Multiport Interferometric Technology: A Versatile Transceiver Solution for Wireless Communication, Sensing, and Imaging Systems

The multiport interferometric technology holds significant promise as a versatile transceiver solution for next-generation wireless systems. Considerable progress has been made in exploring and developing this technology for RF front-end circuits and systems, including transmitters, receivers, and fully integrated transceivers. Its architecture distinguishes itself through several key advantages, namely, low power requirements for local oscillator (LO), cost-effectiveness, structural simplicity, wideband operation, and appreciable suitability for millimeter-wave (mmW) and terahertz (THz) applications. A particularly compelling feature of this technology is its inherent linear interference-based operation, which allows for a unified circuit topology to be used interchangeably as both a transmitter and a receiver. This versatility makes it an attractive candidate for addressing the growing demand for multifunctional wireless system design. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the ongoing evolution of multiport interferometric technology. Various architectures are holistically examined through practical examples, with an emphasis on technical attributes, design innovations, and application scenarios. Recent advancements are highlighted, showcasing key research milestones and achievements in the field. The article also outlines future research directions and developmental prospects in the context of emerging wireless applications. As wireless systems increasingly require integrated capabilities—combining communication, sensing, and imaging—the adoption of multiport interferometric technology is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling this convergence. Its continued advancement is expected to drive innovation across a broad spectrum of next-generation wireless platforms.