MIMO RFIC Test Architectures

This paper discusses the practical constraints of testing Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) devices in a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) topology. Techniques to optimize test equipment setup and operation for MIMO architectures are detailed. Because RFICs are tested at a device level, this paper focuses on MIMO compliance testing and characterization within a cabled RF environment without open-air antennas. The IEEE 802.11 WLAN protocol is used as an example to detail the theory, specific use cases, and test scenarios.