E-band (71-76 ghz) wireless link using compact modules

Wireless links using carrier waves in the millimetre-wave spectrum above 70 GHz provide a cost-effective solution to increase the data rate. Reported is the development of a photonically enabled link, based on two compact modules, both operated uncooled, transmitting a 1 Gbit/s data signal over several metres. The first module includes an optimised high-speed photodiode, delivering an output RF power exceeding 0 dBm (1 mW). Also reported is the development of a direct envelope receiver based on a quasi-optical Schottky barrier diode (SBD) module. Over the carrier frequency range, the broadband log-periodic antenna impedance has been optimised to match the SBD, while at the baseband frequency, the receiver was optimised to a 50 Ω output through an impedance transition. These have been key issues for the excellent performance of the compact receiver module over the entire E-band.