Measuring device and measuring method

Abstract

To provide a measurement device capable of efficiently performing debugging of a DUT when implementing a conformance test of the O-RAN standard.SOLUTION: A measurement device 1 measures performances of an O-RU 30 constituting a base station of an O-RAN which performs radio communication of an orthogonal frequency division multiplex system. The measurement device comprises: an O-DU emulator 12 which simulates an O-DU of the base station and transmits IQ packets for DL test to the O-RU through fronthaul; a power measuring instrument 14 which measures power per subcarrier and a total power of all subcarriers that measures the power of an RF signal generated and outputted based on the IQ packets received by the O-RU; a control unit 10 for calculating an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a set value of a total IQ power level of all the subcarriers in the IQ packet; and a display unit 20 for displaying the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated by the control unit 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement device and a measurement method, and more particularly to a measurement device and a measurement method for measuring the performance of radio units that constitute O-RAN, or in a broader sense, Open RAN. [Background technology]

[0002] The communication interfaces between the RU (Radio Unit), DU (Distributed Unit), and CU (Central Unit) that make up the 5G RAN (Radio Access Network) differ depending on the vendor, making it difficult to configure a RAN by combining equipment from different vendors.To solve this problem, based on the concept of Open RAN, which opens and standardizes base station specifications, O-RAN (Open-Radio Access Network) has been proposed in recent years as an open radio access network that standardizes the specifications of the communication interfaces between devices.

[0003] Each vendor that supports O-RAN must develop equipment that complies with the O-RAN standards established by the O-RAN Alliance and conduct interoperability tests between equipment provided by different vendors, and telecommunications carriers must test networks that combine these devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Specifically, in O-RAN, a base station is configured with an O-DU (Open-Distributed Unit) and an O-RU (Open-Radio Unit), and the interface (IF) between the O-DU and O-RU includes a C (Control) plane, a U (User) plane, an S (Synchronization) plane, and an M (Management) plane. When a DL (Downlink) signal is transmitted from the base station to a UE (User Equipment), the power level of the RF signal output from the base station is determined by the amplitude level of the IQ signal transmitted from the O-DU to the O-RU on the U-plane and the DL gain of the O-RU transmitted on the M-plane (see, for example, Patent Document 2). The amplitude level of the IQ signal is set based on the IQ power level. More specifically, the relationship between the amplitude level of the IQ signal and the IQ power level is power = amplitude × amplitude, and when the amplitude level of the IQ signal is determined, the power is also determined.

[0005] When performing O-RAN standard conformance tests such as 3 Conformance Measurements in O-RAN.WG4.CONF.0-R003-v07.00 using an O-RU as the DUT (Device Under Test), to confirm that the power of the RF signal output from the O-RU is appropriate, it is necessary to check the amplitude levels of the IQ signals transmitted on the U-plane from the O-DU, the gain information transmitted on the M-plane, and the power of the RF signal actually output from the O-RU. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-150683 [Patent Document 2] WO2021 / 019631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, when performing conformance testing using an O-RU as a DUT, if the power of the RF signal transmitted from the O-RU is not as expected, it is necessary to determine whether the problem is caused by the O-RU (DUT) or by the settings on the measurement equipment.When investigating the IQ signal sent from the O-DU of the measurement equipment to the O-RU, it is necessary to know the power value of the IQ signal inside the IQ packet, but because the power of the IQ signal is determined by the IQ power level set in the O-DU and several setting parameters, it is necessary to perform calculations using these parameters one by one, which is cumbersome (Issue 1).

[0008] Furthermore, 5G and LTE use a modulation method called Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM). OFDM is a modulation method in which narrowband subcarrier signals are orthogonally multiplexed in the frequency domain. In addition to the 5G standard, the O-RAN standard requires that the maximum signal value per subcarrier be 0 dBFS or less. Power can be calculated either as the total power across all subcarriers or as a single subcarrier. The power of the IQ packet input to the O-RU is set on a subcarrier-by-subcarrier basis. Therefore, it is necessary to calculate not only the total power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet input to the O-RU, but also the IQ power level per subcarrier. Furthermore, unless it is possible to clearly distinguish and confirm whether the power of the IQ packet input to the O-RU is the power per subcarrier, which is the unit specified in the standard, or the total power of all subcarriers, it is difficult to determine whether the power of the RF signal output from the O-RU is appropriate or whether it meets the upper limit set based on the standard, which reduces the efficiency of DUT debugging (Challenge 2).

[0009] Furthermore, the TER (Test Equipment, RU), which is a measurement device that uses the O-RU as the DUT, is composed of a C / U / S / M-Plane Emulator, a power meter that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, and a signal generator.When the TER is composed of multiple devices, the power display must be checked on each device, making the checking process cumbersome (issue 3).

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a measurement device and a measurement method that can efficiently debug a DUT when conducting a performance test such as a conformance test of the O-RAN standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the measuring device of the present invention is a measuring device for measuring the performance of a radio unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs radio communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system, and is characterized by comprising: a distributed unit emulator (12) that simulates a distributed unit of the base station and transmits an IQ packet for downlink testing to the radio unit via a fronthaul; a power meter (14) that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers of an RF signal that is generated and output based on the IQ packet received by the radio unit; a control unit (10) that calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet; and a display unit (20) that displays the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated by the control unit.

[0012] As described above, in a DL test, the measurement device according to the present invention is configured such that the control unit calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and the display unit displays the calculated value of the IQ power level per subcarrier. In a DL test, if the measured power of the RF signal transmitted from the wireless unit is not equal to the expected power level of the RF signal obtained based on the set value of the total IQ power level, it becomes necessary to investigate the cause. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is in the wireless unit (DUT) or the measurement device. The distributed unit emulator of the measurement device transmits DL test data to the wireless unit (DUT) via the fronthaul using IQ packets, and it is necessary to check whether the IQ packets are normal. The IQ packet specifies IQ data for each subcarrier. Therefore, to check whether the IQ packet is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be quickly and reliably identified by checking not only the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet but also the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet. This enables efficient debugging of DUTs when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests.

[0013] The measuring device of the present invention is a measuring device for measuring the performance of a radio unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs radio communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system, and is characterized by comprising: a signal generator (16) that generates an RF signal for uplink testing to be transmitted to the radio unit; a power meter (14) that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers to measure the power of the RF signal generated by the signal generator; a distributed unit emulator (12) that simulates a distributed unit of the base station and receives an IQ packet via a fronthaul from the radio unit that generated the IQ packet based on the RF signal; a control unit (10) that calculates the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information of the IQ packet received by the distributed unit emulator, and calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level; and a display unit (20) that displays the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated by the control unit.

