begin using the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic
Chamber and instrumentation with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software.
Notice The protection provided by this equipment may be impaired if it is used in
a manner not described in the documentation.
Contents
Hardware Overview.................................................................................................................. 2
Software Overview................................................................................................................... 2
Hardware Components..............................................................................................................4
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior................................................... 4
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior.................................................... 8
Getting Started.......................................................................................................................... 8
What You Need to Get Started..........................................................................................9
Operating the Chamber................................................................................................... 10
Verifying Hardware Connections....................................................................................11
Performing System Calibration.......................................................................................18
Getting Started with Step-by-Step Position Sweeping................................................... 22
Getting Started With Autonomous Position Sweeping................................................... 23
Software Reference................................................................................................................. 25
Soft Front Panels.............................................................................................................25
mmWave OTA Test Visualizer........................................................................................27
OTA Measurement Interface...........................................................................................33
Antenna Plugin................................................................................................................33
Where to Go Next................................................................................................................... 34

Hardware Overview
The mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture comprises the following hardware:
• mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber
• mmWave OTA Validation Accessories Kit
• Instrumentation
– PXIe-5831 Vector Signal Transceiver—IF and mmWave instrument configuration
with two mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Heads (direct TRX ports only)
– PXIe-6361 Multifunction I/O Module
– PXIe-1092 or PXIe-1095 PXI Chassis
Note This manual contains only detailed reference information for using the
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber with the instrumentation. Refer to the
documentation for the individual instruments for basic information about
installation, configuration, and operation of each instrument.
Note Refer to the documentation included with the mmWave OTA Validation
Anechoic Chamber for safety requirements and maintenance information.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior on page 8
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior on page 4
What You Need to Get Started on page 9
Software Overview
The mmWave OTA Validation Test Software comprises the following components for
interfacing and controlling the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber and
instrumentation.
mmWave OTA Test Configuration UI
Use the mmWave OTA Test Configuration UI open-source LabVIEW graphical user interface
(GUI) to configure connection settings and measurement and sweeping parameters in the test
matrix file.
TestStand Template Startup Sequences
Use the installed TestStand template sequences to run the configuration files that you create
with the mmWave OTA Test Configuration UI. The template sequences control all aspects of
your OTA test and are open-source to enable customization of your test plan.
mmWave OTA Test Visualizer
Use the mmWave OTA Test Visualizer to complete offline analysis of the test data for antenna
measurements.
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mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP
Use the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to control the movement of the positioner.
Positioner Modes of Operation
The 3GPP standard for OTA test of 5G NR DUTs requires making power measurements in a
spherical grid around the DUT. This process can take a significant amount of time due to the
large number of points to test, the movement of the DUT positioner, and coordination with the
measurement equipment. NI provides two modes of operation for the positioner: Step-by-Step
Position Sweeping and Autonomous Position Sweeping.
OTA Measurement Interface (OTAMI)
Use the OTAMI LabVIEW interface to store your measurements and compute the most
common OTA measurements:
Measurements • Effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP)
• Total radiated power (TRP)
• Error vector magnitude (EVM)
• Half power beamwidth (HPBW)
• Beam center
• Beam direction
• First null beamwidth
Visualizations • 1D cut analysis
• 1D polar plot
• 3D antenna pattern
• Heat map
• Best beam index
Plugin Interfaces
Use the LabVIEW plugin interfaces to customize and adapt the mmWave OTA Validation Test
Reference Architecture for your testing environment. To enable the highest degree of
customization, NI provides the source code for the plugins. The following plugins are installed
with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software.
•Antenna Control—An API framework that allows you to create a plugin to control your
specific active antenna module.
•Positioner Control—An API that allows you to use a different positioner with the
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber. If your application requires a different
positioner, contact the NI services personnel contracted on your project for more
information about using this plugin.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 3

