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At European Microwave Week (EuMW) 2024 in Paris, Rohde & Schwarz is demonstrating a 6G wireless data transmission system built on a photonic THz communications link. This proof-of-concept represents the company’s latest contribution to cutting-edge 6G technology and THz frequency research. The system, developed within the 6G-ADLANTIK project, leverages frequency comb technology to achieve carrier frequencies surpassing 500 GHz, offering ultra-stable and tunable performance.
Pioneering THz Transmission for 6G
As the telecom industry moves toward 6G networks, it is crucial to develop terahertz (THz) transmission sources that provide high signal quality across wide frequency ranges. Combining optical and electronic technologies offers a promising route to achieve this goal. At EuMW 2024, Rohde & Schwarz will highlight its pivotal role in THz research through its work on 6G-ADLANTIK, a project focusing on the development of THz components for wireless communications, sensing, and imaging. Partners in this initiative include TOPTICA Photonics AG, Fraunhofer-Institut HHI, and other leading institutions, with funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF).
Advanced Photonics for 6G Wireless Data Transmission
The demonstrated system features a tunable, photonics-based THz system for 6G wireless communications, utilizing a photonic THz mixer. The system generates THz signals via frequency comb technology, converting optical beat signals into electrical signals through a photomixing process. This enables high-performance modulation and demodulation for 6G data transfer across an extended frequency range, ideal for future 6G applications. The system also supports component characterization with coherently received THz signals, expanding its use for THz waveguide simulation and the development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators.
Key instruments from Rohde & Schwarz include the R&S®SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator, R&S®SMA100B RF signal generator, and R&S®RTP oscilloscope, all of which will be demonstrated at EuMW 2024.
Meeting 6G Frequency Requirements
As 6G evolves, new applications in industries like medical technology, extended reality (XR), and the metaverse will demand faster data transmission and lower latency. Although WRC23 has identified new frequency bands (FR3: 7.125 – 24 GHz) for commercial 6G deployment in 2030, the sub-THz frequency band (up to 300 GHz) will be critical for unlocking the full potential of VR, AR, and MR applications.
Rohde & Schwarz will present its 6G THz system and other RF and microwave test solutions at EuMW 2024, from September 24-26 at Booth 401L, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Additionally, Rohde & Schwarz will co-host a workshop titled “Photonic Technologies for Radio Frequency Applications” at the European Microwave Conference (EuMC) on September 22, 2024. This workshop will explore the maturity, performance, and cost-effectiveness of photonic RF technologies in comparison to traditional solutions.