[0014] As described above, in an uplink (UL) test, the measurement device according to the present invention is configured such that the control unit calculates the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information about the IQ packet received by the distributed unit emulator, and calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level, and the display unit displays the calculated value of the IQ power level per subcarrier. In a UL test, if the measured value of the power of the RF signal transmitted to the radio unit, obtained by a power meter that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, is not equal to the expected value calculated by the control unit for the power level of the RF signal received by the radio unit, then the cause must be investigated. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is in the radio unit (DUT) or the measurement device. The distributed unit emulator of the measurement device transmits UL test data to the radio unit (DUT) via the fronthaul using IQ packets, and it is necessary to verify whether the IQ packets are normal. The IQ packets specify IQ data for each subcarrier. Therefore, to check whether an IQ packet is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be identified quickly and reliably by checking not only the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, but also the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet. This allows for efficient debugging of the DUT when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests.

[0015] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the display unit may be configured to display the total IQ power level separately in addition to the IQ power level per subcarrier, and to display a value set as an upper limit based on a standard for the total IQ power level alongside the total IQ power level.

[0016] With this configuration, the measuring device according to the present invention can easily determine whether the total IQ power level exceeds the upper limit set based on the standard in a link test of a DUT, without confusing the IQ power level per subcarrier with the total IQ power level.

[0017] In the measuring device of the present invention, the display unit displays the IQ power level per subcarrier, the total IQ power level, and the Total IQ power level The configuration may be such that the value set as the upper limit based on the standard, the gain set in the radio unit, and the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers are displayed together for each group related to the input and output to and from the radio unit and the measurement.

[0018] With this configuration, the measurement device according to the present invention can centrally manage and systematically display information that was previously distributed among the components of the measurement device, thereby enabling efficient debugging of DUTs when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests.

[0019] In addition, in the measurement device of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to calculate the amplitude of the IQ signal contained in the IQ packet, and the display unit may be configured to display the amplitude of the IQ signal calculated by the control unit.

[0020] With this configuration, the measurement device according to the present invention can more accurately identify the cause of the problem when the test results in a link test of the DUT are abnormal, thereby enabling efficient debugging of the DUT.

[0021] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the control unit may calculate the sum of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet and the downlink gain set in the wireless unit as an estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal transmitted from the wireless unit, and the display unit may further display the estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit, together with the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers.

[0022] With this configuration, the measurement device according to the present invention can easily compare, in a DL test, the estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal transmitted from the radio unit, calculated by the control unit, with the measured value of the total power of the RF signal transmitted from the radio unit, measured by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. This makes it easy to check the success or failure of the DL test of the DUT from the perspective of power.

[0023] Furthermore, in the measuring device of the present invention, the control unit may calculate the difference obtained by subtracting an uplink gain set in the wireless unit from the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet as an estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal received by the wireless unit, and the display unit may further display the estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit, together with the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers.

[0024] With this configuration, the measuring device according to the present invention can easily compare, in a UL test, the estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal received by the radio unit, calculated by the control unit, with the measured value of the power of the RF signal transmitted to the radio unit, measured by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. This makes it easy to check the success or failure of the UL test of the DUT from the perspective of power.

[0025] Furthermore, in the measurement device of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to determine whether the measured value of the power of the RF signal is equal to an assumed value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit, and the display unit may be configured to display the result of the determination.

[0026] With this configuration, the measurement device according to the present invention can quickly and reliably determine the success or failure of a link test of a DUT from the viewpoint of power.

[0027] Furthermore, the measurement method of the present invention is a measurement method for measuring the performance of a radio unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs radio communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method, and is characterized by including a transmission step of simulating a distributed unit of the base station and transmitting an IQ packet for a downlink test to the radio unit via a fronthaul, a measurement step of measuring the power of an RF signal generated and output based on the IQ packet received by the radio unit, a calculation step of calculating an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and a display step of displaying the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated in the calculation step on a display unit.

[0028] As described above, in the measurement method according to the present invention, in a DL test, the calculation step calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and the display step displays the calculated value of the IQ power level per subcarrier on the display unit. In a DL test, if the measured power value of the RF signal transmitted from the wireless unit is not equal to the expected value of the RF signal power level obtained based on the set value of the total IQ power level, it becomes necessary to investigate the cause. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is on the wireless unit (DUT) side or on the simulated distributed unit side. The simulated distributed unit transmits DL test data to the wireless unit (DUT) via the fronthaul using IQ packets, and it is necessary to confirm whether the IQ packets are normal. In the IQ packets, IQ data is specified for each subcarrier. Therefore, to check whether an IQ packet is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be identified quickly and reliably by checking not only the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, but also the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet. This allows for efficient debugging of the DUT when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests.

[0029] Furthermore, the measurement method of the present invention is a measurement method for measuring the performance of a radio unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs radio communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system, and is characterized by including: a generation step of generating an RF signal for an uplink test to be transmitted to the radio unit; a measurement step of measuring the power of the RF signal generated in the generation step; a reception step of simulating a distributed unit of the base station and receiving an IQ packet via a fronthaul from the radio unit that generated the IQ packet based on the RF signal; a calculation step of calculating a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information of the IQ packet received in the reception step, and calculating an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level; and a display step of displaying the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated in the calculation step on a display unit.

[0030] As described above, in the measurement method according to the present invention, in the UL test, the simulated distributed unit calculates the IQ power levels of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information in the IQ packet received from the wireless unit, and calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level in the calculation step. In the display step, the calculated value of the IQ power level per subcarrier is displayed on the display unit. In the UL test, if the measured value of the power of the RF signal transmitted to the wireless unit, measured in the measurement step, is not equal to the expected value of the power level of the RF signal received by the wireless unit, calculated in the calculation step, the cause must be investigated. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is on the wireless unit (DUT) side or on the simulated distributed unit side. The simulated distributed unit receives UL test data from the wireless unit (DUT) via the fronthaul in the form of an IQ packet, and it is necessary to verify whether the IQ packet is normal. The IQ packet specifies IQ data for each subcarrier. Therefore, to check whether an IQ packet is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be identified quickly and reliably by checking not only the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, but also the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet. This allows for efficient debugging of the DUT when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement device and a measurement method that can efficiently debug a DUT when a performance test such as a conformance test of the O-RAN standard is carried out. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing information related to the signal flow and signal power (setting parameters, debug information, measurement quantities, etc.) in a DL test. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the signal flow and information related to signal power (setting parameters, debug information, measurement quantities, etc.) in a UL test. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit in a DL test. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a display unit in a UL test. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the procedure of a measurement method (DL test) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of the procedure of a measurement method (UL test) according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, a measuring device and a measuring method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] (Device configuration) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The measurement device 1 is configured to measure the performance of a radio unit (O-RU) 30 constituting an O-RAN base station that performs wireless communication using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. The measurement device 1 can perform performance tests such as conformance tests of the O-RAN standard. In this specification, O-RAN is broadly defined as Open RAN, which separates RAN into components based on certain functions and allows them to be combined for use, so long as the base station specifications are open. Devices marked with "O-" are devices that comply with the O-RAN standard.

