Discover How WFC725A Extends RFSoC to FR3 - Live at IMS 2026

Why It Matters

Extending RFSoC to FR3 provides a cost‑effective, software‑defined test solution for emerging millimeter‑wave standards, accelerating product development across the telecom ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• RFSoC platform now supports FR3 frequencies beyond 7 GHz
• Demonstration pairs Mitsubishi GaN Doherty PA with Wupatec measurement board
• Integrated DPD and CFR enable real‑time digital linearization
• Live demo showcases end‑to‑end 5G‑Advanced/6G testing workflow
• Solution reduces hardware costs for mmWave signal validation

Pulse Analysis

The rapid rollout of 5G‑Advanced and the emerging 6G roadmap has pushed millimeter‑wave (FR3) frequencies into the mainstream of mobile broadband. Traditional test equipment for FR3—often bulky vector signal generators and spectrum analyzers—adds significant cost and complexity to development cycles. Xilinx’s RFSoC family, originally limited to 7 GHz, offers a programmable, software‑defined alternative that consolidates generation, acquisition, and processing on a single silicon platform. Extending this capability into the 24 GHz‑40 GHz FR3 band promises a more agile, cost‑effective testing ecosystem for chip designers and network operators.

At IEEE IMS 2026, Wupatec teamed with Mitsubishi Electric to demonstrate precisely that extension. The setup couples Mitsubishi’s GaN Doherty power‑amplifier module—renowned for high efficiency at millimeter‑wave—with Wupatec’s RFSoC‑based measurement platform and a custom FR3 Extension Board. The live showcase generated wideband FR3 signals, captured them in real time, and applied digital predistortion (DPD) alongside carrier frequency reduction (CFR) directly on the FPGA fabric. This end‑to‑end workflow validates not only signal fidelity but also the feasibility of on‑chip linearization for next‑generation PA testing.

The implications for the RF test market are substantial. By leveraging a single RFSoC chassis with an FR3 extension, OEMs can slash capital expenditures, accelerate design‑in‑time, and streamline firmware updates across multiple frequency bands. Telecom operators, who must validate massive antenna arrays and beam‑forming algorithms, gain a flexible, software‑driven tool that scales with evolving standards. Early adopters can also leverage the platform’s open‑source toolchain for rapid prototyping. As 5G‑Advanced deployments mature and 6G research intensifies, solutions that bridge the gap between baseband flexibility and mmWave performance are likely to become industry staples.