Measurement Software
Use RFmx SpecAn and RFmx NR for compliant 3GPP 5G NR measurements and spectrum
measurements. You can also use the RFmx SpecAn SFP or RFmx NR SFP to control the
instrumentation.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP on page 25
RFmx Soft Front Panels on page 26
OTA Measurement Interface on page 33
mmWave OTA Test Visualizer on page 27
Antenna Plugin on page 33
Hardware Components
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior
Top Bulkhead
Notice To avoid damage to chamber connectors, connect only cables that have the
correct connector type.
1A
2A
1B
2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
3A
4A
3B
4B
VHDCI
RJ45-1 USB2.0-1
VGA
RESET AM
E-STOPButton
15
1
DC
USB3.0/2.0
RFfilter
ThermalT Type 1/2
1A 2A 1B 2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
3A
4A
3B
4B
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Table 1. Connector Descriptions
Connector Connector Type Use
1A through 4A 2.4 mm Connects to the measurement antenna for horizontal and
vertical polarization. Ports 3A and 4A are reserved for
applications that use multiple antennas.
1B through 4B 2.92 mm Reserved for applications ≤40 GHz. The mmWave OTA
Validation Accessories Kit includes only 2.4 mm cables.
Side Control Panel
1A
2A
1B
2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
3A
4A
3B
4B
VHDCI
RJ45-1 USB2.0-1
VGA
RESET AM
E-STOPButton
15
1
DC
USB3.0/2.0
RFfilter
ThermalT Type 1/2
1A 2A 1B 2B
VHDCI
RJ45-1 USB2.0-1
VGA
RESET A M
E-STOP Button
15
1
Table 2. Connector Descriptions
Connector Connector
Type
Use
VHDCI VHDCI Connects to the PXIe-6361 Multifunction I/O Module
VHDCI connector for data acquisition of the state of the
positioner. This is required for autonomous operation.
RJ45-1 RJ45 Connects to the Ethernet port 1 on the PXI controller to
control the positioner.
USB2.0-1 USB Reserved for internal use.
VGA VGA Reserved for internal use.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 5

Table 2. Connector Descriptions (Continued)
Connector Connector
Type
Use
E-Stop — Stops all motion within the chamber immediately.
Reset — Resets the chamber to the default operational state.
A — M
(Automatic or
Manual)
Key Switch Overrides the automatic lock feature on the exterior of the
chamber door when set to Manual. NI does not
recommend using the override feature during normal
operation.
Rear Bulkhead
1A
2A
1B
2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
3A
4A
3B
4B
DC
USB3.0/2.0
RF filter
Thermal T Type 1/2
1A 2A 1B 2B
DC
USB3.0/2.0
RFfilter
ThermalT Type 1/2
1A 2A 1B 2B
VHDCI
RJ45-1 USB2.0-1
VGA
RESET AM
E-STOPButton
15
1
Table 3. Connector Descriptions
Connector Connector Type Use
DC RF Filter Eight 4A 24 V filtered
DC connectors,
5.08 mm (8 position)
Supplies power to the DUT or other internal
DC needs.
Thermal T Type (x2) Thermocouple Monitors two different temperatures inside
the chamber.
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Table 3. Connector Descriptions (Continued)
Connector Connector Type Use
1A through 2A 2.4 mm Reserved for system calibration and DUTs
with >40 GHz inputs.
1B through 2B 2.92 mm Reserved for DUTs with ≤40 GHz inputs.
USB 3.0 USB Supplies a filtered USB connection into the
chamber for any DUT needs. Use the USB
3.0, 1.5 m maximum length cable included
in the chamber shipping kit to connect the
chamber to your PC.
Note Use the AC switch on the rear of the chamber to power on the system.
Related Information
External Connections on page 11
Operating the Chamber on page 10
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 7

mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior
1 2
3
1. Arch
2. Measurement Antenna Fixture
3. Positioner
Note Although the arch can hold multiple antennas to support multi-antenna
positions at equidistant places from the DUT center of rotation, it holds only one
antenna for the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture.
Related Information
Internal Connections on page 13
Getting Started
Refer to the topics in this section to get started using the mmWave OTA Validation Test
Reference Architecture. Complete the tasks in the following table in sequential order to ensure
your system is ready for use.
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Step Task Where to Go
1 Verify external chamber and
instrument connections.
External Connections on page 11
2 Verify internal chamber cable
connections and attach antennas.
Internal Connections on page 13
3 Align the measurement and reference
antennas.
Aligning the Antennas on page 16
4 Calibrate the system. Performing System Calibration on page 18
5 Perform a full antenna pattern test. Getting Started with Step-by-Step Position
Sweeping on page 22
6 Perform a fast full antenna pattern
test.
Getting Started With Autonomous Position
Sweeping on page 23
What You Need to Get Started
The following items are required to operate the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference
Architecture.
Depending on your application, you may require a different variation of the items listed below.
Contact the NI services personnel contracted on your project to help you determine which
variation your application requires.
Required Hardware Components
• mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber
– Laser Alignment Kit
– Dual-Polarized Measurement Antenna Fixture
– DRH50 Dual Ridge Horn Antenna Fixture
• mmWave OTA Validation Accessories Kit
– PXIe-6361 Multifunction I/O Module
– SHC68-C68-RDIO2 Digital Cable
– Dual-Polarized Measurement Antenna
– DRH50 Dual Ridge Horn Antenna
– 3 dB 2.4 mm attenuator (x4)
– 1.85 mm (m)-to-1.85 mm (m) cable, 8 in. (x4)
– 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable, 48 in. (x2)
– 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) flexible cable, 48 in. (x2)
– Ethernet cable
– SMA (m)-to-SMA (m) cable, 48 in. (x4)
– SMA (f)-to-2.4 mm (m) adapter
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 9

Required Instrumentation
• PXIe-5831 Vector Signal Transceiver—IF and mmWave instrument configuration with
two mmRH-5582 modules (direct TRX ports only)
• PXIe-1092 or PXIe-1095 PXI Chassis
• PXI Express embedded controller or MXI controller system that meets the system
requirements specified in the chassis documentation.
• AC power cable
Optional Items
• A 0.9 N · m (8 lb · in.) calibrated torque wrench, 5/16 in. (NI part number 751120-01).
Required Software
You must install the following software to use the mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference
Architecture. NI recommends installing application software before installing the mmWave
OTA Validation Test Software.
• mmWave OTA Validation Test Software
• TestStand
• LabVIEW
• RFmx SpecAn
• RFmx NR
Note Refer to the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software Readme for more
information about compatible software versions.
Required Software for Instrumentation
The following instruments require specific drivers that are not installed with the mmWave
OTA Validation Test Software. Refer to the instrument documentation available at ni.com/
manuals for more information about installing required driver software.
•PXIe-5831 Vector Signal Transceiver and mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Head
•PXIe-6361 Multifunction I/O Module
•PXIe-1095 Chassis or PXIe-1092 Chassis
Operating the Chamber
You must complete the following actions when operating the chamber.
Notice The leakage current from the EMI AC filter inside the chamber may cause
certain residual current circuit breakers (RCCB) to trip. Use the external isolator
provided with the chamber if you are connecting the chamber to an RCCB.
Power On and Reset the Chamber
Complete either of the following actions after you power on the chamber.
• If the key switch is set to Manual, press the Reset button.
• If the key switch is set to Auto, close the chamber door, then press the Reset button.
10 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture

Opening the Chamber Door During Operation
It is important that the chamber door remain closed when you are performing a test. If the key
switch is set to Auto and you open the door during operation, all movement in the chamber
stops and you must press Reset to return the chamber to the default state. No action is required
if the key switch is set to Manual and you open and close the door during operation.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior on page 4
Verifying Hardware Connections
Before you begin using the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber, refer to the
following sections to verify the external and internal connections.
External Connections
Ensure that all required instrumentation is properly configured with the mmWave OTA
Validation Anechoic Chamber before use.
Note
• The following figure does not show the PXIe-5831 installed in the chassis or
the required connections between the PXIe-5831 and mmRH-5582. Refer to the
PXIe-5831 Getting Started Guide at ni.com/manuals to verify that the
PXIe-5831 and all mmRH-5582 modules are properly interconnected.
• Refer to the PXIe-6361 and the PXIe-1092 or PXIe-1095 documentation at
ni.com/manuals for detailed installation instructions.
The following figure shows a properly configured mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic
Chamber connected to the required instrumentation.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 11

