Poster: 6G - from mmWave to Terahertz

Terahertz communication

Poster: 6G - from mmWave to Terahertz

Request now

THz frequencies for the 6G spectrum

While 5G already uses very high mmWave frequencies, 6G aims at even higher frequencies beyond 100 GHz to meet demand for higher data transmission rates and also lower latency than 5G NR. The use of frequencies of up to 330 GHz for communication is currently the subject of academic research; for its part, the wireless industry is focusing on the D band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) and mid-band spectrum (7 GHz to 24 GHz).

6G communication will also operate at all frequencies already supported by current 5G networks however, such as the mmWave and traditional sub-8 GHz frequency bands.

What is more, a lot of applications are possible within these frequencies, such as non-destructive imaging (security scanners) and spectroscopy (material analysis).

6G will add new frequency regions

Overview of 5G and 6G frequency bands. 6G will add new frequency regions in the sub-THz range.

THz communication is just one 6G technology component alongside integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) or joint communication and sensing (JCAS), AI and ML and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) though. It will in all likelihood be indispensable for meeting the target requirements for maximum throughput and extremely low latencies. Furthermore, THz communication gives rise to exciting new applications such as holographic communication.

Terahertz communication: research fields

The telecommunications industry is actively researching terahertz technologies and Rohde & Schwarz is supporting research activities at 6G organizations, universities and research institutes in Europe, Asia and the US. As an active partner in the 6G-TERAKOM project, one goal that Rohde & Schwarz is pursuing is research into and the development of a suitable wireless system with integrated antennas in the terahertz range. The D band (110 GHz to 170 GHz) is one of the main promising frequency bands for 6G research so far.

Rohde & Schwarz also coordinates the 6G-ADLANTIK project within which technologies and components are being developed for THz frequencies based on photonic-electronic integration. Such components can be used for fast data transfers as well as innovative measurement techniques.

White paper: Fundamentals of THz technology for 6G
White paper: Fundamentals of THz technology for 6G
1/1

White paper

Fundamentals of THz technology for 6G

This white paper offers an overview of the fundamentals of THz waves and their properties for various applications with a focus on 6G based communications.

Download now

6G terahertz technologies: the testing challenges

Considerable differences exist between microwaves, millimeter waves and terahertz technology. The THz range presents new challenges for semiconductor components and requires additional channel sounding campaigns to develop new channel models for even higher frequencies.

New semiconductor components are required for the THz range, which are suitable for the mass market. These components must deliver high output power at extremely high frequencies. This demand for greater bandwidth presents a major challenge for the semiconductor industry, as components such as power amplifiers (e.g. monolithic microwave integrated circuits) significantly influence how well the entire system works, including output power, efficiency, bandwidth and more.

The development of sub-terahertz communication as envisaged for 6G is moreover only possible on the basis of a solid understanding of the properties of electromagnetic wave propagation. Research on channel propagation measurements above 100 GHz is therefore essential in this as yet insufficiently researched frequency range in which propagation is strongly influenced by human bodies, vehicles and environmental conditions such as rain. Existing 5G channel models must be verified and fine-tuned to correctly reflect the impact of the environment, making the development of innovative and accurate THz measurement instruments a crucial step when it comes to 6G research.

Terahertz communication: our test and measurement solutions

Rohde & Schwarz is already actively addressing the requirements for 6G THz communication with existing and new innovative measurement and testing solutions for signal generation and analysis. It is helping to pave the way for the next generation of wireless communication and contributing extensive test and measurement expertise and an innovative solutions for 6G research. Most research activities focus on the D band, which is currently one of the most promising 6G frequency candidates.

The simple yet high-performance Rohde & Schwarz setup for investigating signals with channel measurements in the D band consists of

The benefits of our leading-edge testing solutions for 6G research:

  • Off-the-shelf instruments that are easy to mount and configure
  • Fully integrated and calibrated solution with defined frequency and output power
  • Frontends take up little space as an internal synthesizer provides a local oscillator (LO) meaning no additional analog signal source is needed for an excellent phase noise performance
  • Possibility to further enhance testing solution performance with smart accessories (e.g. bandpass filters, TX power amplifiers)

Want to discuss your specific THz communication test cases with our experts?

Contact us

6G test solutions for THz communication applications

R&S®SFI100A vector signal generator

R&S®SFI100A vector signal generator

6G THz communications related news

Featured THz communications content

Webinar: Towards 6G: The role of photonics in THz communication

Webinar: Towards 6G: The role of photonics in THz communication

Watch this webinar to learn more about THz technology and new applications leveraging the strengths of electronics and photonics.

Register now

Featured THz communications videos

FR3 device testing

Video: FR3 device testing

Discover the feasibility of FR3 using the CMX500 OBT in a maximum throughput use case at a 13GHz based on Qualcomm Technologies’ 5G mobile test platform.

Watch Video

Terahertz communication FAQs

What is the terahertz frequency region?

While terahertz technologies can be rather complex, terahertz itself is simply a unit of frequency equal to 1 trillion hertz. When it comes to 6G terahertz, the terahertz band in the 6G network ranges from 0.1 to 10 THz. This THz range is a research area for future 6G communication. There are different specifications for the THz range. IEEE ITU defines this range from 0.3 up to 3 THz.

What are terahertz waves?

Terahertz (THz) waves are electromagnetic waves located between microwaves and infrared light, which are used in different areas such as terahertz wireless communication. Wavelengths are in the range of 0.03 mm to 3 mm. The THz region is a key research area for 6G because it offers broad contiguous frequency bands to meet the demand for high data transfer rates.

Does 5G use terahertz?

The terahertz band involves frequencies above 100 GHz. 5G only uses frequencies up to 71 GHz however, which can impact the performance of terahertz communication applications.

Subscribe

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay on top of the latest trends in wireless communications testing

Request information

Do you have questions or need additional information? Simply fill out this form and we will get right back to you.

Marketing permission

Your request has been sent successfully. We will contact you shortly.
An error is occurred, please try it again later.