In order to demonstrate the potential of network energy saving (NES) in open radio access networks (O-RAN), Analog Devices has partnered with Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions. The two T&M companies combined O-RU test solution, which confirms the low power consumption of Analog Devices’ new Titan O-RU platform in accordance with ETSI regulations, will be on display at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. OPEX and energy usage in O-RAN integrations are greatly decreased with the use of these network energy-saving tests.
At MWC 2025, Analog Devices unveiled its new Titan O-RU platform, which uses less energy. With the help of micro-sleep DTX, which can conserve up to 40% of energy when traffic is light, the platform is powered by the ADTV906x Radio Unit.
Using a thorough test solution from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions, the Titan O-RU is validated in a live demonstration under various time-distributed traffic scenarios in accordance with the ETSI 202 706-1 specification in order to track the platform’s energy usage.
This test solution is based on the TM500 O-RU Tester and O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA) from VIAVI Solutions, as well as the R&S RTO6 oscilloscope and R&S NGP power supply from Rohde & Schwarz.
Energy efficiency is a top priority for mobile network operators in order to maximize costs and meet net-zero targets. In mobile systems, radio units (O-RU) are the biggest contributors to the radio access network (RAN), which is the primary energy consumer. The objective is to maintain good quality of service (QoS) for subscribers while making O-RAN networks energy efficient.
Reducing energy usage requires advancements in RF signal processing and energy-saving algorithms. Techniques that dynamically deactivate resources in real time during periods of low data transmission, such as carrier or cell ON/OFF, RF reconfiguration, and micro-sleep DTX, help save power.
An entirely automated method for confirming RU and O-RU energy efficiency is the O-RU test setup from Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions. It streamlines O-RU R&D and conformance testing as a real single point of control (SPOC) solution.
The R&S RTO6 oscilloscope with the corresponding current and high-voltage differential probes and the R&S NGP power supply serve as the foundation for the solution. VIAVI’s O-RU Test Manager Application (O-RU TMA) controls and completely automates it.
Rohde & Schwarz’s R&S RTO6 oscilloscope tracks the trigger signal from Analog Devices’ Titan O-RU platform. For closely time-correlating power consumption dynamics to variations in the transmitted radio frequency signal, it is the perfect technique. A high-definition (HD) mode makes it simple to visualize and trigger signals with up to 16-bit resolutions, while a high input sensitivity and extremely low intrinsic noise allow for accurate measurements.
The Titan O-RU platform is powered by the Rohde & Schwarz R&S NGP power supply, which also continually measures voltage and current over time. With a time resolution of 8 ms, it precisely measures the total power consumption and provides a steady output to the device-under-test (DUT). Faster data entry and a real-time statistical display are made possible by its user-friendly interface and huge touchscreen.
For network energy efficiency testing, VIAVI Solutions’ TM500 O-RU Tester offers O-DU emulation in addition to a pre-configured library for TDD/FDD traffic loads as specified by ETSI ES 202 706-1. The O-RAN ALLIANCE Fronthaul Working Group Conformance test specification (O-RAN.WG4.CONF.), ETSI test cases (ES 202 706-2), or user-specific test scripts are used by the VIAVI O-RU TMA to carry out energy efficiency tests.
Leadership Comments
Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “We’re proud to partner with VIAVI Solutions and Analog Devices to showcase the new Titan O-RU platform at MWC 2025. Our comprehensive O-RU test solution simplifies the energy efficiency verification process and sets a new standard for R&D and conformance testing. We are committed to driving sustainability in the industry and demonstrating how our technology can help shape the future of energy-efficient networks.”
John Oates, Director of Wireless System Engineering at Analog Devices, says: “Reducing energy consumption is the number one request we hear from Mobile Network Operators. ADI’s Radio technologies’ have added Energy Saving Features including microsleep DTx/DRx. Through our engagement with R&S and Viavi, we are able to quantify the energy savings achieved from our technology, providing measured results to our customers.”
Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI Solutions present network energy saving O-RAN testing in collaboration with Analog Devices live at Mobile World Congress 2025 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona in hall 5, booth 5A80.
Further Info on Network Energy Saving (NES) Test Solutions from Rohde & Schwarz: CLICK HERE
