Sensitivity Analysis of a 280-312 GHz Superheterodyne Terahertz Link Targeting IEEE802.15.3d Applications

This article presents the sensitivity analysis of a superheterodyne terahertz link specifically designed for applications using the IEEE802.15.3d standard. With its wide frequency range for LO input signals in conjunction with an IF frequency range spanning over the full E-band, frequency-domain multiplexing of RF channels in the frequency range between 285 and 312 GHz is implemented in line with the frequency standard. In view of determining optimum operating conditions and performance limitations of the MMIC-based THz transmitter and receiver the link is characterized by a back-to-back operation of the transmitter and receiver modules using WR-3.4 waveguide interconnects. Custom E-band frequency extensions provide the intermediate frequency continuous wave or modulated signals with data rates of up to 32 Gb/s using 32-QAM modulation. The linearity of the presented THz link enables the use of modulation schemes as high as 256-QAM with reduced bandwidths.