60 GHz Band
60 GHz Band
Technology Overview
60 GHz transmission technology is a fairly new wireless communications concept that aims to exploit the 7 GHz of bandwidth available in the 60 GHz unlicensed band. Particular characteristics of this technology have generated special interest within the industry. The main advantages of this high-frequency-range technology are that it enables high data rates and short-range communication applications such as data transfer and uncompressed audio and video (A/V) transmissions. Data rates beyond 1 Gbit/s at up to 10 meters are feasible.
These high data rates can be achieved because of the continuous spectrum and a less power-restricted bandwidth available in the 60 GHz band. Moreover, high path loss enables a larger frequency reuse factor per indoor environment. In addition, the millimeter wavelengths make it possible to have very small radios with multiple antennas solutions, enabling MIMO, beamforming and beam steering, which enhances the channel capacity and also supports NLOS communications.
Standardization
Several standardization working groups are currently working on specifications in the 60 GHz unlicensed band. Two standards, the ECMA-387 and the WirelessHD 1.0 specifications, have already been published and commercial consumer products based on these standards are available now. ECMA-387 focuses on a high-rate wireless personal area network (WPAN), whereas WirelessHD targets the wireless video area network (WVAN).
Additionally, two amendments to current IEEE specifications, namely the IEEE 802.15.3c and the IEEE 802.11ad, are targeting the 60 GHz band as well. The first one seeks a mmWave approach to the existing IEEE 802.15.3 WPAN standard, while the second will introduce modifications to the well-known IEEE 802.11 WLAN specification to enable operation in the 60 GHz band.
The recently created Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig) is also actively working on a new specification based on 60 GHz technology. The first specification version was finalized at the end of 2009.
| Forum | Status | Max. data rate | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECMA-387 | 1st version released: Dec 2008 | 6.35 Gbit/s 4.032 Gbit/s |
|
| WirelessHD | Specification 1.0 released: Jan 2008 | ~ 4 Gbit/s |
|
| IEEE 802.15.3c | Draft 13 (July 2009) released: Oct. 2009 | 3 Gbit/s 4.9 Gbit/s |
|
| IEEE 802.11ad | PAR approved, release: Dec 2012 | > 1 Gbit/s |
|
| Wireless Gigabit Alliance (WiGig) | Finalized: end of 2009 | > 1 Gbit/s |
|
Rohde & Schwarz Test Solutions
Rohde & Schwarz offers a unique and comprehensive portfolio of test solutions featuring a wide frequency range up to 67 GHz at one single coaxial input. This makes these test solutions highly suited for the 60 GHz band technology.
The unique portfolio includes the R&S®FSU67, which is the first spectrum analyzer with a direct frequency range from 20 Hz to 67 GHz and fundamental mixing. Measurements up to 67 GHz – in overrange up to 70 GHz – are possible without using complex setups with external harmonic mixers. Thus, the
The R&S®ZVA67 is particularly suited for manufacturers of RF devices due to its capability to directly measure frequencies up to 67 GHz with an overrange up to 70 GHz. The
For highly accurate and continuous measurements of average power, the R&S®NRP-Z57 is used, providing a frequency range from DC up to 67 GHz.
The frequency ranges of the spectrum and vector network analyzers can easily be extended by adding high-performance harmonic mixers or frequency converters.
The external R&S®FS-Z60/-Z75/-Z90/-Z110 Harmonic Mixers from Rohde & Schwarz enable measurements of frequencies up to 110 GHz. The frequency-dependent conversion loss is calibrated over the entire frequency range, enabling accurate and calibrated measurements. The mixers are of a balanced design, so there is no adjustment of bias current needed, which is essential for automated measurements. In addition, the spectrum analyzers also support 3rd party harmonic mixers up to 1 THz.
By using the
