At European Microwave Week (EUMW) in Paris, Rohde & Schwarz is presenting a proof-of-concept for 6G wireless data transmission based on a photonic THz communications link, showcasing its role in cutting-edge research for future wireless technologies. Developed as part of the 6G-ADLANTIK project, the ultra-stable and tunable THz system, built on frequency comb technology, achieves carrier frequencies exceeding 500 GHz.
As the journey towards 6G progresses, the development of terahertz (THz) transmission sources with high signal quality and broad frequency coverage is crucial. One potential solution lies in combining optical and electronic technologies. Rohde & Schwarz’s involvement in the 6G-ADLANTIK project demonstrates its commitment to advancing THz research.
The project focuses on creating components for the THz frequency range through photonic and electronic integration. These components will support not only 6G communications but also applications in sensing and imaging. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and led by Rohde & Schwarz, the project involves several partners, including TOPTICA Photonics, Fraunhofer HHI, Microwave Photonics, Technical University Berlin, and Spinner.
The proof-of-concept features a highly stable, tunable THz system for 6G wireless transmission using a photonic THz mixer. This system generates THz signals using frequency comb technology, where a photodiode converts an optical beat signal—produced by lasers with slightly different frequencies—into an electrical signal through photomixing.
An antenna structure surrounding the photomixer transforms the photocurrent into a THz wave. These signals can then be modulated and demodulated for 6G communications and are easily tunable across a wide frequency range. The system can also be extended to characterise components with coherently received THz signals. Additionally, the project includes the design of a THz waveguide architecture and the development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators.
The system’s ultra-low phase noise is achieved through a comb-locked optical frequency synthesiser (OFS) in the TOPTICA laser engine. Rohde & Schwarz has integrated several of its high-performance instruments into the setup, including the R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator, which provides the baseband signals for the optical modulator at a sample rate of 16 GS/s. The R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator ensures a stable reference clock for the TOPTICA OFS system, while the R&S RTP oscilloscope samples the baseband signal at 40 GS/s after the photoconductive continuous wave (CW) THz receiver, allowing further processing and demodulation of the 300 GHz carrier signal.
As 6G evolves, it will open up new application scenarios in industries, medical technology, and daily life. Innovations such as the metaverse and extended reality (XR) will demand unprecedented levels of data transmission and minimal latency, requirements that current networks cannot meet. While the ITU World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23) has identified new frequency bands in the FR3 spectrum (7.125 – 24 GHz) for early 6G networks expected by 2030, sub-THz frequencies up to 300 GHz will eventually be essential to fully realise the potential of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications.
Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its THz system for 6G at European Microwave Week 2024, alongside its comprehensive range of RF and microwave test solutions, at stand 401L in Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 24-26 September.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
