rf over fiber

RFOptic expanded the bandwidth of its RFoF products to 67GHz. Such RFoF products target the test and measurement field, enabling more remote antenna applications and 5G/6G Fronthaul and Remote Radio Heads. For all these applications, the 67GHz bandwidth represents a significant leap forward.

Communication over mm-Waves and 67GHz

Traditionally mm-Waves, characterized by frequencies ranging from 30GHz to 300GHz, were used for military and scientific applications. This part of the spectrum is highly coveted for its ability to transmit vast amounts of data due to its shorter wavelength and wider available bandwidth. Recently, the ample available bandwidth and minimal interference have become attractive to communication applications as demand for information throughput has increased. Various sub-bands are now developed for cellular and other communication applications. Due to higher absorption in the atmosphere, the operation of communication links in these short wavelengths requires finer beam forming, which in turn calls for massive MIMO antenna arrays. In such arrays, each antenna element is small but a far larger number of them are used to form a narrow beam for efficient linking to the subscriber. The large number of feeds and wide bandwidths make the common CPRI and its next-generation eCPRI digital solutions impractical. RF links via fiber can deliver the throughput and distance for such applications. RFOptic’s 20GHz, 40GHz, and 67GHz RFoF combined with Dense Wavelength Multiplexing (DWDM) over lightweight fiber bundles can easily handle the information throughput, bandwidth and dynamic range for antenna array towers.

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and 67GHz

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) are crucial in ensuring seamless wireless communication in shielded areas as well as areas with high subscriber density, such as stadiums, airports, and urban environments. 5G mm-Wave femto, pico, and nano cells are available with throughputs exceeding 10Gbps. Numerous such cells are distributed in the covered area to ensure that every subscriber has a line-of-sight path to a cell at all times. These small cells provide access points for subscribers requiring extreme bandwidth, which is exactly where RFoF technology excels. RFOptic 40GHz and 67GHz links are a natural solution for the aggregation or distribution of such signals ensuring optimal network performance. DAS engineers must assess the impact of obstacles, reflections, and absorption on the quality of the communication.

 Satcom: Connecting Beyond Horizons

Satellite communications (satcom) play a pivotal role in global connectivity, enabling communication in remote areas and facilitating data transmission for various applications, including weather monitoring and military operations. The use of mm-waves is enabled with RFOptic ‘s 67GHz RFoF links. Specifically, a form of “secure communication” is possible around 60GHz frequency where a strong Oxygen absorption naturally limits the range where an eavesdropper can listen in on the signal. The 57GHz and 64 GHz are unlicensed communication bands with 7GHz of bandwidth, offering robust and efficient communication channels.

Exploring the Cosmos: Radio Telescopes and 67GHz

Radio telescopes are astronomical instruments designed to detect radio-frequency emissions from celestial objects. The implementation of 67GHz in radio telescope technology extends our ability to explore the cosmos with unprecedented precision.

The shorter wavelength of 67GHz allows radio telescopes to capture finer details in cosmic phenomena. This is particularly valuable in fields such as radio astronomy, where the ability to discern subtle features in distant galaxies or pulsars can provide critical insights into the nature of the universe.

Bridging Distances: Long RF Links via Fiber

Long-distance communication via radio frequency (RF) links is a fundamental aspect of modern connectivity. Integrating 67GHz in long RF links via fiber optics represents a paradigm shift in the efficiency and reliability of such communication systems.

The high frequency of 67GHz enables the transmission of large amounts of data over fiber optic cables, minimizing signal loss and maximizing bandwidth. This is particularly advantageous in scenarios where high data transfer rates are crucial, such as in data centers, telecommunications networks, and other applications requiring robust long-distance connectivity.

Electronic Warfare: The Spectrum as a Battlefield

In the realm of electronic warfare, the electromagnetic spectrum is a contested domain. The use of 67GHz in electronic warfare testing and measurement empowers military strategists to assess and enhance the performance of electronic countermeasure systems.

The ability to simulate and analyze electronic warfare scenarios at 67GHz provides a realistic testing environment for radar jamming, signal interception, and other electronic warfare tactics. This frequency’s characteristics allow for the development of more sophisticated and resilient electronic warfare solutions, contributing to the ongoing evolution of defense technologies.

Conclusion: Unleashing the Potential of 67GHz

In conclusion, the integration of 67GHz in testing and measurement processes represents a significant advancement across various technological domains. From distributed antenna systems to satellite communications, radio telescopes, antenna remoting, long RF links via fiber, and electronic warfare, the applications of 67GHz are diverse and transformative.

As we continue to explore the capabilities of higher frequencies, the impact of 67GHz on testing and measurement technologies underscores its potential to revolutionize how we understand and optimize complex systems. The journey into the uncharted territories of 67GHz is not just a technological endeavor; it’s a gateway to unlocking new frontiers of innovation and discovery.