Collaboration makes UK's first 100Gbps 6G sub-THz connection

According to Keysight, future 6G use cases, including augmented reality and autonomous vehicles, will require data throughput speeds from 100Gbps to 1Tbps. To achieve the extreme data speeds and low latencies required by these use cases, the use of sub-THz frequencies is being explored. However, operations in sub-THz frequency bands introduce signal integrity and path loss challenges that can negatively impact performance.

Now, Keysight, NPL, and Surrey University have established the first sub-THz high throughput 6G testbed in the UK to address these challenges. Funded by the UK government for 6G research, NPL and Surrey scientists are using the testbed to study and characterise sub-THz signal performance to generate new techniques for optimising data paths and calibration methodologies.

Located at NPL, this new 6G testbed achieved the UK's first high-speed sub-THz data link. The demonstration was made at a frequency of 300GHz using 32 and 64 QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation).

In a statement, Irshaad Fatadin, principal scientist, National Physical Laboratory, said: "6G is a key focus for NPL and we are using our scientific and measurement capabilities to tackle the challenges of this new technology.”

Built on Keysight's 6G Sub-THz R&D Testbed, the testbed uses the M8194A Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) combined with Virginia Diodes’ upconverters/downconverters to generate the signal and Keysight's UXR0704A Infiniium multichannel high-performance 70GHz oscilloscope to analyse the signal.

Keysight, NPL, and Surrey University demonstrated the new 6G testbed this week at the Spring 2023 6G Symposium at Surrey University.

Mosaab Abughalib, senior research director and general manager for Keysight's Network Emulation Group, said: "Through this partnership we are bringing Keysight solutions and experts together with scientists from NPL and Surrey University to unlock the true potential of 6G."