PS TEMP FANS
PXIe-1095
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
HHHHH
6
5 4
3
2
1
NI PXIe-8880
Embedded Controller
GPIB DRIVE
PWR OK /
FAULT
USER1
USER2
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
10/100
/1000
ACT/
LINK
TRIG
RESET
1
2
DP
CONNECTOR2 (AI 80-143)CONNECTOR2 (AI 80-143) CONNECTOR0 (AI 0-15, AO, DIO)CONNECTOR0 (AI 0-15, AO, DIO)
CONNECTOR1 (AI 16-79)CONNECTOR1 (AI 16-79)
NI PXIe-6365NI PXIe-6365
Multifunction DAQMultifunction DAQ
DC
USB3.0/2.0
RFfilter
ThermalT Type 1/2
1A 2A 1B 2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
1A
2A
1B
2B
3A
4A
3B
4B
DIRECT TRX PORTSDIRECTTRX PORTS
mmRH-5582mmRH-5582
mmWave Radio HeadmmWave Radio Head
ALLPORTSALLPORTS
5050
ΩΩ
2.4mm2.4mm
RXINPUT MAX POWERRXINPUT MAX POWER
REFPWRREFPWR ≤≤ +30dBm+30 dBm
PMAX= REF PWR +6 dBPMAX= REF PWR +6 dB
REFPWRREFPWR >> +30dBm+30 dBm
PMAX=+36 dBmPMAX=+36 dBm
0011
VHDCI
RJ45-1 USB2.0-1
VGA
RESET AM
E-STOPButton
15
1
DIRECT TRX PORTSDIRECTTRX PORTS
mmRH-5582mmRH-5582
mmWave Radio HeadmmWave Radio Head
ALLPORTSALLPORTS
5050
ΩΩ
2.4mm2.4mm
RXINPUT MAX POWERRXINPUT MAX POWER
REFPWRREFPWR ≤≤ +30dBm+30 dBm
PMAX= REF PWR +6 dBPMAX= REF PWR +6 dB
REFPWRREFPWR >> +30dBm+30 dBm
PMAX=+36 dBmPMAX=+36 dBm
0011
8 7 3 4
6 521
Figure
Callout
Connection
1 The first mmRH-5582 module, RF0, connects to the PXIe-5831 (not pictured).
2 The second mmRH-5582 module, RF1, connects to the PXIe-5831 (not
pictured).
3 A 3 dB attenuator connects to the first connected mmRH-5582 TRX Port 0,
which then connects to the chamber top bulkhead 1A port using an 8 in.
1.85 mm-to-1.85 mm cable.
4 A 3 dB attenuator connects to the first mmRH-5582 module TRX Port 1,
which then connects to the chamber top bulkhead 2A port using an 8 in.
1.85 mm-to-1.85 mm cable.
5 A 3 dB attenuator connects to the second mmRH-5582 module TRX Port 0,
which then connects to the chamber rear bulkhead 1A port using a 48 in.
2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm cable.
6 A 3 dB attenuator connects to the second mmRH-5582 module TRX Port 1,
which then connects to the chamber rear bulkhead 2A port using a 48 in.
2.4 mm-to-2.4 mm cable.
12 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture

Figure
Callout
Connection
7 The PXIe-6361 Connector 0 connects to the chamber control panel VHDCI
connection using the SHC68-C68-RDIO2 digital cable.
8 The PXI chassis Ethernet connects to the chamber control panel Ethernet
connection.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Exterior on page 4
Connecting the Chamber to a Client PC
Connect the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber to a client PC using a direct
connection.
Tip For best results, dedicate one Ethernet port for the communication and connect
the Ethernet cable from that port directly to the client PC to avoid slow hubs or
switches.
Note The Ethernet port on the client PC must use the same subnet as the host
chamber. For example, if you use the default fixed IP address for the chamber
(192.168.2.10), use 192.168.2.1 for the client PC. If you are connecting
multiple clients to the host chamber through a switch, each client must have a unique
IP address on the same subnet as the host.
Verify the Connection
To verify that the chamber is connected to the client PC, open a Command Prompt window
and enter "ping 192.168.2.10".
Internal Connections
The internal chamber connections may differ depending on your specific application. Refer to
the following section to ensure the components within the mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic
Chamber are properly configured for system calibration.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Validation Anechoic Chamber Interior on page 8
Connecting Internal RF Cables
1. Connect one end of two 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cables to the interior chamber rear
bulkhead 1A and 2A ports.
2. Route the opposite end of the cables through the correct locations on the positioner, as
shown in the following figure.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 13

