Keysight Technologies Expands 5G Non‑Terrestrial Testing Capabilities in Partnership with Airbus UpNext

Keysight Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: KEY) today announced a strategic partnership with Airbus UpNext to facilitate ground‑based testing of a 5G satellite network demonstrator. The collaboration will employ Keysight’s advanced network emulation and performance measurement solutions to validate non‑terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities that are slated for deployment on an Airbus Low‑Earth‑Orbit (LEO) satellite. This initiative underscores Keysight’s expanding role in the evolution of 5G beyond traditional terrestrial infrastructures.

Technical Underpinnings of the Collaboration

Network Emulation Architecture

Keysight’s 5G NTN test platform is built on a multi‑domain, time‑accurate emulation engine that models core network functions (5G Core, User Plane Function, Session Management Function) alongside satellite link impairments (propagation delay, Doppler shift, path loss, and intermittent link availability). The platform leverages a modular FPGA‑based processing stack that achieves sub‑microsecond jitter, ensuring faithful reproduction of the 5G NR numerology (sub‑carrier spacing up to 240 kHz) and dynamic scheduling decisions across 5G slices.

The emulation engine is integrated with Keysight’s Advanced Network Test Solutions, enabling real‑time monitoring of key performance indicators (KPIs) such as RRC connection setup time, handover latency, and throughput under varying interference scenarios. By incorporating a configurable satellite channel model, the system can simulate both LEO and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) constellations, allowing Airbus to evaluate the impact of Doppler on uplink and downlink link budgets.

Measurement Instrumentation

To support the high‑frequency and high‑dynamic‑range requirements of 5G NTN testing, Keysight will deploy its 5G NR performance analyzer (PMA) series. The PMA features a 110 GHz frequency coverage, 100 dB instantaneous dynamic range, and 2 GHz bandwidth, enabling precise capture of sub‑carrier level power variations. When combined with the emulation engine, the PMA can quantify power‑delay profiles and error vector magnitudes (EVM) across the full 5G bandwidth, providing actionable data for link optimization.

The platform also integrates Keysight’s Time‑Domain Reflectometer (TDR) and Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) modules to characterize the RF front‑end of the satellite payload, ensuring that the hardware complies with stringent radiation hardness and thermal tolerance specifications required for LEO operation.

Manufacturing and Supply‑Chain Considerations

Component Selection and Reliability

The 5G NTN demonstrator demands robust hardware capable of operating under extreme temperature cycles (-40 °C to +85 °C) and radiation levels typical of LEO environments. Keysight’s use of radiation‑tolerant silicon‑on‑insulator (SOI) devices, along with hardened analog front‑ends, reduces the risk of single‑event upsets (SEUs). Additionally, the adoption of wide‑band MMICs fabricated in 7 nm FinFET technology improves power efficiency, a critical metric for satellite payloads where launch mass and thermal dissipation are constrained.

Manufacturing Trend Alignment

Both Keysight and Airbus are capitalizing on the shift towards contract manufacturing in advanced semiconductor fabs. The collaboration benefits from proximity to leading-edge EUV lithography facilities in Europe, which accelerate the production of high‑density RFICs. By leveraging regional manufacturing clusters, the partnership can reduce lead times for critical components such as power amplifiers and beamforming ASICs, mitigating the impact of the global semiconductor shortage that has affected the aerospace sector.

Supply‑Chain Resilience

Keysight’s dual sourcing strategy for key substrates (e.g., high‑resistivity float‑zone silicon and low‑temperature polyimide) ensures continuity of supply for the LEO demonstrator’s test hardware. This approach mitigates geopolitical risks associated with single‑source suppliers in Asia and aligns with Airbus’s own resilience initiatives, which prioritize diversified supplier bases for mission‑critical components.

Market Positioning and Product Development Cycle

5G NTN as a Strategic Growth Segment

The 5G NTN market is projected to reach multi‑billion‑dollar valuations within the next decade as operators seek to complement terrestrial 5G with global coverage. Keysight’s early entry into satellite testing positions it as a pivotal enabler for both aerospace manufacturers and telecom operators. The partnership with Airbus UpNext signals a commitment to developing a comprehensive test ecosystem that spans the entire 5G stack—from physical layer emulation to end‑to‑end performance validation.

Handheld LCR Meter Market Outlook

Concurrent with the NTN initiative, market analysts forecast steady growth in the handheld LCR meter segment. Factors driving this trend include the proliferation of IoT devices, the need for rapid field diagnostics, and the increasing complexity of RF front‑ends. Keysight’s portfolio—highlighted by the 850B series and the newer 850F handheld meters—offers advanced measurement capabilities such as frequency‑dependent loss characterization and phase noise analysis, giving the company a competitive edge.

The company’s expertise in electronic measurement equipment, coupled with its strong software analytics stack, positions Keysight to capture a larger share of this niche. Integration of AI‑based data analytics within the measurement suite can further enhance customer productivity by automatically identifying component faults and predicting failure modes.

Financial Implications and Investor Outlook

Investors will keenly monitor Keysight’s forthcoming earnings report to gauge the financial impact of the Airbus partnership and its broader implications for the 5G NTN and handheld meter markets. While the company’s stock has exhibited a moderate upward trajectory—approaching recent highs within the past year—it remains within the broader 52‑week performance range, reflecting a balanced risk‑return profile.

Key financial metrics of interest include:

  • Revenue Contribution from Emerging Markets: The NTN initiative may unlock new revenue streams tied to satellite testing services and licensing of emulation technology.
  • Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Allocation: Investments in RFIC development and high‑frequency test hardware could elevate CapEx, yet are justified by the projected long‑term market expansion.
  • Margin Impact: The high‑margin nature of software‑enabled test solutions and the premium pricing of LEO‑compatible hardware are expected to offset the cost of component sourcing and development.

Conclusion

Keysight Technologies’ partnership with Airbus UpNext marks a significant milestone in the maturation of 5G non‑terrestrial networks. By deploying sophisticated emulation platforms, precision measurement instrumentation, and resilient supply‑chain strategies, Keysight is poised to support the rigorous testing requirements of future LEO satellites. Simultaneously, the company’s leadership in handheld LCR meters ensures a solid footing within a steadily growing niche. For investors, the dual focus on cutting‑edge satellite testing and established measurement solutions suggests a diversified portfolio of growth opportunities, albeit tempered by the inherent capital intensity of high‑frequency hardware development.