[0035] 1, the measurement device 1 includes a control unit 10, a distributed unit (O-DU) emulator 12, a power measuring instrument (SA: Signal Analyzer) 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, a signal generator (SG: Signal Generator) 16, a display unit 20, an operation unit 22, and a storage unit 24. Each component will be described below.

[0036] The control unit 10 is connected to an O-DU emulator 12, a power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, a signal generator 16, a display unit 20, an operation unit 22, and a memory unit 24, and controls these devices to execute various processes for carrying out performance tests on the O-RU 30, which is the DUT.

[0037] The O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of a base station and transmits or receives test IQ packets to or from the O-RU 30 via the U-plane of the pseudo fronthaul. The IQ packet is a packet containing IQ data for each subcarrier, and the IQ data is baseband data of an I-phase component (in-phase component) and a Q-phase component (quadrature-phase component).

[0038] Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, performs signal analysis such as measuring the power of RF signals transmitted or received by O-RU 30 under the control of control unit 10, and sends the analysis results to control unit 10. Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, may be, for example, a signal analyzer or a spectrum analyzer.

[0039] The signal generator 16 generates an RF signal for UL testing to be transmitted to the O-RU 30 under the control of the control unit 10 .

[0040] The display unit 20 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display, and is configured to display information related to the test, such as setting parameters, estimated and measured signal power values, execution results of the performance test, and various states during the test.

[0041] The operation unit 22 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch panel, and outputs, for example, instruction information for the measurement device 1 input by a user to the control unit 10. For example, the user can operate the operation unit 22 to set or select the type of test to be performed, setting parameters, etc.

[0042] The storage unit 24 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), flash memory, etc., and is configured to store test-related setting parameters, debug information, measurement values, test result information, etc.

[0043] Part or all of the measurement device 1 may be configured using one or more computer devices having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), auxiliary storage device, communication interface, etc.

[0044] The ROM and auxiliary storage device of the computer device constituting the measurement device 1 stores a program for causing the computer device to function as the measurement device 1. That is, the CPU uses the RAM as a working area to execute a program stored in the ROM or the like, causing the computer device to function as the measurement device 1.

[0045] A part or all of the measurement device 1 may be realized using an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. A part or all of the measurement device 1 may be realized by a combination of software and hardware circuits.

[0046] (downlink) Next, the operation of the measuring device 1 during the DL test will be described.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the flow of test signals in DL testing and information related to signal power (setting parameters, debug information, measurement quantities, etc.). Figure 2 shows a configuration in which an ATT (Attenuator) 18 is provided between the O-RU 30 and a power measuring device 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. If necessary, the ATT 18 may be omitted, or multiple ATTs may be used in series.

[0048] First, the control unit 10 prepares or acquires transmission data and setting parameters for DL ​​testing and stores them in the storage unit 24. The setting parameters include, for example, IQ power level (total) [dBFS] 101, FS_Offset 102, number of bits 103, and number of subcarriers 104. These setting parameters are sent from the control unit 10 to the O-DU emulator 12 and set (stored) therein.

[0049] IQ power level (total) [dBFS] 101 is a logarithmic representation of the total power level of the IQ data transmitted via the fronthaul interface, and more specifically, it indicates the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet in dBFS units.

[0050] FS_Offset[dBFS] 102 is an M-plane parameter, and if it is not supported by the O-RU or is not set by the O-DU, it is set to 0. The number of bits 103 indicates the number of bits of the IQ data (the mantissa (amp) and exponent (exp)), and the number of subcarriers 104 indicates the number of OFDM subcarriers.

[0051] The setting parameters include DL Gain [dB] 111 and ATT Gain [dB] 112. DL Gain [dB] 111 indicates the amplification factor of the O-RU 30 in the DL test, and ATT Gain [dB] 112 indicates the amplification factor of the ATT 18 in the DL test. DL Gain [dB] 111 is set in the O-RU 30 by the control unit 10 via the O-DU emulator 12 using the M-plane. DL Gain [dB] 111 may also be set in the O-RU 30 directly by the control unit 10.

[0052] The O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station, generates an IQ packet containing IQ data for each subcarrier based on the transmission data for DL ​​testing sent from the control unit 10, and transmits the IQ packet to the O-RU 30 via the U-plane of the pseudo fronthaul.

[0053] The relationship between IQ packets and IQ power level (total) 101 is explained below. In O-RAN, IQ data is transmitted and received as packets that flow on the U-plane between O-DU and O-RU. IQ packets have a structure similar to the header and body of a TCP packet, and contain parameters that determine the scaling of the IQ data as well as the actual IQ data. In packet communications between O-DU and O-RU, for example, multiple pieces of IQ data are transmitted and received per packet. Specifically, IQ data is transmitted and received as amplitude values ​​on a subcarrier-by-subcarrier basis for each in-phase and quadrature-phase component. Power can be derived from this amplitude value information.

[0054] The calculation method of the IQ power level [dBFS] is specified in the O-RAN standard, and is described in, for example, O-RAN.WG4.CUS.0-R003 "8.1.3.1 Definition of IQ power in dBFS." In detail, the IQ power level [dBFS] of the IQ data is defined by the following formula: IQ Power Level [dBFS] = 10*log 10 (I^2+Q^2) - 10*log10 (FS) ...(1) = 10*log 10 (I^2+Q^2) - 10log 10 (FS0*2^(-FS_Offset)) where I: in-phase component, Q: quadrature-phase component, FS: full-scale (maximum) tolerance of I or Q, FS_Offset: M-plane parameter, FS0 = max(I^2) = max(Q^2) = max(I^2+Q^2)

[0055] The control unit 10 calculates an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 106 based on a set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 101. The display unit 20 displays the IQ power level per subcarrier (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 106 calculated by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0056] For example, when IQ power level (total) [dBFS] = -10 [dBFS] and the number of subcarriers = 3276, IQ power level(subcarrier)[dBFS / subcarrier] = IQ power level [dBFS] + 10*log 10 (1 / number of subcarriers) = -45.15[dBFS / subcarrier].

