[Current] Development of Intelligent THz beamforming technology realizing 6G mobile communications

Project: 2020.09.01 – 2023.02.28

Research Objectives

In order to realize THz (0.1~1THz) ultra-wideband communication, which is drawing attention as a core technology of 6G mobile communication, a transmission technology that is easy to implement should be developed in consideration of high frequency characteristics and low power hardware structure. First, since a THz band signal experiences a very high path loss of 120dB per 100m based on 0.6THz, an effective beamforming technique is required to compensate for this. At this time, unlike the 5G millimeter wave beamforming system, in the ultra-wideband THz channel, the available bandwidth varies every several m due to the molecular absorption effect in addition to path loss. In addition, since the THz base station is installed locally in an area where traffic is concentrated or in a shadow area, it is expected to play a role in increasing network transmission capacity and coverage, and thus a transmission technology having flexibility and expandability is required from the viewpoint of wireless network operation.

In this study, we aim to accelerate the realization of 6G THz mobile communication by introducing new technology elements different from the existing mobile communication system design method. Specifically, we develop a distributed IRS (Intelligent Reflecting Surface) and machine learning-based intelligent beamforming technology to overcome both the THz channel characteristic which is sensitive to environmental changes and the non-ideal characteristics of low-power hardware, and to operate a flexible and extensible THz wireless network.

• Keyword: 6G mobile communications, Intelligent THz beamforming, Low-power hardware, Intelligent reflecting surface
• Members: Girim Kwon, Jeongju Jee, Hyunwoo Nam, Joongsub Choi, Seonyong Kim
• Research funded by Ministry of Science and ICT  (https://www.msit.go.kr/web/main/main.do).