1
1. 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) Cable (x2)
Notice The internal cables are subject to movement and can interfere with
testing if not properly managed.
Attaching the Reference Antenna
The reference antenna verifies the functionality and integrity of the system during system
calibration and ensures that the system is ready for testing your DUT.
1. Mount the reference antenna to the azimuth axis as shown in the following figure.
14 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture

1 2
34
1. Reference Antenna
2. Calibration Laser
3. Reference Antenna Fixture
4. Positioner
2. Connect the opposite end of the 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable connected to the
interior chamber rear bulkhead 1A port to the reference antenna port.
Note The second 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable connected to the interior
chamber rear bulkhead 2A port is utilized during system calibration. Use this
cable if your DUT has two input ports. Otherwise, leave the cable connected to
the 2A port until the system calibration procedure is complete.
3. Close the chamber door.
4. Set the Elevation in the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to rotate the positioner so the
reference antenna points straight up toward the measurement antenna, as shown in the
previous figure.
Related Information
Performing System Calibration on page 18
mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP on page 25
Attaching the Measurement Antenna
1. Mount the measurement antenna to the measurement antenna fixture as shown in the
following figure.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 15

V
1
2
4
3
5 6
1. Measurement Antenna Fixture
2. Alignment Knob
3. Alignment Knob
4. Measurement Antenna
5. 1.85 mm (m)-to-1.85 mm (m) Cable, 8 in.
6. 1.85 mm (m)-to-1.85 mm (m) Cable, 8 in.
2. Connect one end of two 1.85 mm (m)-to-1.85 mm (m) cables to the interior chamber top
bulkhead 1A and 2A ports.
3. Connect the opposite end of the cable connected to the interior chamber top bulkhead 1A
port to port H on the antenna.
4. Connect the opposite end of the cable connected to the interior chamber top bulkhead 2A
port to port V on the antenna.
Aligning the Antennas
Antenna alignment improves the repeatability and accuracy of your test. The reference antenna
data assumes that the antennas are perfectly aligned, so alignment must be performed for each
antenna setup.
Figure 1. Reference Antenna Pointing Misalignment
To minimize the measurement uncertainty introduced by improper antenna alignment,
complete the following steps before performing system calibration.
16 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture

1. Secure the laser alignment fixture to the measurement antenna fixture using an Allen
wrench to tighten the screws and alignment pins on the fixture.
3
2
1
1. Allen Screw
2. Laser Alignment Fixture
3. Calibration Laser
2. Attach the calibration laser to the laser alignment fixture and plug the laser USB cable
into the USB port inside the chamber.
3. Use the alignment knobs on the measurement antenna fixture to move the measurement
antenna horizontally and vertically until the laser cross hits the center of the reference
antenna.
When the laser cross hits the center of the reference antenna, the measurement antenna is
aligned.
4. Attach the reference antenna laser to the reference antenna fixture and plug the reference
antenna laser USB cable into the USB port inside the chamber.
5. Use the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP to move the laser until it is aligned to the
center of the measurement antenna fixture.
6. When the laser cross hits the center of the measurement antenna fixture, add 90° to the
current Elevation number and click the Set Absolute Home button on the Settings tab in
the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP.
The position is saved in the chamber and remains after restarting the system.
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 17

