Signal-processing Challenges in Leveraging 100 Gb/s Wireless THz

Abstract

This paper presents a wireless link based on a Tx and a Rx RF front-end module operating at a LO frequency of 230 GHz. The LO frequency generation paths of the Tx and the Rx are driven using two independent and unlocked frequency synthesizers. Due to this operation mode, the Tx LO leakage is down-converted in the Rx, generating a DC modulated tone that, if not properly handled, will prevent the system to operate appropriately. This paper analyses this effect and presents a solution to mitigate this impairment. Applying this, and using a 16-QAM modulation scheme, a maximum data-rate of 80 Gbps with an EVM of 12.5 % was achieved at a 1-meter distance.