6G, expected by 2030-2035, will have to use new frequency bands (300 GHz) for future fixed broadband communications between antennas. The European THOR project has demonstrated this type of link, in both directions.

6G, expected by 2030-2035, will have to use new frequency bands (300 GHz) and address energy consumption issues. As part of the European H2020 THOR project, in partnership with our Japanese colleagues, the demonstration of the 1st bi-directional link in frequency bands for 6G will take place in Brauschweig, Germany, on 28 June 2022.
On the roofs of Braunschweig, live transmission is taking place, connecting a real network for the first time through this architecture, over a distance of 160 m.

The system integrates III-V, silicon and photonic technologies for this "super-heterodyne" architecture, which converts signals from E-band MODEMS (71-76 and 81-86 GHz) to the THz band.

Initially using 4 THz antennas, a 650 m transmission was then carried out in France by the Lille partners, using a THz range duplexing system developed in Lille.

Duplex THz transmission over 650 m

These demonstrations include various contributions from the THOR project partners. The system has been tested and validated in laboratories on the Lille campus, including CNRS (IEMN & PhLAM) and the University of Lille.