Rohde & Schwarz achieves breakthrough in sub-THz research with 140 GHz multi-channel transceiver characterization Rohde & Schwarz is advancing its pioneering sub-THz research in the D-Band and has reached important milestones. In collaboration with the Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC), the test and measurement expert has successfully characterized a TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) operating at up to 140 GHz, using their D-Band over-the-air (OTA) test chamber. Academia and industry leaders agree that the 110 GHz to 170 GHz frequency range, known as D-Band, is critical for beyond 5G and 6G mobile communications and future automotive radar applications.
TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) from BWRC operating at sub-THz frequencies inside the R&S ATS1800C OTA antenna test system.
Devices supporting mmWave frequencies, antenna systems and RF transceiver modules for future mobile communications standards or automotive radar applications will share the same characteristics that make them challenging to test. The wide frequency range, greater number of antenna elements and lack of conventional external RF connectors will require testing over-the-air in a shielded environment.
Doctoral candidates Ethan Chou and Hesham Beshary of Professor Ali Niknejad's Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC) at the University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with test experts from Rohde & Schwarz, recently conducted tests using the new Rohde & Schwarz D-band over-the-air (OTA) characterization chamber. The tests took place at the Rohde & Schwarz lab in Coppell, TX, where the group evaluated the chips and application boards, they designed and fabricated.
The test setup consisted of the R&S ATS1800C OTA antenna test system, the R&S FSW50 signal and spectrum analyzer, the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the R&S SMB100A signal generator for PLL reference, the R&S NGP800 and NGL200 power supplies, and the R&S AMS32 antenna measurement software.
The R&S ATS1800C is a compact and mobile shielded chamber solution for OTA and antenna measurements based on a compact antenna test range (CATR) ideal for 5G mmWave applications. To cover the D-Band frequencies, the R&S FE170SR was installed at the rear of the OTA chamber as an external frontend to the R&S FSW50. The R&S FE170SR integrates easily with the signal and spectrum analyzer, sending calibrated signal data back to it. This setup does not require any mechanical modifications or additional RF cabling to the antenna test system.
The setup measures the amplitude and phase coherent response of the device under test (DUT) radiating in the D-Band. Thanks to the R&S AMS32 software option, which calculates the nearfield-to-farfield transformation, and the high-precision positioner, fully automated 3D-pattern measurements including post-processing can be performed in short time.
The BWRC researchers provided a TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) mounted on a power board with FPGA interface. A laptop connected to the FPGA via USB was used to configure the chip in either TX/RX mode, number of antennas, power settings, etc. An appropriate phase shift between the antennas was applied to configure the beam steering direction.
The EIRP performance of the TX configuration was characterized by spherical measurements in both H and V polarizations. Initially, a continuous sweep was conducted, but more stable results were obtained from discrete-step positioner angles every 5 degrees. Full 3D maps were conducted at 130, 135, and 140 GHz for both 1 and 4 antenna configurations. A total of 20,805 discrete data points were acquired in one day of testing. System path loss was accounted for by calibrating the empty chamber with a known antenna. Additional test included broadside 8 antennas and 4 antennas with 30-degree beam-steering using two phase-offset IQ channels of the R&S SMW200A and continuous sweep data with finer (1 degree) resolution.
Prof. Ali Niknejad, Faculty Director of BWRC, said: The OTA chamber gives us the ability to accurately characterize the performance of our D-band modules operating over-the-air. Not only the 3D antenna pattern, but also the EVM and EIRP performance of the module in various spatial configurations is a unique capability, giving us important insights into the beamformer performance.
Dr. Philipp Weigell, Vice President of the Industry, Components, Research & University Market Segment at Rohde & Schwarz says: We are excited to work with BWRC students and faculty to address the challenges of over-the-air testing at sub-THz frequencies. These efforts will help researchers and key industry players test and characterize antenna systems and transceiver modules for 6G wireless communication standards, massive MIMO testbeds, future automotive radar applications and more.
At IMS 2024, Rohde & Schwarz will present a demonstration of the characterization of the TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) operating at up to 140 GHz using the D-Band OTA test solution. Trade show visitors can see the demo at the Rohde & Schwarz booth #1521 in Washington, D.C., from June 18 to 20, 2024.
For further information on antenna research using cutting-edge OTA test solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit the Rohde & Schwarz Antenna Research page.
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
21/08/2026
Hardware-style timing shifts for software instruments
Following on from the release of Omniclock, Rapid Flow have launched a new sequencer plug-in that can ...
21/08/2026
Highly anticipated synthesizer ships in October 2026
Iceland-based Love Synthesizers have announced that their highly anticipated synthesizer is now availab...
21/08/2026
Masterpiece PBS The Forsytes has expanded its cast as its begins production in ...
21/08/2026
The BBC has unveiled first-look pictures from The Witch Farm, a new ghost story and mystery set in the Welsh countryside, coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One...
21/08/2026
The BBC and BritBox have revealed the first look of Edward Bluemel as Hercule Poirot in the forthcoming six-part series Hercule from Mammoth Screen and Agatha C...
21/08/2026
eds3_5_jq(document).ready(function($) { $(#eds_sliderM519).chameleonSlider_2_1({ content_source:......
21/08/2026
** MEDIA ALERT **
VIZ Media Takes Over Anime NYC with BLEACH, BLACK TORCH, M...
21/08/2026
Tell us a little bit about your job I'm a Marketing Manager and work across a mix of clients and projects. No two days are ever quite the same, which defini...
21/08/2026
Beat The Lotto dives into the plot behind the 1980s National Lottery scandal
24 August 2026 at 9:35pm on RT One and RT Player
Beat The Lotto is the story o...
