Keysight Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the University of Surrey, has made the first 6G connection at speeds exceeding 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) at subterahertz (THz) frequencies in the United Kingdom
Keysight 6G Sub-Terahertz R&D Test Platform.
Future 6G use cases such as augmented reality and autonomous vehicles will require data transfer speeds of 100 Gbps at 1 terabit per second (Tbps). To achieve the extreme data speeds and low latencies required by these revolutionary 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.
Keysight, NPL and the University of Surrey 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 characterize sub-THz signal performance to generate new techniques for optimizing data paths and calibration methodologies.
“6G is a key focus for NPL and we are using our scientific and measurement capabilities to address the challenges of this new technology,” said Irshaad Fatadin, Principal Scientist at the National Physical Laboratory. “Our partnership with Keysight will be a critical success factor in our 6G research work.”
Located in NPL, this new 6G test bed has achieved the UK's first high-speed sub-THz data link. The demonstration was done at the 300 GHz frequency using 32 and 64 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). Built on Keysight's 6G Sub-Terahertz R&D testbed, the testbed uses the waveform generator (AWG) M8194A, combined with Virginia Diodes Inc. up and down converters to analyze the signal.
Keysight, NPL and the University of Surrey will demonstrate the new 6G testbed at the Spring 2023 6G Symposium at the University of Surrey, April 24-26.
“Through this partnership, we are bringing together Keysight solutions and experts with scientists at NPL and the University of Surrey to unlock the true potential of 6G,” said Mosaab Abughalib, senior director of research and general manager of the Network Emulation Group at Keysight.