[0057] The O-RU 30 receives the IQ packet 41 sent from the O-DU emulator 12, and generates and outputs an RF signal 42 based on the IQ packet 41 and a DL gain (DL Gain [dB]) 111.

[0058] The control unit 10 calculates the sum of the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 41 and the DL gain (DL Gain [dB]) 111 set in the O-RU 30 as the total RF power level (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30. The display unit 20 displays the total RF power level (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 calculated by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0059] The control unit 10 also calculates the sum of the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet 41 (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 106 and the DL gain set in the O-RU 30 (DL Gain [dB]) 111 as the RF power level per subcarrier of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30 (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 108. The display unit 20 displays the RF power level per subcarrier of the RF signal 42 calculated by the control unit 10 (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 108 (see FIG. 4).

[0060] In detail, calculate the RF output level [dBm] using the following formula: RF output level[dBm] = IQ power level[dBFS] + DL Gain[dB] For example, when IQ power level (total) = -15.01 [dBFS] and DL Gain = 32 [dB], RF output level (total) = 16.99 [dBm]. Also, when IQ power level (subcarrier) = -50.16 [dBFS / subcarrier] and DL Gain = 32 [dB], RF output level (subcarrier) = -18.16 [dBm / subcarrier].

[0061] The ATT 18 receives the RF signal 42 sent from the O-RU 30 , attenuates the RF signal 42 based on the ATT gain (ATT Gain [dB]) 112 , and outputs the attenuated RF signal 42 as an RF signal 43 .

[0062] The control unit 10 calculates the sum of the total RF power level (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30 and the ATT gain (ATT Gain [dB]) 112 as the total RF power level (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 109 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 43 transmitted from the ATT 18. The display unit 20 may display the total RF power level (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 109 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 43 calculated by the control unit 10.

[0063] Furthermore, the control unit 10 calculates the sum of the RF power level per subcarrier (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 108 of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30 and the ATT gain (ATT Gain [dB]) 112 as the RF power level per subcarrier (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 110 of the RF signal 43 transmitted from the ATT 18. The display unit 20 may display the RF power level per subcarrier (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 110 of the RF signal 43 calculated by the control unit 10.

[0064] In detail, calculate the RF output level [dBm] using the following formula: RF output level[dBm] = IQ power level[dBFS] + DL Gain[dB] - ATT Gain[dB] For example, when IQ power level (total) = -15.01 [dBFS], DL Gain = 32 [dB], ATT Gain = 40 [dB], RF output level (total) = -23.01 [dBm]. Also, when IQ input level (subcarrier) = -50.16 [dBFS / subcarrier], DL Gain = 32 [dB], ATT Gain = 40 [dB], RF output level (subcarrier) = -58.16 [dBm / subcarrier].

[0065] Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, measures the total power of all subcarriers of RF signal 43 transmitted from ATT 18 under the control of control unit 10, obtains RF power measurement value (total) [dBm] 121, and sends the measurement value information to control unit 10. Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, also measures the power per subcarrier of RF signal 43 transmitted from ATT 18, obtains RF power measurement value (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier] 122, and sends the measurement value information to control unit 10. The display unit 20 displays a measurement value (RF power measurement value (total) [dBm]) 121 of the total power of all subcarriers of the RF signal 43 transmitted from the ATT 18, measured by the power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, and a measurement value (RF power measurement value (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 122 of the power per subcarrier of the RF signal 43, measured by the power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers (see Figure 4).

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may acquire a value 313 set as an upper limit based on the standard of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and the display unit 20 may display the value 313 set as an upper limit based on the standard alongside the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 101 (see FIG. 4).

[0067] The control unit 10 also calculates the amplitude of the IQ signal included in the IQ packet. The display unit 20 displays the amplitude [V] 314 of the IQ signal calculated by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 4).

[0068] Specifically, the following equation holds from equation (1): I^2+Q^2=10{IQ power level(total)+10*log 10 (FS)} / 10 For example, when IQ power level (total) [dBFS] = -10 [dBFS], FS Offset = 0 [dB], number of bits (mantissa (amp)) = 14 [bit], number of bits (exponent (exp)) = 4 [bit], and number of subcarriers = 3276, then I^2+Q^2 = 7.21E+15 [watt]. I^2+Q^2 per subcarrier is (I^2+Q^2)*10^(log 10 (1 / (number of subcarriers))) = 2.20E+12 [watt]. Here, RMS = sqrt(I^2+Q^2) = 1483091.45 [volt]. Therefore, in the case of QPSK, the I (or Q) level (i.e., the amplitude of the IQ signal) is 1 / √2*RMS = 1048704.02 [volt].

[0069] (uplink) Next, the operation of the measuring device 1 during the UL test will be described.

[0070] 3 is a diagram showing the flow of test signals in a UL test and information related to signal power (setting parameters, debug information, measurement quantities, etc.). In this configuration, an ATT 18 is provided between a signal generator 16 and an O-RU 30.

[0071] First, the control unit 10 prepares or acquires transmission data and setting parameters for the UL test and stores them in the storage unit 24. The setting parameters include, for example, IQ power level (total) [dBFS] 201, FS_Offset 202, number of bits 203, and number of subcarriers 204. These setting parameters indicate the same information as the corresponding setting parameters for the DL test. The setting parameters are sent from the control unit 10 to the O-DU emulator 12 and set (stored).

[0072] The setting parameters include UL Gain [dB] 211 and ATT Gain [dB] 212. UL Gain [dB] 211 indicates the amplification factor of the O-RU 30 in the UL test, and ATT Gain [dB] 212 indicates the amplification factor of the ATT 18 in the UL test. UL Gain [dB] 211 is set in the O-RU 30 by the M-plane from the control unit 10 via the O-DU emulator 12. UL Gain [dB] 211 may also be set in the O-RU 30 directly from the control unit 10.

[0073] The signal generator 16 generates an RF signal 53 based on the transmission data for the UL test sent from the control unit 10 , and transmits it to the O-RU 30 via the ATT 18 .

