Keysight Demonstrates 5G-Advanced AI-Powered Channel State Information Compression and Paves the Way for 6G

As 5G-Advanced networks use more antennas and wider channels, CSI becomes increasingly important in how the network steers beams and selects the right transmission settings. However, sending more detailed CSI can increase uplink reporting overhead, especially for higher-layer MIMO, creating a tradeoff between performance and signaling efficiency.

To address this, Keysight and Qualcomm Technologies tested a mobile test platform powered by a Qualcomm^® 5G Modem-RF, together with Keysight’s network emulation solutions in a repeatable lab environment. Under fixed CSI feedback constraints, the ML-based compression method provided a more efficient channel representation than the standardized eType II method while maintaining the information needed for accurate beamforming and link decisions. The result supports scalable advanced MIMO configurations and contributes to industry work exploring AI-native physical-layer enhancements for future 6G wireless systems.

Tingfang Ji, Vice President of Engineering and Head of 6G Research at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., said: “Efficient CSI feedback is fundamental as antenna dimensions and spatial layers increase. This demonstration shows how Qualcomm’s advanced machine learning algorithms can significantly improve downlink performance over conventional eType II CSI reporting, supporting continued 5G-Advanced innovation and laying the foundation for future AI-native 6G systems.”

Lucas Hansen, Vice President and General Manager, Wireless Test Group, Keysight, said: “AI-native enhancements at the physical layer are essential to scaling next-generation wireless networks. By combining Qualcomm’s modem test platform with our AI-enabled base station emulation solutions, we are enabling rigorous evaluation of ML-based CSI compression and its impact on advanced MIMO performance and 6G research directions.”

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About Keysight Technologies

At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.