This advanced technology is said to have the potential to significantly 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 Digital ET technology.
While advanced ICs have improved the performance of mobile devices in recent years reducing their power consumption remains a challenge. Traditional hardware manufacturing and analogue methods have limitations in improving power efficiency for broadband signals like 5G and future 6G, so 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 has been developed by using the company’s proprietary power management integrated circuit (PMIC) and a digital pre-distortion (DPD) algorithm, to reduce an RF circuit’s power consumption effectively.
To allow IC manufacturers to better understand the capabilities of Murata's Digital ET technology and to make more informed decisions, Murata has partnered with test and measurement specialists 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 digitises and optimises the voltage required by the RF circuit, supports broadband signals such as 5G, and helps to curb excessive power consumption.
Murata's DPD algorithm achieves further reduction in power consumption through minimising 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 (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 analyser – 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 and the FPGA board outputs control signals while calculating the DPD and controls the PMIC output voltage, so 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.
Commenting Mehdi Ben Frej, Sales Director Global RF Components at Rohde & Schwarz, said, “Through this collaboration, we have made the potential of Murata's Digital Envelope Tracking technology in reducing power consumption more accessible. Our state-of-the-art RF instruments supporting Murata's advanced Digital ET technology, constitute a robust system for showcasing the potential of power-efficient mobile devices of the next generation.”
“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,” said Kenichi Shibano, General Manager RFFE Technical Marketing Dept., RF Device Division at Murata. “We are confident that this RF measurement system will be instrumental in the development of more sustainable and power-efficient mobile communications systems.”
Both companies will be demonstrating this technology at Mobile World Congress 2025 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona.
