Keysight Technologies, in collaboration with The University of California, San Diego (UCSD), has demonstrated the world’s first 64 (8 x 8) and 256-element (16 x 16), 60-GHz silicon wafer-scale phased-array transmitter with integrated high-efficiency antennas for Gbps communications at 100 to 200 meters. With this demonstration, Keysight and UCSD have now proven that a 5G communication link is not only possible, but can deliver record performance.
This collaboration with UCSD builds on an earlier effort between the university and TowerJazz, which resulted in development of the industry’s first 64- and 256-element system-on-a chip (SoC) phased arrays operating at 60-GHz. Each wafer-scale SoC comprises a 60-GHz source, amplifiers, distribution network, phase shifters, voltage controlled amplifiers and high-efficiency on-chip antennas. The chips were designed to meet the needs of 5G high-performance Gbps data-rate communication systems with beamforming capabilities and for Aerospace & Defense systems.
Following the development of the phased-array SoCs, Keysight and UCSD set out to prove they could be used in a communications link. All work was sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Keysight.
To develop that link, UCSD relied on a powerful suite of Keysight instruments that included the M8190A arbitrary waveform generator, E8267D PSG vector signal generator and the DSOS804A Infiniium S-Series high-definition oscilloscope with 10-bit ADC. For local oscillator generation, the Keysight E8257D PSG analog signal generator was employed.
The 60-GHz 802.11ad waveform UCSD required for the development effort was generated using Keysight’s Signal Studio software and analyzed using its 89600 VSA software. Keysight’s 81199A Wideband Waveform Center software also proved valuable, helping UCSD link transmit and receive, apply digital pre-distortion and improve error-vector-magnitude. The Keysight suite of equipment and software, enabled the rapid demonstration of the 100-200 meter 802.11ad and 5G link and allowing the phased-array to scan +/-45 degrees in all planes.
All Keysight instrumentation and software used in the development of the 5G communication link is available now. The phased-array SoCs are also now available.