[0074] Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, measures the total power of all subcarriers of RF signal 53 generated by signal generator 16, obtains RF power measurement value (total) [dBm] 221, and sends it to control unit 10. Power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, also measures the power per subcarrier of RF signal 53 generated by signal generator 16, obtains RF power measurement value (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier] 222, and sends it to control unit 10. Display unit 20 displays RF power measurement value (total) [dBm] 221 and RF power measurement value (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier] 222 (see FIG. 5 ).

[0075] The ATT 18 receives the RF signal 53 sent from the signal generator 16 , attenuates the RF signal 53 based on the ATT Gain [dB] 212 , and outputs the attenuated RF signal 53 as the RF signal 52 .

[0076] The O-RU 30 receives the RF signal 52 sent from the ATT 18, generates an IQ packet 51 containing IQ data for each subcarrier based on the RF signal 52 and the UL Gain [dB] 211, and transmits the IQ packet 51 to the O-DU emulator 12 via the U-plane of the fronthaul.

[0077] The O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station, and receives an IQ packet 51 for UL testing from the O-RU 30 via the U-plane of the pseudo fronthaul.

[0078] The control unit 10 calculates the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information of the IQ packet 51 received by the O-DU emulator 12, and also calculates the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 206. The display unit 20 displays the IQ power level per subcarrier (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 206 calculated by the control unit 10 and the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 205 separately.

[0079] Specifically, according to the O-RAN standard, Configured_UL_gain is calculated by the following formula: Configured_UL_gain [in dB] = Interface resolution [dBFS] - (-152 dBm) + gain_correction [dB] gain_correction = 0[dB] Interface resolution[dBFS] =-20 * log 10 (2^(amp-1)*2^(2^exp-1)) = -138.47 [dBFS] Therefore, IQ power level after correction [dBFS] = IQ power level (before correction) + Configured_UL_gain = -67.18 [dBFS]

[0080] The control unit 10 also calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the UL gain (UL Gain [dB]) 211 set in the O-RU 30 from the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, as an estimated value for the total RF power level (RF input level (total) [dBm]) 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30. The control unit 10 also calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the UL gain (UL Gain [dB]) 211 set in the O-RU 30 from the IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 206, as an estimated value for the RF power level per subcarrier of the RF signal received by the O-RU 30 (RF input level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 208. The display unit 20 displays the estimated value of the total RF power level (RF input level (total) [dBm]) 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30, and the estimated value of the RF power level per subcarrier (RF input level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 208 of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30, calculated by the control unit 10.

[0081] In detail, calculate the RF input level [dBm] using the following formula: RF input level = IQ power level[dBFS] - UL Gain[dB] For example, when IQ power level (total) = -39.31 [dBFS] and UL Gain = 0 [dB], RF input level (total) = -39.31 [dBm]. Also, when IQ power level (subcarrier) = -67.18 [dBFS / subcarrier] and UL Gain = 0 [dB], RF input level (subcarrier) = -67.18 [dBm / subcarrier].

[0082] The control unit 10 calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the ATT Gain [dB] 212 from the total RF power level (RF input level (total) [dBm]) 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 transmitted from the ATT 18 to the O-RU 30 as an estimated value of the total RF power level (RF power level (total) [dBm]) 209 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 53 received by the ATT 18. The control unit 10 also calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the ATT Gain [dB] 212 from the RF power level per subcarrier (RF input level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 208 of the RF signal 52 transmitted from the ATT 18 to the O-RU 30 as the estimated value of the RF power level per subcarrier (RF power level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 210 of the RF signal 53 received by the ATT 18. The display unit 20 may display an estimated value of the total RF power level (RF power level (total) [dBm]) 209 and an estimated value of the RF power level per subcarrier (RF power level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 210.

[0083] Specifically, calculate the RF power level [dBm] using the following formula: RF power level = RF input level[dBm] + ATT Gain[dB] For example, when RF input level (total) [dBm] = -37.18 [dBm] and ATT Gain = 0 [dB], RF power level (total) = -37.18 [dBm]. Also, when RF input level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier] = -65.05 [dBm / subcarrier] and ATT Gain = 0 [dB], RF power level per subcarrier (subcarrier) = -65.05 [dBm / subcarrier].

[0084] The control unit 10 determines whether the total RF power measurement value (total) [dBm] 221 is equal to an expected value of the total RF power level (RF power level (total) [dBm]) 209 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 53 transmitted to the ATT 18. The control unit 10 also determines whether the RF power measurement value per subcarrier (subcarrier) [dBm] 222 is equal to an expected value of the RF power level per subcarrier (RF power level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 210 of the RF signal 53 transmitted to the ATT 18. In the determination, if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range of the expected value (for example, within ±5%), the two may be determined to be equal. The display unit 20 displays the determination result 223.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 10 may acquire a value set as an upper limit based on the standard of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and the display unit 20 may display the value set as an upper limit based on the standard alongside the total IQ power level 205 (see symbol 413 in Figure 5).

[0086] The control unit 10 also calculates the amplitude of the IQ signal included in the IQ packet. The display unit 20 displays the amplitude 414 of the IQ signal calculated by the control unit 10 (see FIG. 5).

[0087] For example, when I^2 + Q^2 = 303592250 [watt], RMS = sqrt(I^2 + Q^2} = 17423.90 [volt]. In the case of QPSK, the I (or Q) level (i.e., the amplitude of the IQ signal) is 1 / √2 * RMS = 12320.56 [volt].

[0088] (Display screen) Next, the display screen 21 of the display unit 20 will be described.

[0089] The display unit 20 groups and displays, for each group related to the input and output to and measurement by the O-RU30, the IQ power level per sub-carrier in the IQ packet, the total IQ power level of all sub-carriers, the value set as the upper limit based on the standard, the gain set in the O-RU30, and the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by the power meter 14 that measures the power per sub-carrier and the total power of all sub-carriers. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0090] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 21 of the display unit 20 in the DL test. As shown in FIG. 4, the display screen 21 has, for example, an input display area 310, a gain display area 320, an output display area 330, and a measurement value display area 340.

[0091] The input display area 310 displays information related to the input to the O-RU 30, which is the DUT. For example, the input display area 310 displays the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, the IQ power level per subcarrier (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 106, and the amplitude 314 of the IQ signal. The input display area 310 may also display FS_Offset [dBFS] 102, the number of bits 103, the number of subcarriers 104, etc. The input display area 310 also displays a value 313 (for example, ≦0 [dBFS]) set as an upper limit for the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 101 based on the standard. If no upper limit is set, the value may or may not be displayed.

