NTT and researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully demonstrated a phased-array transmitter module that enables ultra-high capacity data transmission to mobile receivers in real time.
In a press release, NTT stated that researchers had achieved what it claims is the world’s first wireless data transmission using beamforming in the 300 GHz frequency, which is anticipated to be used in the realization of future 6G systems. In unstandardized 6G wireless communications systems, the 300 GHz band is anticipated to enable ultra-high-speed wireless communications. This band has the benefit of employing a broad frequency spectrum. On the other hand, signal propagation through space is plagued by significant path loss. NTT explained that beamforming technology is being studied to combat this issue.
“Beamforming concentrates and directs radio energy toward the receiving device. In 5G wireless systems that use radio waves in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands, beamforming has been realized with CMOS1 integrated circuits (IC). On the other hand, CMOS-IC alone lacks sufficient output power in the 300 GHz band. Combining CMOS-IC with III-V compound IC, capable of high-output power, is therefore being attempted around the world to achieve beamforming in the 300 GHz band.”
NTT
NTT explained that it has developed indium phosphide integrated circuit (InP-IC) chips that incorporate NTT’s proprietary high-output power amplifier circuit and antenna circuit, whereas Tokyo Tech has fabricated a highly scaled CMOS-IC comprising frequency conversion and control circuits.
“NTT and Tokyo Tech have now developed a compact four-element phased-array transmitter module by mounting the aforementioned CMOS-IC and InP-IC on the same printed circuit board. With a steering range of 36 degrees, maximum data rate of 30 Gbps and communication distance of 50 cm, this transmitter module has succeeded in achieving the world’s first high-speed wireless data transmission in the 300 GHz band using beamforming,” NTT mentioned.
Additionally, NTT emphasized that the developed technology exhibited one-dimensional beamforming. NTT and Tokyo Tech are collaborating to demonstrate two-dimensional beamforming using a 2D array and to extend communication range by increasing the number of arrays.
“NTT and Tokyo Tech are also engaged in the development of receiver modules to meet the needs of 6G applications and in the practical implementation of wireless communication with transmission capacity ten-fold greater than is available today.”
NTT Docomo and its parent company, NTT, announced in March their intention to expand experimental trials in the 6G field with five vendors, including Nokia, Fujitsu, NEC, Ericsson, and Keysight Technologies. In preparation for the launch of future 6G systems, Docomo and NTT have already begun verifying a variety of mobile communications technologies, such as the use of sub-terahertz and millimeter-wave frequency bands in addition to the bands currently used for 5G technology. Since June 2022, Docomo and NTT have collaborated with Fujitsu, NEC, and Nokia on trials of unstandardized 6G and AI-related technologies.
The Japanese companies recently reached an agreement with Ericsson to begin testing 6G wireless interfaces for mid-band 6GHz-15GHz and sub-terahertz 100GHz bands. In addition, the parties had reached an agreement with Keysight Technologies to test radio propagation for ultra-wideband communication using sub-terahertz frequencies.
Source: RCR Wireless
