What is 5G NR ARFCN?
5G NR ARFCN stands for 5G New Radio Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number. It is a unique code (integer) that specifies the exact central frequency of a radio channel used for transmitting and receiving 5G signals.
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Raster Analysis
5G NR ARFCN Calculator (3GPP Compliant)
Professional-grade 5G NR frequency to ARFCN converter. Supports global frequency rasters for FR1 (Sub-7GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) according to TS 38.101 specifications.
Conversion Parameters
MHz
Standard 3GPP Reference Bands
Frequency Analysis Console
Waiting for Data Input...
Frequently Asked Questions (5G Spectrum)
What is the difference between ARFCN and GSCN?
ARFCN defines the center frequency of the data channel (where your internet traffic goes). GSCN (Global Synchronization Channel Number) defines the location of the synchronization block (SSB), which is the "beacon" the phone looks for to find the network. The SSB is not always in the center of the channel, so it needs its own identifier.
Is NR-ARFCN the same as LTE EARFCN?
Conceptually, yes, they both identify frequencies. However, they use different numbering schemes and formulas. You cannot use an LTE EARFCN number in a 5G system; the values are completely different.
Where are 5G NR ARFCNs defined?
In 3GPP specifications, mainly: TS 38.104 (Base station RF requirements) and TS 38.101 (User equipment RF requirements).
What frequency ranges does 5G NR ARFCN cover?
5G NR covers FR1 (~410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and FR2 (~24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). Each range has a specific global frequency raster step (5kHz, 15kHz, or 60kHz).
3GPP Technical Reference: NR Global Raster
Algorithm & Methodology
NR-ARFCN uniquely identifies each channel in the 5G NR frequency spectrum based on the global frequency raster defined in 3GPP standards.
Frequency to NR-ARFCN Formula
F_REF = F_REF-Offs + ΔF_Global (N_REF – N_REF-Offs)
F_REF: Center Frequency (MHz)
N_REF: NR-ARFCN Number
ΔF_Global: Global Raster Step (kHz)
FR1 sub-3 GHz (0-600000)5 kHz RASTER
FR1 mid-band (600000-2016666)15 kHz RASTER
FR2 mmWave (2016667-3279165)60 kHz RASTER
Compliance & Standards
Official Specs
Our calculations are strictly derived from 3GPP TS 38.101-1 (FR1) and TS 38.101-2 (FR2). We incorporate release 15, 16, and 17 band arrangements.
Raster Alignment
The global NR frequency raster defines the mapping between the frequency and the NR-ARFCN for any frequency ranging from 0 MHz to 100 GHz.
3GPP Specification Badges
TS 38.101-1TS 38.101-2TS 38.104TS 38.211
Runtime Engineering Logs
Historical buffer initialized and ready
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