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Development of the metrological network needed to realise and implement 6G technology

The swift advancement of 6G wireless technology means that it is likely to be in use in the early part of the next decade, featuring remarkable specifications geared towards powering digital and highly connected applications.

Metrology Partnership project RF key quantities for 6G development (23IND03, RF 4 6G) is working to address the critical need for advanced metrological capabilities in the realm of RF (Radio Frequency) measurements, primarily to support the rapid development of 6G wireless communication technologies. At a high level, the societal need is to propel Europe into a leadership position within the global telecommunications industry by fostering innovation and ensuring the reliability of emerging 6G technologies.

End users including industry, manufacturers, and researchers, require precise and traceable RF measurements for multiple purposes. These needs range from the development and characterisation of cutting-edge components and devices for 6G networks to ensuring the seamless integration of RF technologies in applications such as including autonomous mobility, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence.

Without advanced metrological capabilities, end users face challenges related to the accurate measurement of RF power, phase, and waveform parameters, as well as limitations in traceability and calibration.

Project achievements

Some specific outcomes from the project include:

• The world’s first calibration and measurement capabilities for 0.8 mm coaxial connectors. This calibration service is now offered at PTB, Germany’s National Metrology Institute, and covers the frequency range up to 167 GHz.
• Successfully modelling a diode as interfrequency phase standard with promising results. Validation measurements are currently underway.

• Selected as one of around fifty papers at International Microwave Symposium 2025 to be published in the IEEE Microwave and Wireless Technology Letters. In addition, an extended version of the paper Traceability of S-Parameter Measurements Up to 167 GHz Using 0.8 mm Coaxial Standards was published in the IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques.

The work of this project will extend the metrological support for RF key quantities in line-based systems with connectorised interfaces to meet the challenges being set by the 6G specifications. It will provide foundational support to industries involved in ongoing R&D efforts, fostering the rapid evolution of 6G and strengthening the position of European industries in this fast-growing field.

Project coordinator Frauke Gellersen from PTB said

‘The project has already delivered tangible and internationally visible results, including new calibration and measurement capabilities at frequencies relevant for future 6G systems and high-impact scientific publications. A key success factor is the close collaboration between national metrology institutes, universities and industry, ensuring that metrological developments are directly aligned with real-world needs. This work is laying a trusted measurement foundation that will support the reliable deployment of 6G technologies and strengthen Europe’s position in high-frequency metrology.’

This Metrology Partnership project has received funding from the European Partnership on Metrology, co-financed by the European Union Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme and from the Participating States.

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