7. Unplug the calibration laser USB cable from the USB port.
8. Remove the laser alignment fixture from the measurement antenna fixture.
After antenna alignment is complete, you can perform system calibration and determine all the
path losses in the system.
Related Information
mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP on page 25
Performing System Calibration
Use the RF System Calibration Assistant to perform a full system calibration on all the
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture hardware components.
NI recommends performing system calibration in any of the following situations:
• After any module in the chassis is installed, uninstalled, or moved
• After inter-module cabling has been changed, reconnected, or repositioned
• After changing controllers, computers, or reinstalling software
• After self-calibration is performed on the individual instruments
The following equipment is required for the system calibration procedure:
• PXIe-5831 Vector Signal Transceiver and mmRH-5582 mmWave Radio Head
• Rohde & Schwarz NRP50S Power Meter
Note The Rohde & Schwarz NRP50S Power Meter requires software that is not
included with the mmWave OTA Validation Test Software. Install the power meter
driver software before you complete the following steps.
1. Connect the power meter USB cable to the PXI chassis USB port.
2. Open the RF System Calibration Assistant and click Start Calibration.
3. In the Load Configuration Dialog dialog box, click the file button and browse to
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\National Instruments\OTA Test
\System Calibration Files.
4. Select OTA-Test-Cal-Base.cfg and click Open.
Note The calibration configuration assumes that the name of the PXIe-5831
in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) is 3622. If you are not using
3622 as the name of the PXIe-5831, either change the name in the
configuration file or change it in MAX.
5. Select Use existing calibration configuration.
The NI RF System Calibration Assistant Configurator window launches.
6. In the Resources window, verify that all resources and resource settings are correct for
the path loss characterization as shown in the following figure. Ensure the resource name
for the power meter matches the name used in MAX.
18 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture

Figure 2. Resources Window
By default, Self Calibrate Analyzer and Self Calibrate Generator are unchecked. NI
recommends that you follow the calibration recommendations in the PXIe-5831
Specifications document and to perform self-calibration when the best accuracy numbers
are desired.
7. Click Next.
8. In the De-Embedding Resources window, verify that the Resource Name and Resource
Type are correct for the reference antenna.
Figure 3. De-Embedding Resources Window
mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture | © National Instruments | 19

9. In the Option String field, verify that the following string appears:
Interpolate=true,FilePath=<createdpath>
\antennadatafile.xml,PathName=VGain, where <createdpath> is the location
of the reference antenna values XML file that you created.
Note If you do not have the XML file, contact the NI services personnel
contracted on your project. The calibration values are part of the reference
antenna calibration data and are accessible through the embedded QR code on
the antenna. The gain values are converted into an XML file that the software
can read.
10. To accept all calibration settings, click Calibrate.
Note Refer to Advanced System Calibration Settings on page 21 for more
information about configuring advanced settings.
11. When the Connect Power Meter Dialog box appears, complete the following steps:
a) Disconnect the 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable from the reference antenna and
connect it to the power meter.
b) Follow the onscreen prompts to connect the correct cables, then click Continue.
c) When the calibration is complete, review the graphs and values to ensure the results
are as expected. Click Accept Values or repeat the calibration if necessary.
d) (Optional) For the second signal generator path, disconnect the 2.4 mm (m)-
to-2.4 mm (m) cable from the power meter. Connect the opposite end of the 2.4 mm
(m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable connected to the interior chamber rear bulkhead 2A port to
the power meter. Repeat steps 11b-11c.
12. When the Connect VSA Dialog box appears, complete the following steps:
a) Disconnect the power meter from all cables.
b) Reconnect the opposite end of the 2.4 mm (m)-to-2.4 mm (m) cable connected to the
interior chamber rear bulkhead 1A port to the reference antenna.
c) In the mmWave OTA Test Positioner SFP, set the Azimuth to 90° and the
Elevation to -90° to rotate the antenna as shown in the following figure.
The calibration laser fixture should face the chamber door and the laser should point
up toward the measurement antenna.
d) Click Continue.
13. When the MeasAntennaV dialog box appears, set the Azimuth to 0° in the mmWave
OTA Test Positioner SFP to rotate the antenna as shown in the following figure, then
continue with calibration. This ensures that the correct polarization is measured.
20 | ni.com | mmWave OTA Validation Test Reference Architecture