Cutting-Edge 140GHz Beamforming Transmitter in Low-Power CMOS

IMEC, a research and innovation hub in Belgium, has made significant strides in the development of a short-range, high-speed wireless beamforming transmitter in CMOS that operates above 100GHz. This breakthrough technology opens up new possibilities for ultra-fast data transmission in the millimeter-wave spectrum.

The CMOS 4x4 beamforming transmitter created by imec is capable of delivering data speeds of up to 56Gbit/s per channel at D-band frequencies ranging from 120 to 145GHz. This represents a major advancement in wireless communication technology, offering unprecedented data rates in a compact form factor.

Constructed using a 22nm FD-SOI process, each channel of the transmitter occupies a mere 1.17x0.3mm² of space. Despite its small size, the device is powerful, consuming only 232mW of power while providing an output of 3dBm for 16QAM modulation and 2dBm for 64QAM modulation.

The innovative design of the transmitter leverages a local oscillator circuit to steer high-gain narrow beams in specific directions, combined with a zero-IF transceiver architecture. This approach minimizes the number of components in the signal path and maintains the dynamic range of the signal path across a wide bandwidth.

Furthermore, the transmitter features a wideband analog baseband section that can support channel bandwidths of up to 14GHz, enabling high data rates of up to 56Gb/s per channel over a broad frequency range. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications requiring high-speed wireless connectivity.

IMEC is set to showcase the beamforming transmitter design at the IEEE RFIC Symposium, highlighting its potential for D-band wireless applications such as wireless fail-safes in data centers, fixed wireless access (FWA) for extended reality (XR) links, and future 6G networks. The technology's shorter wavelength allows for the use of smaller antennas, paving the way for more compact access points and handheld devices.

The high sensing resolution offered by the transmitter will be invaluable in various emerging applications, including gaming, smart buildings, and Industry 5.0. Joris Van Driessche, programme manager at imec, emphasized the challenges faced in pushing CMOS technology beyond 100GHz and the significance of their novel D-band beamforming transmitter in overcoming these obstacles.

Van Driessche highlighted the completeness of the chip, integrating LO beamforming, a full analog baseband section, and the entire RF chain and beamforming functionality across all four channels. This comprehensive integration sets a new standard in wireless communication technology and demonstrates the potential of CMOS for next-generation, short-range wireless applications at frequencies above 100GHz.

IMEC's goal with this chip is to enable partners to explore beamforming technology, joint communication and sensing applications, and more, showcasing the capabilities of CMOS technology in the realm of high-frequency wireless communication. This advancement marks a significant step forward in the evolution of wireless connectivity and sets the stage for future innovations in the field.