- Rohde & Schwarz and Pegatron have conducted a joint demonstration to evaluate an FR3 phased-array antenna for two-stream MIMO transmission.
- The tests, carried out at 13 and 15 GHz, achieved a theoretical transmission data rate of 1.7 Gbit/s using a 100 MHz bandwidth and 4096 QAM modulation.
Presented at the 6G Summit in Taipei, the demonstration featured a dual-polarization FR3 antenna developed by Pegatron, paired with two instruments from Rohde & Schwarz: the FSWX signal and spectrum analyzer and the SMW200A vector signal generator. The objective was to verify the performance of a two-stream MIMO transmission—utilizing both horizontal and vertical polarizations—within frequency bands currently being explored for future 6G networks, radio infrastructure, and satellite applications.
In the configuration showcased at the event, the system reached a theoretical data rate of 1.7 Gbit/s with a 100 MHz bandwidth, 4096 QAM modulation, and two-stream transmission. This result is approximately double the data rate achieved with a comparable single-stream configuration.
Pegatron also evaluated its antenna in an office environment. In this test, based on the 5G NR protocol, the system achieved a maximum theoretical data rate of 1.4 Gbit/s over an indoor distance of 40 meters. The setup utilized a 100 MHz bandwidth, 1024 QAM modulation, and two-stream transmission.
Simultaneous multi-channel analysis
To characterize the antenna, the two partners leveraged the multi-channel analysis capabilities of the FSWX, used in conjunction with the SMW200A signal generator. Unlike a setup based on a conventional spectrum analyzer—which requires separate configurations for signals with horizontal and vertical polarizations—this system allows for the simultaneous analysis of multiple channels. This approach is designed to streamline the characterization of multi-channel systems and provide a more accurate representation of their operational behavior.
The antenna developed by Pegatron incorporates array-based radiating elements, beamforming integrated circuits (BFICs), and RF front-end stages. It utilizes an architecture featuring dual linear polarization (horizontal and vertical) and a multi-channel design. Furthermore, Pegatron reports that it is continuing the development of array antenna modules for Massive MIMO applications within the 7 GHz and 8 GHz bands.
This work is part of ongoing research into FR3 frequency bands, which are intended to supplement the spectral resources envisioned for future 6G systems. The use of wider bandwidths, higher-order modulation schemes, and multi-stream MIMO transmissions is one of the strategies being explored to increase data rates in radio links.
