Rohde & Schwarz, a leading provider of test and measurement solutions, and the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN) in Lille, France, have joined forces to propel the development of Terahertz (THz) communications for future 6G networks. By combining electronic and photonic technologies, the collaborative research aims to bridge the gap between the millimeter wave and optical bands, bringing sub-THz communications systems closer to reality.
In a significant achievement, IEMN researchers successfully generated a 300 GHz bidirectional link spanning an impressive outdoor distance of 645 meters, showcasing the potential for 6G backhauling scenarios. A crucial component in this breakthrough was the R&S SMA100B microwave signal generator from Rohde & Schwarz. The ultra-low phase noise signal provided by the R&S SMA100B played a pivotal role in accelerating the research and development of THz communications for industrialization.
The advancement into the 6G era necessitates the exploration of new frequencies, and sub-THz communications systems operating in the 300 GHz band are emerging as a reality. To meet the urgent demand for instrumentation, testbeds, and metrology for these frequencies, Rohde & Schwarz and the IEMN team, led by Prof. Guillaume Ducournau, have been collaborating for several years to integrate Rohde & Schwarz’s test and measurement solutions with photonic technologies. Their research focuses on high-frequency measurements and aims to drive advancements in emerging 6G technologies.
As the E-band communications market approaches saturation, it is expected that backhaul frequencies will increase. Potential frequencies such as the D-band (110-170 GHz) are anticipated to enter the market by 2025, followed by the H-band or sub-THz bands up to 300 GHz after 2030. Therefore, the development of new architectures and test systems to characterize millimeter wave/THz performance at both the component and system levels is crucial to cater to these wireless trends.
The challenges at the higher end of the millimeter wave spectrum (300 GHz and beyond) require significant advancements in instrumentation. Notable progress has been made in vector network analyzers, signal and spectrum analyzer frontends, and sub-systems. IEMN utilizes state-of-the-art equipment such as the R&S ZNA vector network analyzer and frequency converters like the R&S ZC1100 to conduct cutting-edge THz component and system characterization.
Prof. Guillaume Ducournau, Head of THz Wireless Communications Research at IEMN, says, “With our expertise in THz technologies, such as optoelectronic THz photomixers, high-speed electronic receivers and THz instrumentation, we are committed to researching new 6G areas, developing prototypes, verifying technologies and proposing advanced measurement services for our collaborators. To cope with the challenges ahead, we are glad to continue and expand our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and develop a solid foundation for industrialization.”
One recent research collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz and IEMN proposed a super-heterodyne architecture, enabling channel aggregation from the V-band or E-band to the THz spectrum. This architecture utilizes frequency multiplication with a photonics-based local oscillator synchronized to a reference frequency. Rohde & Schwarz’s R&S SMA100B solution played a crucial role in providing an ultra-low phase noise reference signal, enabling spurious-free local oscillator feed signals for the THz upconverter/downconverter and limiting spurious tones in THz spectra.
The successful integration of THz frequency duplexing in the system allows for simultaneous transmission and reception at both ends using a single antenna pair. After thorough validation in the lab, the system was tested in Germany and France, achieving a record-breaking distance of 645 meters in the 300 GHz band during over-the-air tests with a transmission rate of 12.6 Gbps.
Rohde & Schwarz’s active participation in 6G research, collaborations with prestigious institutes, and contributions to industry alliances demonstrate their commitment to driving the future of wireless communications. With their extensive test and measurement expertise, they are playing a crucial role in paving the way for the commercial deployment of 6G networks by 2030. As a result, Rohde & Schwarz is positioned as a key player in shaping the next generation of wireless technology.
