Fourier-Domain TRx solutions enabling widespread realisation of 6G

Project Information

FirstTo6G

Grant agreement ID: 101139167

DOI

10.3030/101139167

EC signature date 6 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 30 June 2027

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 5 373 340,00

EU contribution

€ 4 999 894,00

Coordinated by

INCIRT GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FirstTo6G (Fourier-Domain TRx solutions enabling widespread realisation of 6G)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

FirstTo6G is developing the world’s first 6G transceiver microchip technology, comprising data converters and corresponding millimetre-wave front-ends that meet the stringent requirements necessary for the widespread adoption of 6G. The project is focused on developing energy-efficient data converters capable of achieving up to 16GHz instantaneous bandwidth and integrating state-of-the-art frontend technology. These converters will be integrated into two complete millimetre-wave transceiver chipsets.
The project’s architecture involves integrating groundbreaking Fourier Domain Digital-to-Analog and Analog-to-Digital Converters (FDDACs/FDADCs) with novel frontend technologies. FirstTo6G will develop two demonstrators, as depicted in the figure. The proposed V-band solution aims to integrate the complete transceiver into a single 22nm-FDSOI-based chip, resulting in a total instantaneous bandwidth of 8GHz. The proposed D-band solution proposes a two-chip solution, with data converters in 22nm FDSOI and the frontend in silicon-based and III-V semiconductor technologies, achieving an instantaneous bandwidth of 16GHz.
Through this project, FirstTo6G addresses critical technological challenges associated with the global introduction of 6G by 2030, including high instantaneous bandwidth, energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and scalability. The project’s outcomes will contribute to 6G standardisation, and the demonstrators can be utilised in experimental radio devices for 6G trials. A successful adaptation of the technology developed in this project will facilitate the widespread adoption of 6G, thereby ensuring the availability of ultrahigh-speed wireless connectivity globally. Smart cities will be equipped with the capability to optimise traffic flow through continuous data exchange between vehicles, roads, pedestrians, and traffic lights. Smart energy grids will be able to distribute energy based on demand, and autonomous drones will monitor infrastructure. AR/VR applications will attain unprecedented levels of resolution and realism, benefiting from enhanced sensing capabilities and becoming an integral part of our daily lives, providing immersive mixed-reality experiences wherever we are.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the reporting period, significant progress has been made across all work packages towards achieving the project objectives. WP1 defined system requirements and architectural specifications for the V-band and D-band solutions, completing system-level modelling and performance trade-off analysis. WP2 advanced the development of high-performance data converters, finalizing the design of 8 GHz and 16 GHz DAC/ADC architectures and validating their performance. WP3 and WP4 focused on the design and characterization of the analogue frontends for sub-100 GHz and above-100 GHz systems, optimizing key RF components and conducting circuit simulations. In WP5, the demonstrator architecture was finalized, with PCB layouts and antenna configurations prepared for integration and testing. The next phase will focus on refining circuit designs, integrating components, and validating system performance.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Project participant InCirT has invented a novel and disruptive approach to data conversion known as the Fourier-Domain DAC and the Fourier-Domain ADC. The primary innovation lies in the data converter architecture, which enables the complete elimination of oversampling and digital filtering. Consequently, performance enhancements are no longer reliant on the availability of more advanced semiconductor technology. Notably, this new approach facilitates the attainment of up to 100x higher instantaneous bandwidth compared to state-of-the-art, while simultaneously achieving a 10x higher energy efficiency.
The 8-GHz DAC/ADC developed for the V-band solution will surpass current state-of-the-art performance by a factor of over 4. Simultaneously, it will exhibit significantly lower energy consumption and cost. This cost reduction will be realised by integrating the chip into the mature and cost-effective 22FDX technology. The 16-GHz DAC/ADC developed for the D-band will further double this performance.

The two demonstrators to be developed in FirstTo6G