Viavi Solutions 5G frequency band test units

Viavi Solutions is offering support for verifying the existence of any interference between 5G communications networks and radar altimeters used in the aviation industry.

Any potential interference would occur in a narrow band of radio frequency, one that is technically not even part of the C-band (3.7–3.98 GHz) being utilised by communication service providers. Radar altimeter (RADALT) systems use the 4.2–4.4 GHz band. However, there is potential for interference from the edges of these bands, which can be mitigated by testing and adjusting both 5G networks and RADALT systems prior to live deployment.

The ALT-9000 provides altitude simulations with true RF time delay and path loss models to test any format of RADALT system including Low Probability of Intercept (LPI), Combined Altitude Radar Altimeter (CARA) and Next Generation variants. Its test procedures and workflows assess, evaluate and monitor RADALT vulnerability to any potential 5G interference.

The OneAdvisor 800 provides real-time spectrum analysis for the 5G C-band range of frequency with 2D and 3D spectrogram plot. It monitors and detects channel leakage and frequency bleeding as well as spurious emissions that potentially can impact RADALT operations.

The Ranger provides broadband recording and playback of RF signal environments. The Ranger records real-world 5G signals and plays them back into RADALT devices during tests to simulate 5G C-band interference. When used in conjunction with the ALT-9000 and One Advisor 800, the Ranger enables advanced testing under real-world conditions.