[0092] The gain display area 320 displays the DL gain (DL Gain [dB]) 111 in the O-RU 30. If the ATT 18 is used, the DL gain (ATT Gain [dB]) 112 in the ATT 18 may also be displayed.

[0093] Output display area 330 is an area that displays information related to the output from O-RU 30, and displays, for example, an estimated value for the total RF power level of all subcarriers (RF output level (total) [dBm]) 107 for RF signal 42 output from O-RU 30, and an estimated value for the RF power level per subcarrier (RF output level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 108. If ATT 18 is used, an estimated value for the total RF power level of all subcarriers of RF signal 43 (RF power level (total) [dBm]) 109, and an estimated value for the RF power level per subcarrier (RF power level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 110 may also be displayed.

[0094] The measurement value display area 340 is an area for displaying measurement values obtained by the power measuring device 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. For example, for the RF signals 42 or 43 output from the O-RU 30 or the ATT 18, the total power measurement value of all subcarriers (RF power measurement value [dBm]) 121 and the power measurement value per subcarrier (RF power measurement value [dBm / subcarrier]) 122 are displayed.

[0095] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen 21 of the display unit 20 in the UL test. As shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 21 has, for example, an output display area 410, a gain display area 420, an input display area 430, and a measurement value display area 440.

[0096] The output display area 410 is an area for displaying information related to the output from the O-RU 30 which is the DUT. For example, the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 205, the IQ power level per subcarrier (IQ power level (subcarrier) [dBFS / subcarrier]) 206, and the amplitude 414 of the IQ signal are displayed. In the output display area 410, the FS_Offset [dBFS] 202, the number of bits 203, the number of subcarriers 204, etc. may be displayed. Also, in the output display area 410, for the total IQ power level (IQ power level (total) [dBFS]) 205, a value set as the upper limit based on the standard (for example, ≤ 0 [dBFS]) 413 is displayed. If the upper limit value is not set, the value may or may not be displayed.

[0097] In the gain display area 420, the UL gain (UL Gain [dB]) 211 in the O-RU 30 is displayed. When the ATT 18 is used, the UL gain (ATT Gain [dB]) 212 at the ATT 18 may be displayed together or additionally.

[0098] The input display area 430 is an area for displaying information related to the input to the O-RU 30. For example, the assumed value of the total RF power level (RF input level (total) [dBm]) 207 of all subcarriers and the assumed value of the RF power level (RF input level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 208 per subcarrier for the RF signal 52 input to the O-RU 30 are displayed. When the ATT 18 is used, the assumed value of the total RF power level (RF power level (total) [dBm]) 209 of all subcarriers and the assumed value of the RF power level (RF power level (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 210 per subcarrier of the RF signal 53 may be displayed.

[0099] The measurement value display area 440 is an area for displaying measurement values obtained by the power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. For example, the total power measurement value (RF power measurement value (total) [dBm]) 221 of all subcarriers and the power measurement value (RF power measurement value (subcarrier) [dBm / subcarrier]) 222 per subcarrier for the RF signal 52 or 53 input to the O-RU 30 or the ATT 18 are displayed.

[0100] (Measurement method) Next, the measurement method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0101] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the procedure of the measurement method in the DL test. As shown in Fig. 6, first, the control unit 10 prepares (sets) test data and setting parameters (step S1). The test data and setting parameters may be input by the user via the operation unit 22, or may be stored in advance in the storage unit 24.

[0102] Next, the control unit 10 also sets the setting parameters required for the functions of the O-DU emulator 12 in the O-DU emulator 12. Furthermore, under the control of the control unit 10, the O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station and sets the DL gain 111 in the O-RU 30 via the M-plane of the fronthaul (step S2).

[0103] Next, the O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station, generates an IQ packet 41 for DL ​​testing based on the test data, and transmits the generated IQ packet 41 to the O-RU 30 via the U-plane of the fronthaul (step S3).

[0104] Next, the O-RU 30 receives the IQ packet 41 sent from the O-DU emulator 12, generates an RF signal 42 based on the IQ packet 41 and the DL gain 111, and transmits the RF signal 42 wirelessly or via a wired connection, via the ATT 18 as necessary, to the power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers (step S4).

[0105] Next, power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, measures the total power of all subcarriers of RF signal 43 transmitted from O-RU 30 via ATT 18 (step S5). Information on measured value 121 of the total power of RF signal 43 is sent to control unit 10 and stored in memory unit 24. Alternatively, power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, may measure the power per subcarrier of RF signal 43 and send information on measured value 122 to control unit 10 to store in memory unit 24.

[0106] The control unit 10 calculates the IQ power level 106 per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a preset value of the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet (step S6).

[0107] The user can determine the success or failure of the DL test from the power perspective based on the measured value 121 of the total power of all subcarriers of the RF signal 43. To improve the efficiency of debugging when the DL test fails, the display unit 20 displays the IQ power level 106 per subcarrier calculated by the control unit 10 (step S7).

[0108] Furthermore, the control unit 10 calculates the sum of the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 41 and the DL gain 111 set in the O-RU 30 as an estimated value for the total RF power level 107 of all subcarriers in the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30. When the ATT 18 is used, the control unit 10 calculates the sum of the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 41 and the DL gain 111 and ATT gain 112 set in the O-RU 30 as an estimated value for the total RF power level 109 of all subcarriers in the RF signal 43 transmitted from the ATT 18.

[0109] Then, the control unit 10 determines whether the measured value 121 of the power of the RF signal 42 is equal to the expected value of the total RF power level 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 calculated by the control unit 10. When the ATT 18 is used, the control unit 10 determines whether the measured value 121 of the total power of the RF signal 43 is equal to the expected value of the total RF power level 109 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 43 calculated by the control unit 10. In the determination, if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range of the expected value (for example, within ±5%), the two may be determined to be equal. The display unit 20 displays the determination result 123.

[0110] Note that in FIG. 6, step S6 is described after step S5, but the order is not limited to this, and it may be performed at any stage after step S1 and before step S7.

[0111] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the schematic procedure of the measurement method in the UL test. As shown in FIG. 7, first, the control unit 10 prepares (sets) test data and setting parameters (step S11). The test data and setting parameters may be input by the user via the operation unit 22, or those previously stored in the storage unit 24 may be used.

