Rohde & Schwarz and Murata jointly enhance power efficiency of 5G and 6G devices through Digital Envelope Tracking

Rohde & Schwarz and Murata jointly enhance power efficiency of 5G and 6G devices through Digital Envelope Tracking Murata Manufacturing is launching the world's first Digital Envelope Tracking (Digital ET) technology. This advanced technology has the potential to considerably reduce power consumption of advanced RF circuits for 5G and future 6G devices, contributing towards more energy efficiency in various applications. Rohde & Schwarz and Murata have combined their technology and expertise to develop a sophisticated RF measurement setup that demonstrates the capabilities of this novel Digital ET technology.

RF measurement setup to demonstrate the capabilities of Murata's Digital ET technology. (Image: Murata)

Advanced ICs have improved the performance of mobile devices in recent years but reducing their power consumption remains a challenge. Traditional hardware manufacturing and analog methods have limitations in improving power efficiency for broadband signals like 5G and future 6G. Thus, combining signal processing techniques with digital power management technology for efficient RF circuit control is essential for further energy reduction.

Murata's Digital Envelope Tracking technology, realized through Murata's proprietary power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and a digital pre-distortion (DPD) algorithm, reduces an RF circuit's power consumption effectively. To allow IC manufacturers to experience the capabilities of Muratas novel Digital ET technology and make informed decisions for their development processes, Murata has partnered with test and measurement expert Rohde & Schwarz to develop a highly reliable, high-precision RF measurement setup that bridges the gap between theoretical software potential and practical hardware application.

Designed specifically for Digital ET applications, Murata's PMIC digitizes and optimizes the voltage required by the RF circuit, supports broadband signals such as 5G, and helps to curb excessive power consumption. Muratas DPD algorithm achieves further reduction in power consumption through minimizing distortion and noise in the RF circuit. The DPD algorithm is most effective when incorporated into the BBIC/RFIC on the product. The RF measurement system verifies the technology's capabilities on realistic hardware, so that IC development teams of platform manufacturers can make informed decisions and collaborate effectively and quickly with Murata. This advanced solution integrates Murata's innovative hardware with sophisticated Digital ET capabilities from Eta Wireless Inc. (a Murata subsidiary since 2021).

The RF measurement system consists of the advanced 5G NR-capable test instruments from Rohde & Schwarz - the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator along with a specifically developed software and R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer - and Murata's FPGA board with the DPD algorithm implemented, the PMIC/Tracker Module that supplies voltage according to the Digital ET technology, and software that controls them. The test instruments support diverse communications standards, test methods, frequency bands and modulation. The FPGA board outputs control signals while calculating the DPD and controls the PMIC output voltage, thus achieving highly efficient transmission. This setup enables IC manufacturers to explore the impact of Digital ET and DPD across various applications, helping to drive system development.

Mehdi Ben Frej, Sales Director Global RF Components at Rohde & Schwarz, says: Through this collaboration, we have made the potential of Muratas Digital Envelope Tracking technology in reducing power consumption more accessible. Our state-of-the-art RF instruments supporting Muratas advanced Digital ET technology, constitute a robust system for showcasing the potential of power-efficient mobile devices of the next generation.

Kenichi Shibano, General Manager RFFE Technical Marketing Dept., RF Device Division at Murata, says: Our partnership with Rohde & Schwarz has allowed us to bring our Digital ET technology to the forefront, demonstrating our customers its full potential for their practical applications. We are confident that this RF measurement system will be instrumental in the development of more sustainable and power-efficient mobile communications systems.

Rohde & Schwarz will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of test and measurement and industry solutions for the mobile ecosystem at Mobile World Congress 2025 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80. Visitors are invited to connect with the company's experts.

Smart, sustainable societies depend on high-speed but energy-efficient data transmission, and Murata's Digital ET technology, supported by the Digital ET measurement system, will help engineers drive network performance while reducing energy consumption. For further information on Murata's Digital ET technology, please visit hall 5, booth 5D66 at MWC 2025, alternatively contact a local Murata sales representative.

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