Rohde & Schwarz is leading the charge in 6G wireless technology with the unveiling of a groundbreaking photonic terahertz (THz) communication system at European Microwave Week 2024 in Paris. Developed as part of the 6G-ADLANTIK project, the system uses frequency comb technology to enable carrier frequencies well beyond 500 GHz, setting new benchmarks in wireless data transmission.
Combining Optical and Electronic Technologies for 6G
As the world moves toward 6G, one of the primary challenges is creating terahertz transmission sources capable of delivering high signal quality across a wide frequency range. The solution may lie in a hybrid approach, combining optical and electronic technologies. At EuMW 2024, Rohde & Schwarz showcased its contribution to 6G research, presenting components for the THz frequency range based on photonic and electronic integration.
This breakthrough system can facilitate data transfer at unprecedented speeds and could also be adapted for use in sensing and imaging technologies. The 6G-ADLANTIK project is backed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) and involves a consortium of leading companies and institutions, including TOPTICA Photonics AG, Fraunhofer-Institut HHI, Microwave Photonics GmbH, Technical University Berlin, and Spinner GmbH.
The Photonic THz System: A Major Leap Forward for Wireless Technology
The new photonic THz communication system unveiled by Rohde & Schwarz represents a significant leap forward for 6G. The system relies on a THz mixer that generates THz signals based on frequency comb technology. A critical part of this system is a photodiode, which converts an optical beat signal from lasers with slightly different frequencies into an electrical signal via a photomixing process. The generated THz signals can be modulated and demodulated, enabling wireless communications at ultra-high frequencies.
Additionally, the system features tunability across a wide frequency range, making it versatile for various applications. Its ultra-low phase noise is achieved through a comb-locked optical frequency synthesizer (OFS) integrated within the TOPTICA laser engine.
High-End Equipment Paves the Way for 6G
The success of the photonic THz system is in part due to high-end equipment from Rohde & Schwarz. Several instruments play a crucial role in the system’s functionality:
- R&S SFI100A Wideband IF Vector Signal Generator: Creates the baseband signals for the optical modulator, with a sample rate of 16 GS/s.
- R&S SMA100B RF and Microwave Signal Generator: Generates a stable reference clock signal for the TOPTICA OFS system, ensuring precision in signal generation.
- R&S RTP Oscilloscope: Samples the baseband signal after receiving the continuous wave (cw) THz signal at a rate of 40 GS/s, essential for processing and demodulation at 300 GHz.
Together, these instruments form a robust and reliable setup for generating, processing, and testing THz signals, which are critical for future 6G wireless communication.
Expanding the Scope: THz Components for Sensing and Imaging
The THz system developed within the 6G-ADLANTIK project isn’t limited to just communications. It can also be used for advanced component characterization through coherent THz signal reception. The development of ultra-low phase noise photonic reference oscillators and a THz waveguide architecture is also part of the project’s research goals.
In the long term, these components could revolutionize sectors like sensing and imaging, offering a glimpse into how 6G technology will transcend traditional communication applications.
Meeting Future Frequency Band Requirements for 6G
As 6G continues to evolve, the frequency bands needed for its applications will become a key focus. While the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Radio Conference 2023 (WRC23) has identified new frequency bands in the FR3 spectrum (7.125 – 24 GHz) for the initial rollout of 6G by 2030, the full potential of 6G will only be realized when frequencies in the sub-THz range up to 300 GHz are unlocked.
These higher frequencies will be crucial for future applications like the metaverse, extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). These applications will require ultra-low latency and extremely high data transmission rates, far beyond what current 5G systems can provide.
Rohde & Schwarz at European Microwave Week 2024
At European Microwave Week 2024, Rohde & Schwarz is showcasing its proof-of-concept for the photonic THz system for 6G, alongside its wide range of RF and microwave test solutions. The exhibit takes place at Booth 401L at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from September 24 to 26, 2024.
In addition to the exhibition, Rohde & Schwarz is co-hosting a full-day workshop titled “Photonic Technologies for Radio Frequency Applications” at the European Microwave Conference (EuMC) on September 22, 2024. This workshop will delve into the maturity, performance, and costs of photonic RF technologies, and assess their potential to outcompete existing solutions.
Conclusion
The proof-of-concept for a 6G photonic THz communication system unveiled by Rohde & Schwarz marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless technology. By integrating photonic and electronic technologies, this system can deliver ultra-high-frequency wireless data transmission, making it a key player in the race toward 6G. As applications such as the metaverse, VR, and AR become more mainstream, the need for higher frequencies and faster data transfer rates will only intensify, solidifying the importance of the THz frequency range in future communication systems.