In June, we participated for the first time in IMS2024. The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is a yearly event. This year, it took place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, offering exhibitors a chance to connect with 9,000+ members of the RF and Microwave community from across the globe.
We talked to more than 100 visitors who left their details to be contacted after the show, which resulted in sending out several proposals for RFoF solutions.
Our live demo got a lot of attention from interested parties, who asked our experts detailed questions.
The show also gave us a good opportunity to meet some of our distributors to catch up. We had meetings with representatives from Municom GmbH, our distributor for Central Europe, Fusoh Shoji Co., Ltd. from Japan, Amtele Communication, our distributor for Scandinavia, Matech from France, and Mitron from China.
The show demonstrated that there is a growing demand for the type of RF over Fiber subsystems and solutions that we, as RFOptic, offer.
Our next participation in an international exhibition will be at the upcoming European Microwave Exhibition. EuMW 2024 will take place during September 24-26 in the Paris Convention Center, 1 place de la Porte de Versailles 75015 Paris. At the event, we will co-exhibit in booth 422b of the company MATECH. We will showcase our advanced solutions for RFoF & ODL solutions for Electronic Warfare & Radar, 5G testing, and DAS applications. If you are interested in setting up an appointment with our VP Mr. Oz Abramson, during the event, click here.
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.
As RFOptic, we are proud to have received our first purchase order for our RFoF offering from NEC Corp. Founded in 1899 as Nippon Electric Company, Limited, NEC Corporation is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan with operations across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific. NEC provides information and network technology solutions to the aviation, aerospace, healthcare, agriculture, retail, broadcasting, logistics, finance, government, hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, and telecom industries. NEC Corporation is also active in the field of RF over Fiber.
At RFOptic, we offer our customers various RFoF solutions. These 5G subsystems, using fiber optic transmissions, are designed to meet the growing demand for active remote antennas, coax cables replacement in test facilities, and 5G/6G network testing. We also provide a DAS extension solution, in case the cable solution cannot meet the required system parameters, and a 5G GPS over Fiber (GPSoF) solution. Our 5G mm-Wave active antenna solution consists of our customized RF over Fiber high SFDR for 5G mm-Wave active antenna arrays to handle and support the required distance and bandwidths.
RFOptic also provides RFoF solution to Electronic Warfare and Radar vendors.
At RFOptic, we listen to our customers to provide solutions that they want and need. So when we got requests for programmable phased-matched 6GHz solutions, it was a no-brainer for us to have our R&D department working on it. (To download the brochure, click here)
The palm-size analog RFoF modules are used to convert RF signals to optical signals to carry over long distances. The Tx unit using an optical transmitter, converts RF to Optical signal and the Rx unit converts back to the RF signal. The two units are connected through customer’s single-mode fiber.
RFOptic’s RF over Fiber modules (RFoF) are suitable for Phased Array Radar, Electronic Warfare, and interferometry applications. RFOptic CWDM 6.0GHz RFoF 4 link system is phase-matched up to ±6˚ up to 5.7GHz. Each of the four links is comprised of a Tx unit with LNA and an Rx unit, both with variable attenuators that enable adjustment of the Noise Figure, Input P1dB, and IP3 over a wide range of values. The LNA can be activated through an RFoF software tool allowing RF input power in the range of -100 dBm/1MHz for wideband applications, with low Noise Figure of 6 dB. The RFoF link has excellent gain flatness with 0.5dB gain tracking between different links.
A user-friendly RFoF software enables adjustment of the RF and Optical parameters, such as link gain, Noise Figure, P1dB, Optical power, LED indication, and module information, either locally or remotely. In addition, the phased-matched 4 links DDM has HTML/SNMP interface so management and monitoring can be done remotely
Furthermore, the RFoF link has full diagnostic capability, including Tx, Rx and complete link test (Optical and RF). These features save cost of test equipment and provide real-time diagnostic of any deployed link. The link gain calculator helps to calculate the link gain and the optical predicted parameters for RFOptic’s programmable RFoF family.
Phased-Matched 6GHz RFoF Module Key Features:
Next generation RFoF system with significant performances improvement.
Supports up to 6.0GHz
Phased matched CWDM system of ±6 0 up to 5.7GHz
Gain matched 6.0GHz full band of ±2.5 dB
Better linearity, excellent gain flatness, and Tx, Rx and Link gain control
Noise Figure down to 6 dB with LNA with MDS ~168 dB/Hz for very low incoming signals
Internal Microcontroller allows RF and Optical control, enabled by software
End-to-end diagnostics reduces installation and maintenance time, enabled by software
Gain variation S21 (fo) of ±1 dB for 90° C variation, utilizing special algorithm
Remote management by GUI installed on PC
Impedances of 50 Ohms and 75 Ohm
To learn more, including the test results of the programmable 6.0 GHz RFoF phased matched system, download the datasheet or contact RFOptic at sales@rfoptic.customcode.co.il
As RFOptic, we always strive to bring our customers of our RFoF and ODL solutions the best service and support in the field. That’s why we have developed unique software that allows you to configurate your RFOptic’s RFoF modules.
With the software, you can control one or more modules. All you need to do is to power up and connect your computer or tablet using a standard USB to interface with the software. Once connected, the software detects your RFoF modules, and you are ready to configurate and control them. The software is designed to work on PCs and laptops that run Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system versions. Please note that it does not operate on previous operating system versions. However, a separate version for Windows XP. Is available. The software detects the modules automatically once connected.
Some of the features include:
Connecting Transmit (Tx) and Receive (Rx) RFOptic’s RFoF modules
Simultaneously connection to multiple modules
Obtaining status information and verifying the optical connection
Setting up and operating the configuration
Defining power-up default setup
Initiating self-test, RF module test and RF link test
With the software, it’s easy to check if your modules are connected correctly. (See also our video to learn more) The panel LED indicators on the RFoF modules will indicate if the optical fiber is connected or disconnected.
If the optical fiber is disconnected, the panel LED of the Tx is green and the panel LED of the Rx is red.
If the optical fiber is connected properly between Tx and Rx units, the panel LEDs of both Tx and Rx are green.
The image below illustrates the easy-to-use software offering a rich set of features and functionalities.
The software is made available free of charge under the license agreement, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the content before downloading and using the software.
Do you have any questions or remarks? Do you want to get more information? Feel free to contact us!
In June, we participated for the first time in IMS2024. The IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium is a yearly event. This year, it took place in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, offering exhibitors a chance to connect with 9,000+ members of the RF and Microwave community from across the globe.
Satcom: Connecting Beyond Horizons
As RFOptic, we are proud to have received our first purchase order for our RFoF offering from 