[0112] Next, the control unit 10 sets the setting parameters necessary for the function of the O-DU emulator 12 in the O-DU emulator 12. Further, the O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station under the control of the control unit 10 and sets the UL gain 211 in the O-RU 30 via the M plane of the front haul (step S12).

[0113] Next, the signal generator 16 generates an RF signal 53 for the UL test based on the test data sent from the control unit 10 and transmits it toward the O-RU 30 (step S13).

[0114] The power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers measures the total power of all subcarriers of the RF signal 53 generated by the signal generator 16 (step S14). Information on the measured value 221 of the total power of the RF signal 53 is sent to the control unit 10 and stored in the storage unit 24. Also, the power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers may measure the power per subcarrier of the RF signal 53 and send the information on the measured value 222 to the control unit 10 to be stored in the storage unit 24.

[0115] Next, the O-RU 30 receives the RF signal 52 transmitted from the signal generator 16 via the ATT 18, generates an IQ packet 51 based on the RF signal 52 and the UL gain 211, and transmits the IQ packet 51 to the O-DU emulator 12 via the U-plane of the fronthaul (step S15).

[0116] Next, the O-DU emulator 12 simulates the O-DU of the base station and receives the IQ packet 51 via the U-plane of the fronthaul (step S16).

[0117] Next, the control unit 10 calculates the total power of all subcarriers of the IQ data based on the information of the IQ packet 51 received by the O-DU emulator 12, and calculates the total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51 based on the calculated value (step S17). Furthermore, the control unit 10 calculates an IQ power level 206 per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level 205 (step S18).

[0118] The user can determine the success or failure of the UL test from the viewpoint of power based on the total IQ power level 205 and the measured value 221 of the total power of the RF signal 53. To improve the efficiency of debugging when the UL test fails, the display unit 20 displays the IQ power level 206 per subcarrier calculated by the control unit 10 (step S19).

[0119] The control unit 10 also calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the UL gain 211 set in the O-RU 30 from the total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51, as an estimated value of the total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30. The display unit 20 further displays the estimated value of the total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 calculated by the control unit 10, along with the measured value 221 of the total power of the RF signal 52 obtained by the power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. When the ATT 18 is used, the control unit 10 calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the UL gain 211 and the ATT gain 212 set in the O-RU 30 from the total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51, as an estimated value of the total RF power level 209 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 53 input to the ATT 18.

[0120] Then, the control unit 10 determines whether the measured value 221 of the power of the RF signal 52 is equal to the expected value of the total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 calculated by the control unit 10. When the ATT 18 is used, the control unit 10 determines whether the measured value 221 of the total power of the RF signal 53 is equal to the expected value of the total RF power level 209 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 53 calculated by the control unit 10. In the determination, if the difference between the two is within a predetermined range of the expected value (for example, within ±5%), the two may be determined to be equal. The display unit 20 displays the determination result 223.

[0121] (Action and effect) As described above, in the measurement device 1 according to this embodiment, during a DL test, the control unit 10 calculates the IQ power level 106 per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the set value of the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet, and the display unit 20 displays the calculated value of the IQ power level 106 per subcarrier. During a DL test, if the measured power value 121 of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30 is not equal to the expected value of the RF power level 107 of the RF signal 42 obtained based on the set value of the total IQ power level 101, it becomes necessary to investigate the cause. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is on the O-RU 30 (DUT) side or on the measurement device 1 side. The O-DU emulator 12 of the measurement device 1 transmits DL test data to the O-RU 30 (the DUT) via the fronthaul using the IQ packet 41, and it is necessary to verify whether the IQ packet 41 is normal. The IQ packet 41 specifies IQ data for each subcarrier. Therefore, to check whether the IQ packet 41 is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be identified quickly and reliably by checking not only the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 41 but also the IQ power level 106 per subcarrier in the IQ packet 41. This allows for efficient debugging of the DUT when carrying out performance tests such as conformance tests of the O-RAN standard. Note that, for simplicity, the ATT 18 is not used in this example.

[0122] In addition, in the measurement apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, during a UL test, the control unit 10 calculates a total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51 based on information about the IQ packet 51 received by the O-DU emulator 12, and calculates an IQ power level 206 per subcarrier in the IQ packet 51 based on the total IQ power level 205. The display unit 20 then displays the calculated value of the IQ power level 206 per subcarrier. During a UL test, if a measured value 221 of the power of the RF signal 52 transmitted to the O-RU 30, obtained by the power meter 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, is not equal to the expected value of the RF power level 207 of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30 calculated by the control unit 10, it becomes necessary to investigate the cause. In this case, it is necessary to determine whether the cause of the malfunction (bug) is on the O-RU 30 (DUT) side or on the measurement apparatus 1 side. The O-DU emulator 12 of the measurement device 1 receives UL test data via an IQ packet 51 from the O-RU 30 (DUT) via the fronthaul, and must verify whether the IQ packet 51 is normal. The IQ packet 51 specifies IQ data for each subcarrier. Therefore, to verify whether the IQ packet 51 is normal or abnormal, the cause of the malfunction (bug) can be quickly and reliably identified by verifying not only the total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51 but also the IQ power level 206 per subcarrier in the IQ packet 51. This allows for efficient debugging of the DUT when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests. For simplicity, the ATT 18 is not used in this example.

[0123] 4 and 5, in the measurement apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the display unit 20 displays the total IQ power levels 101, 205 in addition to the IQ power levels 106, 206 per subcarrier, and displays values ​​313, 413 set as upper limits based on the standard for the total IQ power levels 101, 205 alongside the total IQ power levels 101, 205. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the total IQ power levels 101, 205 are within the range of the upper limits set based on the standard in a DUT link test, without confusing the IQ power levels 106, 206 per subcarrier with the total IQ power levels 101, 205.

[0124] 4 and 5, in the measurement apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the display unit 20 is configured to display the per-subcarrier IQ power levels 106, 206, the total IQ power levels 101, 205, the upper limit values ​​313, 413 set based on the standard, the gains 111, 211 set in the O-RU 30, and the measured RF signal power values ​​121, 221 obtained by the power measuring instrument 14 that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, all together for each group related to the input and output to and measurement of the O-RU 30. This configuration makes it possible to centrally manage and systematically display information that was previously distributed among the components of the measurement apparatus 1, thereby enabling efficient debugging of the DUT when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests.

[0125] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 10 calculates the amplitudes 314, 414 of the IQ signals included in the IQ packets 41, 51, and the display unit 20 displays the amplitudes 314, 414 of the IQ signals calculated by the control unit 10, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. With this configuration, if the test results in a link test of the DUT are abnormal, the cause of the malfunction can be identified more accurately, allowing for efficient debugging of the DUT.

