Millimeter wave (mmWave), also known as millimeter band, is a range of electromagnetic frequencies between microwaves and infrared. It is a frequency spectrum that is used for local wireless high-speed communications and has applications in areas such as automotive RADAR, defense RADAR, and EW. RFOptic offers mmWave Optical Delay Lines for EW and RADAR calibration is required as well as RF satellite communication, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In general, the mmWave bands encompass wavelengths between 10 millimeters at 30 gigahertz up to 1 millimeter at 300 GHz. We at RFOptic deliver solutions up to 67 GHz, focusing on key parameters crucial for demanding applications. Let’s have a look at some of the features and benefits.
Linearity and Noise
Our mmWave products boast high Spurious-Free Dynamic Range (SFDR), which is a measure of the range of signal levels that can be transmitted and received. We achieve this by optimizing circuit topologies, heavy filtering of spurious sources, selecting the best-performing components, and rigorous testing. Maintaining low Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) products is achieved by properly grading the compression points of the RFoF link to avoid early-stage gain compression, which reduces the linearity and dynamic range of the link. Another factor to watch for is the relative intensity noise (RIN), which is the noise power normalized to the average power level of optical laser sources. RIN increases the noise floor of the RFoF link, and it is important to select components that excel in lower RIN. RIN has a strong dependence on the laser power and has a frequency response that impacts the noise floor of an RFoF link differently over the RF band. RFOptic selects for low RIN lasers to achieve lower laser’s impact on the RFoF link noise figure.
Temperature Stability
All RFoF links, and especially mmWave ones, are susceptible to temperature variations. To achieve stable performance, RFOptic links employ dynamic feedback control loops that maintain performance under a wide temperature range, which employ thermo-electric cooled laser. The temperature control maintains a tight control and ensures that the wavelength, power, and RIN remain constant. Environmental tests are regularly performed to qualify production lots to ensure performance consistency in fluctuating environments, which is critical for outdoor deployments as well as aerospace and defense applications.
Product Versatility
To meet the wide range of market needs, we provide both standalone RFoF links and integrated solutions with optional built-in pre and post amplifiers as well as other options. RFoF links are also available in a verity of enclosures for maximum flexibility and customization for OEM or installation in outdoor and indoor deployments.
Management and Control
For all RFoF products and systems, we offer integrated management capabilities that include real-time parameter monitoring, remote configuration via digital interfaces, alarms and diagnostics, as well as remote troubleshooting features. These Management and Control (M&C) capabilities use a USB interface for local access or secure Ethernet interface for remote M&C.
Technical Support
As we have seen above, mmWave design is complex and may involve a verity of considerations and implementation choices. That’s why we are committed to providing our customers with the necessary support to ensure successful implementation. Our comprehensive technical support encompasses engineering assistance, detailed datasheets and performance reports, custom designs, and integration services.
In conclusion, when contemplating mmWave for communication applications, there are five action items to consider:
- Selecting sufficiently high SFDR for desired linearity and communication performance.
- Ensuring temperature-stable performance for reliable operation in the intended deployment.
- Considering which product options are desirable for successful and flexible integration.
- Decide if an integrated management for simplified system control is necessary.
- Consider using RFOptic’s technical support for all stages of the design.
Why use RFOptic for mmWave RFoF solutions? First and foremost, we have a strong track record of timely delivering critical RF and optical successful solutions up to 67GHz including RFoF links and systems for SatCom, remote antenna systems, and precision optical delay lines. Our extensive experience serving first-tier system integrators worldwide demonstrates a commitment to high-performance and reliable solutions tailored to demanding applications. This proven expertise ensures that we provide the necessary support and quality to meet the stringent requirements of complex system deployments, making us a trusted supplier and a partner for engineers seeking advanced RF and optical technologies.