In European Microwave Week, Paris, Rohde & Schwarz is presenting the proof-of-concept for 6G wireless data transmission system based on a photonic THz communications link, demonstrating its commitment to innovative research for next-generation wireless technologies.
Based on frequency comb technology, the 6G-ADLANTIK project produced an ultra-stable, adjustable THz system that allows carrier frequencies well above 500 GHz.
The development of terahertz (THz) transmission sources with good signal quality and broad frequency coverage is crucial for the transition to 6G. One approach to do this in the future is combining electronics and optical technology.
Rohde & Schwarz is presenting the company’s contribution to cutting edge THz research as part of the 6G-ADLANTIK project at European Microwave Week (EuMW) 2024 in Paris. The goal of this project is to develop photonic and electronic integrated components for the THz frequency range.
These as-yet-undeveloped THz components can then be used in novel measurements and faster data transfers. These components will find use in imaging and sensing as well as 6G communications.
The partners of 6G-ADLANTIK, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and coordinated by Rohde & Schwarz, are TOPTICA Photonics AG, Fraunhofer-Institut HHI, Microwave Photonics GmbH, Technical University Berlin, and Spinner GmbH.
Photonics-based ultra-stable tunable THz system for 6G
Based on a photonic THz mixer, the proof-of-concept demonstrates an ultra-stable, adjustable THz system for 6G wireless data transfer that allows the generation of THz signals using frequency comb technology.
Using a photomixing process, a photodiode effectively transforms an optical beat signal produced by lasers with marginally differing optical frequencies into an electrical signal in this method.
A THz wave is produced by the antenna structure encircling the photomixer and translating the oscillating photocurrent. The resulting signals are easily tunable over a wide frequency range and can be modulated and demodulated for 6G wireless communications.
The system that is being demonstrated can also be extended to use coherently receive THz signals for component characterization. The project’s scope also includes the design and simulation of a THz waveguide architecture and the development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators.
The TOPTICA laser engine’s comb-locked optical frequency synthesizer (OFS) allows for the system’s exceptionally low phase noise. The setup includes high-end Rohde & Schwarz instruments: The baseband signals for the optical modulator are generated at a sample rate of 16 GS/s by the R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator.
The TOPTICA OFS system receives a steady reference clock signal from the R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator.
After the photoconductive continuous wave (cw) THz receiver (Rx) at a sample rate of 40 GS/s, the R&S RTP oscilloscope captures the baseband signal for subsequent processing and demodulation of the 300 GHz carrier frequency signal, which will be demonstrated at EuMW 2024.
6G and Next Frequency Band Needs
New application scenarios in industry in medical technology, and daily life will be made possible by 6G. Applications such as extended reality (XR) and the metaverse will impose additional latency and data transfer rate requirements that the existing communications networks are unable to handle.
While new frequency bands in the FR3 spectrum (7.125 – 24 GHz) were identified for further study at the ITU World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23), the sub-THz frequency band up to 300 GHz will eventually be indispensable to realize the full potential of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) applications for the first commercial 6G networks to be launched in 2030.
From September 24 to 26, 2024, Rohde & Schwarz will have their proof-of-concept for a photonics-based THz system for 6G on display at booth 401L in Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, along with a comprehensive range of RF and microwave test solutions.
Furthermore, on September 22, 2024, at the European Microwave Conference (EuMC), Rohde & Schwarz will co-host a full-day workshop titled Photonic Technologies for Radio Frequency Applications. The workshop will cover a variety of topics, including the costs, performance, and maturity of photonic RF technologies as well as their potential to compete with currently available solutions.
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