[0126] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 10 calculates the sum of the total IQ power level 101 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 41 in the DL test (without the ATT 18) and the DL gain 111 set in the O-RU 30 as the estimated value of the total RF power level 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30, and the display unit 20 further displays the estimated value of the total RF power level 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 calculated by the control unit 10, together with the measured value 121 of the total power of the RF signal 42 obtained by the power measuring instrument 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, as shown in FIG. 4. With this configuration, in a DL test, it is possible to easily compare the estimated value of the total RF power level 107 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30, calculated by the control unit 10, with the measured value 121 of the total power of the RF signal 42 transmitted from the O-RU 30, measured by the power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. This makes it easy to confirm the success or failure of the DL test of the DUT from the perspective of power. Note that in this example, for simplicity, the ATT 18 is not used.

[0127] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 10 calculates the difference obtained by subtracting the UL gain 211 set in the O-RU 30 from the total IQ power level 205 of all subcarriers in the IQ packet 51 in the UL test (without the ATT 18) as the estimated value of the total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30, and the display unit 20 displays the estimated value of the total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal 52 received by the O-RU 30, calculated by the control unit 10, together with the measured value 221 of the total power of the RF signal 52 obtained by the power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. With this configuration, during UL testing, it is easy to compare the estimated value of total RF power level 207 of all subcarriers of RF signal 52 received by O-RU 30, calculated by control unit 10, with the measured value 221 of the total power of RF signal 52 transmitted to O-RU 30, measured by power meter 14, which measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers. This makes it easy to check the success or failure of the UL test of the DUT from the perspective of power. Note that in this example, for simplicity, ATT 18 is not used.

[0128] Furthermore, in the measurement device 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 10 may be configured to determine whether the measured value 121, 221 of the power of the RF signal is equal to the assumed value of the total RF power level 107, 207 of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit 10, and the display unit 20 may display the result of the determination. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly and reliably determine the success or failure of the link test of the DUT from the viewpoint of power.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the component devices conforming to the O-RAN specifications have been described as an example, but the specifications are not limited to the O-RAN specifications, and the present invention can be applied to testing of component devices that make up any network in which the communication interfaces between devices are standardized. [Industrial Applicability]

[0130] As described above, the present invention has the effect of enabling efficient debugging of DUTs when conducting performance tests such as O-RAN standard conformance tests, and is useful for measurement devices and measurement methods in general that test O-RUs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0131] 1. Measuring equipment 10 Control Unit 12 Distributed Unit Emulator (O-DU Emulator) 14 Power meter 16 Signal Generator (SG) 18 Attenuator (ATT) 20 Display section 21 Display screen 22 Control section 24 Memory section 30 Radio Unit (O-RU)

Claims

1. A measurement device for measuring the performance of a wireless unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs wireless communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method, comprising: a distributed unit emulator (12) that simulates a distributed unit of the base station and transmits an IQ packet for downlink testing to the radio unit via a fronthaul; a power meter (14) for measuring the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers of an RF signal generated and output based on the IQ packet received by the wireless unit; a control unit (10) that calculates an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a set value of the total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet; a display unit (20) that displays the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated by the control unit; A measuring device comprising:

2. A measurement device for measuring the performance of a wireless unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs wireless communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method, comprising: a signal generator (16) for generating an RF signal for uplink testing to be transmitted to the wireless unit; a power meter (14) for measuring the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers of the RF signal generated by the signal generator; a distributed unit emulator (12) that simulates a distributed unit of the base station and receives the IQ packet via a fronthaul from the wireless unit that generates the IQ packet based on the RF signal; a control unit (10) that calculates a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information of the IQ packet received by the distributed unit emulator, and calculates an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level; a display unit (20) that displays the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated by the control unit; A measuring device comprising:

3. 3. The measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the total IQ power level separately in addition to the IQ power level per subcarrier, and displays a value set as an upper limit based on a standard for the total IQ power level alongside the total IQ power level.

4. 4. The measurement device according to claim 3, wherein the display unit displays the IQ power level per subcarrier, the total IQ power level, a value set as an upper limit based on a standard for the total IQ power level, a gain set in the radio unit, and measured values ​​of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power measuring instrument that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers, all together for each group related to the input and output to and from the radio unit and the measurement.

5. the control unit calculates the amplitude of an IQ signal included in the IQ packet; The measurement device according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit displays the amplitudes of the IQ signals calculated by the control unit.

6. the control unit calculates a sum of a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet and a downlink gain set in the wireless unit as an estimated value of a total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal transmitted from the wireless unit; 2. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the display unit further displays an estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit, along with the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power meter that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers.

7. the control unit calculates a difference obtained by subtracting an uplink gain set in the wireless unit from a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet as an estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal received by the wireless unit; 3. The measurement device according to claim 2, wherein the display unit further displays an estimated value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit, together with the measured value of the power of the RF signal obtained by a power measuring device that measures the power per subcarrier and the total power of all subcarriers.

8. the control unit determines whether the measured value of the power of the RF signal is equal to an assumed value of the total power level of all subcarriers of the RF signal calculated by the control unit; The measurement device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the display unit displays the result of the determination.

9. A measurement method for measuring the performance of a wireless unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs wireless communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method, comprising: a transmitting step of simulating a distributed unit of the base station and transmitting an IQ packet for downlink testing to the wireless unit via a fronthaul; a measuring step of measuring the power of an RF signal generated and output by the wireless unit based on the received IQ packet; a calculation step of calculating an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on a set value of a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet; a display step of displaying the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated in the calculation step on a display unit; A measuring method comprising:

10. A measurement method for measuring the performance of a wireless unit constituting a base station of an Open RAN (Open Radio Access Network) that performs wireless communication using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing method, comprising: generating an RF signal for an uplink test to be transmitted to the wireless unit; a measuring step of measuring the power of the RF signal generated in the generating step; a receiving step of simulating a distributed unit of the base station and receiving the IQ packet via a fronthaul from the wireless unit that generated the IQ packet based on the RF signal; a calculation step of calculating a total IQ power level of all subcarriers in the IQ packet based on information of the IQ packet received in the receiving step, and calculating an IQ power level per subcarrier in the IQ packet based on the total IQ power level; a display step of displaying the IQ power level per subcarrier calculated in the calculation step on a display unit; A measuring method comprising:

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