D-band transmitarray enables high-speed wireless backhaul
Anritsu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland validate beam-steering transmitarray technology for multi-gigabit D-band wireless links under realistic over-the-air conditions.
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Anritsu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have jointly demonstrated a system-level breakthrough in D-band wireless communications, validating a beam-steering transmitarray antenna combined with precision test instrumentation. The demonstration confirms the feasibility of stable, high-capacity wireless links in the 110–170 GHz range, targeting future backhaul, industrial connectivity, defence systems, and emerging 6G network architectures.
Context of the cooperation
As demand for wireless capacity increases, higher-frequency spectrum such as the D-band is gaining attention for short-range, ultra-high-throughput links. However, practical deployment has been constrained by challenges related to beam control, propagation, and reliable performance verification under real-world conditions.
The collaboration between Anritsu and VTT addresses these challenges by combining advanced antenna design with instrumentation-grade test and measurement capabilities, enabling end-to-end validation of D-band systems beyond laboratory simulations.
Technical solution and responsibilities
VTT developed a lightweight, electronically steerable transmitarray antenna based on advanced phase-shifting elements and vector-modulator MMICs. The transmitarray architecture enables precise, rapid beam steering without mechanical movement, maintaining link stability as alignment or environmental conditions change.
Anritsu provided high-frequency signal generation and analysis equipment to perform wideband over-the-air (OTA) measurements. Using modulated signals with bandwidths of up to 8 GHz, the system was characterised from baseband signal generation through RF transmission to OTA reception, ensuring traceable and repeatable performance assessment.
Deployment and validation results
The joint team achieved data rates in the tens-of-gigabits-per-second range across the D-band. Measured performance included throughput of 20 Gbps over a 1-metre wireless link and stable operation over distances up to 7 metres. Beam-steering behaviour and link robustness were evaluated under realistic OTA conditions, establishing a new benchmark for D-band wireless connectivity.
The results demonstrate that transmitarray-based beamforming can support high-capacity links while remaining scalable and suitable for integration into future network architectures.
Applications and expected impact
The validated technology is relevant for short-range wireless backhaul, industrial automation, secure communications, and defence systems, as well as future 6G use cases requiring extreme bandwidth and low latency. By proving both antenna performance and measurement methodology at system level, the cooperation reduces technical uncertainty and shortens the path toward field trials.
Following the demonstration, Anritsu and VTT plan to engage with additional industry partners to explore deployment scenarios and prepare the technology for practical trials. The collaboration illustrates how coordinated antenna innovation and high-precision measurement can accelerate the transition of D-band wireless systems from research environments to operational networks.
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