Keysight and IEMN Advance 6G Research with Sub-THz Communication Breakthrough

As global research into 6G accelerates, sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequencies are emerging as a critical enabler of ultra-high-capacity indoor applications, such as smart factories and advanced research environments. However, delivering reliable non-line-of-sight (NLoS) connectivity at these frequencies remains a major challenge due to high path loss and signal blockage.

To help address this challenge, Keysight Technologies is collaborating with the French Institut d’Électronique, de Microélectronique et de Nanotechnologie (IEMN), alongside Virginia Diodes Inc. (VDI) and Micro Harmonics, to develop a dual-polarization, non-NLoS sub-THz communication link using Reflective Intelligent Surface (RIS) developed within the TIMES consortium, one of the SNS 6G projects. The project combines RIS technology with dual-polarization transmission techniques to improve signal resilience and increase channel capacity without requiring additional spectrum.

“Our collaboration with Keysight enabled us to precisely generate and analyze dual-polarized, communication-modulated signals in the sub-THz band,” said Guillaume Ducournau, Professor at the University of Lille and IEMN Researcher. “This experimental work is conducted within the framework of the European TIMES project funded under the 6G-SNS and the France 2030 PEPR Future networks, SYSTERA project. It shows a NLoS dual-polarization transmission link enabled by RIS, providing valuable insights into polarization-dependent propagation, channel behavior, and performance evaluation for RIS assisted THz links.”

Advancing Reliable 6G Indoor Connectivity

As sub-THz technologies gain momentum for future 6G applications, engineers are exploring new approaches to overcome the limitations of indoor propagation, such as RIS which could dynamically redirect sub-THz signals to restore connectivity in obstructed environments, while dual-polarization techniques help maximize throughput and improve spectrum efficiency. Together, these innovations could play a key role in extending coverage and improving resilience in complex indoor environments.

“Working closely with the IEMN research team, we demonstrated how Keysight’s sub THz test solutions can address one of the toughest challenges in advanced wireless research,” said Jun Chie, Vice President of Keysight Core Product Management. “This collaboration shows what is possible when measurement innovation meets cutting edge research and marks an important milestone toward practical, resilient, and high capacity 6G communications.”

The 6G testbed setup combined:

• Keysight Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG)
• Keysight VXG Signal Generator
• Keysight Oscilloscope
• VDI converters
• Micro Harmonics orthomode transducer (OMT)

Using Keysight PathWave Signal Generation and Vector Signal Analysis software, the team generated and analyzed waveforms based on the IEEE 802.15.3d physical-layer frame structure. This enabled precise over-the-air evaluation of modulation performance across each RIS polarization channel in a dual-polarized sub-THz NLoS transmission scenario.

“Keysight is committed to supporting Europe’s 6G ambitions, including France 2030, by combining global 6G R&D expertise with strong local engagement across the region,” added Thierry Locquette, VP of Sales Europe, Middle East & Africa at Keysight. “Working closely with leading research institutions such as IEMN and the University of Lille, we help bring advanced test and validation capabilities into early-stage research, accelerating the development of future 6G technologies. We are proud to support the development of critical technologies that will enable future 6G systems and strengthen Europe’s leadership in wireless innovation.”