Radio Shop Chat / 6G and the Exploration of New and Additional Spectrum above 100GHz
Roger Nichols, 6G Program Manager, Keysight Technologies, Inc.
Abstract: The demand for higher data rates and capacity drives new generation of mobile wireless communications to explore and expand the use of new and additional spectrum. In this context, “New Spectrum” refers to spectrum that has not previously been used for mobile (cellular) wireless communications. “Additional Spectrum” refers to the incremental spectrum added to what has already been established for use by previous generations. These words may seem to refer to the same thing, but they have distinct meanings. New spectrum requires significant research and engineering to develop transceiver technologies to address the physical challenges of the new frequency and what is often a much wider bandwidth. Given today’s crowded airwaves, Additional spectrum means incumbent users are impacted–sometimes with a glancing blow, sometimes with a knockout punch. As a design and measurement company, among our priorities and expertise is to enable the means for quantitative assessment of physical behaviors and radio is one particular focus. This presentation is an overview of how we see the move to 6G impacting the demand for spectrum from 100 to 400 GHz. It will cover an overview of the measurement challenges we face for materials, radio channels, components, and systems including interoperability and co-existence.
Bio: Roger Nichols’ 37 years of engineering and management experience in wireless design and measurement at Hewlett-Packard, Agilent, and Keysight Technologies spans roles in R&D, marketing, and manufacturing. He has managed projects, programs, and departments beginning with analog cellular radio and on every subsequent standard evolving to 6G. He directed Keysight’s 5G program starting in 2014, and Keysight’s 6G program starting in 2019. He is also the director of Keysight’s work in wireless standards.
Roger holds a BSEE from the University of Colorado, Boulder.