21/08/2026
The countdown to the most wonderful night of the year has officially begun!
Host Patrick Kielty is gearing up for another unforgettable Late Late Toy Show nig...
21/08/2026
Meet puppet duo Bellie and Whizz, who are about to explore all the big feelings ...
20/08/2026
Set up your own private remote collaboration infrastructure
SoundBridge have recently put together a tutorial video that provides users with a step-by-step ...
20/08/2026
New V-Control Pro features restore basic functionality
Neyrinck's V-Control software has long been keeping older Avid control surfaces compatible with n...
20/08/2026
TV, BritBox and Mammoth Screen have announced that filming is now underway on th...
20/08/2026
Thursday 20 August 2026
Nina Sosanya, Rizzle Kicks, Roman Kemp and Paul Whiteho...
20/08/2026
Wuppertal August 20, 2026
Transformation Church Elevates Production Communicat...
20/08/2026
The music between the notes Coming together In the middle of 2026, as conversations around artificial intelligence continue to raise questions about how musi...
20/08/2026
Arvato Systems Brings Together Digital Transformation Leaders in the Manufacturi...
19/08/2026
Studio owners invited to have their say on rates cuts
The Music Producers Guild (MPG) are inviting UK-based studios to take part in an in-depth survey that ...
19/08/2026
Vintage-inspired desktop interface revealed
Harrison's latest hardware offering sees them head into the world of audio interfaces, delivering a 10-in/12...
19/08/2026
Granular effect remains locked to scale and tempo
Described as your dream granular effect , Minimal Audio's latest creation is capable of turning any s...
19/08/2026
First polyphonic SWAM instrument incoming
Audio Modeling's latest physical-modelling orchestral instrument is just around the corner, and is now availab...
19/08/2026
There's an early Christmas gift for Bookish fans, as UKTV confirms the re-commission of the hit U&alibi drama, created by and starring Mark Gatiss. Viewers ...
19/08/2026
Wednesday 19 August 2026
Sky gives sports fans the chance to watch multiple liv...
19/08/2026
On Saturday September 5 Katie Taylor will step into the ring for the fight of her life against Flora Pili in front of 80,000 fans in Croke Park. A legendary fig...
18/08/2026
Company launch with stereo-imaging tool
Panoramic is the debut release from Panorama Labs, a new company formed by mastering engineer Nicholas Di Lorenzo. C...
18/08/2026
Control software now available for older interfaces
Focusrite have just announced the launch of an update that extends Control 2 software support for their ...
18/08/2026
Tuesday 18 August 2026
Sky Sports and The Fast and the Curious announce new partnership
Sky Sports and The Fast and the Curious have announced a new long-term...
18/08/2026
Wuppertal August 18, 2026
Riedel Brings Professional Live Production Into the Classrooms of ECURiedel Communications today announced that Edith Cowan Universi...
18/08/2026
Apple today announced changes to its business terms for apps in the European Uni...
18/08/2026
THE HEALY RAES: BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS AIRS WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19 ON RT ONE AT 9:35PM
A new documentary The Healy-Raes: Blood, Sweat & Tears airs on RT One and ...
18/08/2026
Stunning Irish performances at European Athletics and Swimming Championships rea...
18/08/2026
The two-part series begins Sunday 23 August at 6.30pm on RT One and RT Player
...
17/08/2026
New MIDI processor & macro controller revealed
SHIK have announced that they have opened pre-orders for the S32, a standalone MIDI processor and macro contr...
17/08/2026
Cover extended on innovative motorised pot system
Melbourne Instruments have just revealed that the innovative motorised pot system used in their synths and...
17/08/2026
Latest firmware version now available
1010music have just released a free firmware update that brings some nice new features to their renowned Bluebox digit...
17/08/2026
Rohde & Schwarz showcases integrated defense and test solutions at DALO Industry...
17/08/2026
Calrec's ImPulseV Virtualised Audio Mixing Engine joins NEP Platform, the industry's largest ecosystem of trusted production software, bringing scalable...
17/08/2026
Visitors to IBC 2026 will see how FilmLight is reshaping the modern post pipelin...
17/08/2026
Visitors to Stand 1.C41 can explore innovations in areas such as addressable advertising, hybrid distribution, managed services and operational simplification.
...
16/08/2026
Virtual drummer joins line-up
The latest release from Gospel Musicians adds a virtual drummer to the company's line-up, combining a pair of meticulously...
15/08/2026
In-ear monitoring line-up gains new universal models
In-ear monitoring experts JH Audio have just announced a significant expansion of their Universal-Fit r...
14/08/2026
Latest instalment delivers disco-inspired grooves
The latest addition to UJAM's virtual drum line-up has been designed with contemporary pop, disco, dan...
14/08/2026
Elite range gains giant 24-inch powered sub
The latest expansion of Yorkville's Elite range introduces what the company say is the world's first act...
14/08/2026
Friday 14 August 2026
Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, return...
14/08/2026
It's been one year since our client, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, opened its doors and we've loved seeing the scheme come to life. Together, we've hel...
Rohde & Schwarz achieves breakthrough in sub-THz research with 140 GHz multi-channel transceiver characterization Rohde & Schwarz is advancing its pioneering sub-THz research in the D-Band and has reached important milestones. In collaboration with the Berkeley Wireless Research Center (BWRC), the test and measurement expert has successfully characterized a TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) operating at up to 140 GHz, using their D-Band over-the-air (OTA) test chamber. Academia and industry leaders agree that the 110 GHz to 170 GHz frequency range, known as D-Band, is critical for beyond 5G and 6G mobile communications and future automotive radar applications. 
