RF Performance Evaluation of Integrated Terahertz Communication Systems for 6G

Abstract

6G wireless networks demand unprecedented data transmission speeds, extremely low latency and massive simultaneous connectivity, capabilities that conventional RF networks can’t achieve by themselves. Utilizing THz radio frequency bands has potential because they provide enormous bandwidths and facilitate high-speed, short-range communications. We examine the RF characteristics of fully integrated terahertz radio systems for future 6G systems. The research examines THz transmitter and receiver design as well as channel modeling considering atmospheric propagation, impairments from phase noise, I/Q imbalance and challenges unique to the THz region such as molecular absorption and beam misalignment. An integrated simulation and analytical approach is used to characterize vital system performance metrics such as power efficiency, spectral efficiency, EVM and link reliability. It has been shown through simulation that in spite of promising data rates for THz systems, the choice of RF front-end design and beamforming algorithms significantly impacts the ability to control power loss and interference. This study identifies design considerations and offers system-level recommendations for effectively implementing integrated THz-RF systems in the emerging 6G wireless networks.