Rikei Corporation (Head Office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Tetsuo Kuroda; hereinafter “Rikei”) announces that it has concluded a support and maintenance agreement with EMITE Ing (Head Office: Spain, CEO: David A. Sánchez-Hernández; hereinafter “EMITE”) and NetWell Corporation (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Itaru Enomoto; hereinafter “NetWell”). Based on this agreement, Rikei will handle the support and maintenance of the 8×8 MIMO Analyzer.

Market Background

Today, multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology is commonly used in wireless communications. With this technology, the receiver and the transmitter each employ multiple antennas to improve the quality of communication. At the moment, the 2×2 MIMO and the 4×4 MIMO are employed. For the next-generation 5G communication format, the 8×8 MIMO technology, which uses eight antennas for reception and another eight for transmission, has been made the standard. This form of MIMO technology is considered to provide even faster communication.
EMITE’s 8×8 MIMO(*1) Analyzer supports 5G communication, which will be the mainstream format in the future. There will be a high level of demand from a number of communication equipment manufacturers when this format is adopted.

Rikei focuses its efforts on handling products for next-generation communication formats that are expected to become widespread in the future. It has started handling tools for the optimal positioning of mobile base stations and conducting marketing promotions in this market. Earning high marks for its wealth of experience in special equipment maintenance, Rikei signed an agreement with EMITE, the manufacturer, and NetWell, EMITE’s distributor, in which Rikei will cover part of the product support and maintenance services.

NetWell recently won an order for EMITE’s product from Panasonic Corporation. Based on the agreement, Rikei will commence support and maintenance of the product for Panasonic Corporation this fall.

*1)MIMO: A wireless communication technology that combines multiple antennas to increase the data transmission and reception bandwidth, such as for the purpose of increasing the communication speed of wireless LAN.

Main Product Features

8×8 MIMO Analyzer Series E500

The E500 Series is a revolutionary indoor-type compact MIMO testing device that incorporates the method for evaluating an over-the-air (OTA) connection. This type of connection is currently being studied by the 3GPP(* 2), CTIA(* 3), and other standardization bodies.The E500 8×8 MIMO Analyzer achieves a greater level of cost reductions than other existing OTA measuring systems.

*2)3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project): A standardization project that studies and formulates specifications for third-generation (3G) mobile phone systems, the subsequent long-term evolution (LTE) format for 3.9-generation mobile communication systems, and the LTE-Advanced format for fourth-generation (4G) mobile communication systems.

*3)CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association): An international industrial organization set up in 1984. It consists of over 300 businesses engaged in mobile phone and other forms of mobile and wireless communication.

Support and Maintenance Details

Portion of the manufacturer’s maintenance

• Replacement of parts on site
• Maintenance work together with the manufacturer on site

Maintenance work and response to inquiries

• Response by email
• Analysis of specific problems upon request
• Response to test case problems
• Response to required enhancements
• Verification of system configuration
• Handling of requests for hardware repairs
• Support of software upgrades and releases
• Response to specific carrier test plans

Regular inspection

• Inspection work carried out together with the manufacturer on site

About EMITE Ing

EMITE is a technological spin-off company founded in December 2006 in Spain by the Microwave, Radiocommunications and Electromagnetism (GIMRE) Research Group and Electromagnetic Interaction with Matter (GEM) Research Group of the Technical University of Cartagena in Spain.

About NetWell Corporation

About Rikei Corporation

Established in 1957, Rikei Corporation is a solution provider for the IT and electronics industries.
Rikei offers a wide variety of solutions centered on the world’s cutting edge technologies and advanced products in the fields of system solutions, such as entrance exam and educational affairs systems and IT infrastructure, business strategy, and information security solutions. It also provides network solutions, such as satellite communication data transfer systems, digital video transfer systems, network systems for telecommunication operators and other private companies, wireless access systems, and disaster management information systems. In addition to solutions, Rikei provides electronic components and devices, such as high frequency components, high performance adhesives for industrial use, testers for automotive audio and navigation equipment, power grid analysis systems, defense-related machinery and security systems.

* Product names and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.