Next generation millimeter wave backhaul radio: Overall system design for GbE 60GHz PtP wireless radio of high CMOS integration

In this paper we present the implementation of an experimental FDD, QPSK, millimeter-wave radio modem (57-64 GHz) for Point to Point (PtP) wireless backhaul applications. The transceiver supports GbE targeting a two-chip solution plus the antenna subsystem, aiming at highly integrated functions in 90nm CMOS technology, for a range of more than 1km. Achieving these levels of overall integration and silicon implementation requires many technological challenges and innovative design approaches. Furthermore, it allows for drastic changes of relevant cost factors enabling the wireless backhaul deployment for broadband services. The present paper is an outcome of the NexGenMiliwave project aiming to prove that it is possible to provide integrated solutions in silicon, based on demanding high frequency PtP requirements and significantly reduce the cost of the relevant backhaul network deployment.