Rohde & Schwarz showcase early sub-THz research

The R&S FE170ST (single transmit) and R&S FE170SR (single receive) frontends extend the frequency range of the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyser to 110GHz to 170GHz.

The D band, which ranges from 110GHz to 170GHz, has been identified by academia and key industry players as a candidate frequency band for future mobile communications – in particular beyond 5G and for 6G – and for automotive radar applications.

A test setup for sub-THz research using the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW is now simple to configure, since only three connections are needed (IF, reference frequency and LAN) to integrate the frontends into the base units. Users simply have to enter the IP address in the user interface of the base units. After connection, the frontends are directly controlled by the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW, since the frontends’ control unit is integrated in their firmware. Because all correction data is considered, this concept offers the major advantage of a fully calibrated solution.

With their compact form factor of 152 x 190 x 50 mm, both frontends take up little space on the lab bench. Since the internal synthesiser provides a local oscillator (LO), the test setup needs no additional analogue signal source, ensuring excellent phase noise performance. Smart accessories such as bandpass filters and TX power amplifiers further enhance the performance.

The R&S FE170ST and R&S FE170SR frontend solution for D band research will be available by the end of 2022. From 27 – 29 September 2022, EuMW visitors can experience the solution from Rohde & Schwarz at the Milano Convention Centre MiCo.