SiGe: BiCMOS technology is enabling d-band link with active phased antenna array

While 5G wireless network is being currently deployed around the world, preliminary research activity has begun to look beyond 5G and conceptualize 6G standard. Although it is envisioned that 6G may bring an unprecedented transformation of the wireless network, in comparison with previous generations, from analog and RF point of view the need to address new frequency spectrum to increase achievable data rate and its implication on the development of differentiated More-than-Moore silicon technologies will remain. This paper reviews the exploitation, in the framework of the Horizon 2020 DREAM project, of the radio spectrum in D-band (130-174.4GHz), relying on power efficient silicon-based BiCMOS FEM transceiver and active phased antenna array with beam steering functionality, demonstrating wireless links with data rate exceeding current V-band and E-band wireless backhaul solutions.