Keysight Technologies and Nokia Bell Labs will demonstrate component and radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) characterization for 6G subterahertz (sub-THz) radio frequency (RF) applications in the D- and E-bands at the International Microwave Symposium 2023 (IMS 2023) in June.
The companies have been collaborating 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 into communications systems.
The demonstration characterizes a Nokia power amplifier (PA) developed for use in 6G D-band wireless communications systems and designed to operate with a low error vector magnitude (EVM). Using the Keysight N5290A PNA Millimeter Wave System, Nokia Bell Labs can accurately detect the PA’s low EVM, which is a measure of the signal distortion introduced into the communications system by the component. With these measurements, Nokia Bell Labs can better understand the PA’s performance to optimize its 6G transmission system design.
Keysight and Nokia Bell Labs are also partnering to showcase an E-band test solution at IMS 2023. The demonstration features the Keysight N9042B UXA Signal Analyzer used in combination with the V3050A Signal Analyzer Frequency Extender to measure a Nokia transceiver RFIC designed for use in an E-band system for backhaul applications.
Shahriar Shahramian, Head of RFIC & Packaging Lab, Nokia Bell Labs, said: “At Nokia Bell Labs we continue to push the carrier frequency and complexity of our RFIC, packaging, and module integration. With these advancements we move the frontier of what is possible from 6G wireless and optical communication systems. Consequently, the test and measurement industry plays a vital role to enable the complex characterization demanded from our devices and to reduce our time to market.”
