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Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs to demonstrate 6G subterahertz component characterization at IMS 2023

30. 05. 2023 Tuesday / By: Robert Denes / Industrial / Exact time: BST / Print this page

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S ANTA ROSA, Calif. - Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) and Nokia Bell Labs present characterization of components and radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for 6G sub-terahertz (sub-THz) radio frequency (RF) applications in D- and E -bands at the 2023 International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2023) in June.

To ensure 6G's extreme data rates, ultra-low latency and almost infinite bandwidth, sub-THz spectrum must be used. However, sub-THz frequencies have not traditionally been used for cellular communications due to their propagation characteristics, which present signal integrity and path loss challenges that can negatively impact performance. To mitigate these challenges, Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs have collaborated to develop characterization techniques to test active sub-THz components such as amplifiers, mixers and frequency converters to ensure they do not introduce additional signal distortion in communications systems.

The latest results of the collaboration will be presented at Keysight's stand 835 at the IMS 2023 exhibition. Based on Keysight's PNA-X Vector Component Analyzer (VCA) solution, the demonstration features a Nokia Power Amplifier (PA) developed for use in 6G D-band. wireless communication systems and designed to operate with low error vector magnitude (EVM). With the Keysight N5290A PNA Millimeter Wave System, Nokia Bell Labs accurately detects a PA's low EVM, which is a measure of the signal distortion a component introduces into a communications system. With these measurements, Nokia Bell Labs can better understand PA performance in order to optimize the design of the 6G transmission system.

Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs are also collaborating to demonstrate an E-band test solution at IMS 2023. The demonstration features the Keysight N9042B UXA Signal Analyzer used in conjunction with the V3050A Signal Analyzer Frequency Amplifier to measure RFIC for a Nokia transceiver designed for use in an RFIC. E-band system for backhaul applications.

Keysight offers a 6G Sub-THz R&D test system for network equipment manufacturers, semiconductor manufacturers and device manufacturers to meet their 6G bandwidth and performance needs. The broadband sub-THZ testbed contains an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) that generates a broadband intermediate frequency (IF) that is converted to H-band (220-330 GHz). The signal is converted to IF, digitized with a high-performance UXR oscilloscope, and then demodulated and analyzed with PathWave Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software.

Shahriar Shahramian, Head of RFIC and Packaging Lab at Nokia Bell Labs, said: “At Nokia Bell Labs, we continue to strengthen the throughput and complexity of RFIC, packaging and module integration. With these developments, we push the limits of the possibilities offered by 6G wireless and optical communication systems. Consequently, the test and measurement industry plays a vital role in enabling the complex characterization required of our devices and reducing time to market. We worked closely with Keysight throughout our design and verification process. Keysight continues to innovate in both its software and hardware 6G measurement platforms, which we rely on to characterize our next-generation systems.”

Giampaolo Tardioli, Keysight's 6G and Next Generation Program Vice President, said: “With 6G, we are on the threshold of an unprecedented new era of high-speed, high-reliability and flexible mobile connectivity that promises to transform human communication. This shift will be driven by the use of subterahertz spectrum, which will provide the necessary speeds to enable 6G use cases such as augmented reality and autonomous driving. By working closely today with global industry partners such as Nokia Bell Labs, Keysight is helping to create the 6G technologies needed for tomorrow's mobile networks.”

A 6G D-band PA characterization demonstration by Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs will also be presented at the Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium 2023, co-located with IMS 2023.

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