Radio communications equipment

Description

Radio communications equipment is a broad term defined by 3GPP as telecommunications equipment that includes one or more transmitters and/or receivers and/or parts thereof, intended for use in fixed, mobile, or portable applications. This definition encompasses a wide range of devices, from user equipment (UE) such as mobile phones and IoT modules to base station equipment like eNodeBs, gNodeBs, and their components. The key characteristic is that the equipment can be operated with ancillary equipment (e.g., power supplies, antennas, cooling units) but is not dependent on such ancillary equipment for its basic functionality.

The definition is used across multiple 3GPP specifications, including 21.905 (Vocabulary), 25.113 (UTRAN base station EMC), 36.113 (E-UTRA base station EMC), and 37.113 (NR base station EMC). These specifications address electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for radio communications equipment, ensuring that such equipment does not cause harmful interference and is immune to interference from other sources. The term is thus foundational for regulatory compliance and testing.

In the context of 3GPP, radio communications equipment includes both user equipment and network infrastructure. For UE, it covers devices that transmit and receive radio signals to communicate with the network. For base stations, it includes the radio unit (RU), digital unit (DU), and associated components. The definition's emphasis on transmitters and receivers highlights the fundamental radio functionality, while the inclusion of 'parts thereof' allows for components like amplifiers, filters, and antennas to be considered as part of the equipment.

The phrase 'fixed, mobile or portable application' indicates the versatility of the term. Fixed equipment is installed at a permanent location (e.g., base station), mobile equipment is designed to be used while in motion (e.g., vehicle-mounted), and portable equipment is easily carried by a person (e.g., handheld phone). This classification is important for regulatory and testing purposes, as different requirements may apply.

The definition has remained unchanged since Rel-4, reflecting its stable and broad applicability. It serves as a common reference for manufacturers, operators, and regulators to ensure that radio equipment meets necessary performance and safety standards. As networks evolve to 5G and beyond, the term continues to apply to new equipment types, including massive MIMO antennas and mmWave devices.

Purpose & Motivation

The term 'radio communications equipment' exists to provide a clear, regulatory-friendly definition for equipment that transmits and/or receives radio signals. It was created to support electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) specifications and other regulatory requirements, ensuring that such equipment can coexist without causing harmful interference. The definition's breadth allows it to cover a wide array of devices, from simple receivers to complex base stations, without being tied to a specific technology or generation.

Historically, as mobile communications proliferated, the need for standardized terminology became evident to facilitate international trade and compliance. The definition addresses the problem of ambiguous descriptions by specifying that the equipment includes transmitters and/or receivers and can operate independently of ancillary equipment. This independence is crucial for testing and certification, as it clarifies what constitutes the core equipment versus optional accessories.

The term also supports the separation of radio equipment from other telecommunications equipment, such as switching or core network equipment, which may not have radio transmission capabilities. By focusing on the radio aspects, 3GPP can develop targeted specifications for EMC, safety, and performance. The definition's stability over releases underscores its fundamental nature and continued relevance in an evolving technological landscape.