Summary of ROHDE & SCHWARZ ENABLES SUB-THZ ULTRA WIDEBAND SIGNAL ANALYSIS
Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates multi-gigabit data transmission at 140 GHz in the D-Band using an ultra-wide bandwidth setup. This research explores sub-THz frequencies with an 8.3 GHz internal analysis capability, essential for future mobile technologies exceeding current 5G standards. The system utilizes over-the-air testing to characterize RF frontends, supporting modulation formats and bandwidths required by emerging standards like IEEE 802.11ay.
Parts used in the 140 GHz Data Transmission Project:
- R&S FSW high-end signal and spectrum analyzer
- R&S FSW-B8001 option (8.3 GHz internal analysis bandwidth)
- R&S TC RSE converter box
- R&S SMA100B analog signal generator
- Horn antenna (transmitting)
- Horn antenna (receiving)
- R&S NGP800 four-channel power supply
- R&S ATS1000 antenna test system
Rohde & Schwarz is paving the way for research in the terahertz frequency range by demonstrating multi gigabit data transmission in the D-Band at 140 GHz. The setup features the R&S FSW high-end signal and spectrum analyzer equipped with an R&S FSW-B8001 option, supporting an unparalleled 8.3 GHz internal analysis bandwidth. This new hardware option will be available soon from Rohde & Schwarz.
Developments in mobile technology are moving constantly towards increasing bandwidths, enabling increasingly high data throughput. The Rohde & Schwarz setup represents some of the first research exploring data transmission at sub-THz frequencies featuring ultra-wide bandwidths.
In the setup, a wideband-baseband signal is upconverted to the selected 140 GHz frequency via a R&S TC RSE converter box. The world’s leading analog signal generator, the R&S SMA100B, provides the local oscillator frequency to the upconverter. The transmission is carried out over-the-air, with the converter connected to a horn antenna. The transmitted signal is received via another horn antenna and downconverted. The R&S FSW featuring the new, unique 8.3 GHz bandwidth option R&S FSW-B8001 analyzes the signal, carrying out signal quality measurements such as error vector magnitude (EVM) to assess the performance of the transmission. Various common modulation formats are demonstrated. The new four-channel power supply R&S NGP800 by Rohde & Schwarz plays a vital role powering various parts and components in this setup.
Rohde & Schwarz supports starting research at THz frequencies
As wireless communications and sensing technologies are advancing, the need for higher bandwidths is becoming apparent. These developments push the frequency boundaries into the sub-THz and THz frequency range and, continuing the process started with 5G, make testing over-the-air (OTA) mandatory. At these frequencies, RF frontends become even more integrated, and their characterization in terms of signal quality (EVM) and out-of-band emission (ACLR, SEM, spurious) requires a flexible OTA test setup, covering a wide frequency range, from microwave and mmWave to sub-THz.
The proposed setup can easily be installed into the R&S ATS1000 antenna test system. This enables design engineers to characterize RF frontend prototypes and reference designs intended to be used in future devices that support cellular and non-cellular technologies and are using much wider bandwidths. For example, IEEE’s 802.11ay standard allows channel bonding that creates a signal with more than 8 GHz of bandwidth already today. The R&S FSW is currently the only signal and spectrum analyzer in the world supporting the needed bandwidth internally for such applications, significantly facilitating complex setups in R&D.
Read more: ROHDE & SCHWARZ ENABLES SUB-THZ ULTRA WIDEBAND SIGNAL ANALYSIS
- What frequency range does the Rohde & Schwarz setup explore?
The setup explores data transmission at sub-THz frequencies, specifically demonstrating multi gigabit data transmission in the D-Band at 140 GHz. - How is the wideband-baseband signal upconverted to 140 GHz?
A R&S TC RSE converter box upconverts the wideband-baseband signal to the selected 140 GHz frequency. - Which device provides the local oscillator frequency for the upconverter?
The world's leading analog signal generator, the R&S SMA100B, provides the local oscillator frequency to the upconverter. - Does the setup support over-the-air transmission?
Yes, the transmission is carried out over-the-air, connecting the converter to a horn antenna for both transmitting and receiving signals. - What specific bandwidth option does the R&S FSW feature for this project?
The R&S FSW features the unique 8.3 GHz bandwidth option R&S FSW-B8001. - Can this setup be installed into an existing antenna test system?
Yes, the proposed setup can easily be installed into the R&S ATS1000 antenna test system. - Which standard allows channel bonding creating a signal with more than 8 GHz of bandwidth?
IEEE's 802.11ay standard allows channel bonding that creates a signal with more than 8 GHz of bandwidth. - What role does the R&S NGP800 play in this setup?
The new four-channel power supply R&S NGP800 plays a vital role powering various parts and components in this setup.
