— Joint system-level validation of a beam-steering transmitarray antenna and test equipment achieving 20 Gbps throughput over-the-air D-band communication —
Anritsu and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have demonstrated a major advance in D-band wireless communications by validating a beam-steering transmitarray antenna system using advanced test equipment. The achievement confirms the feasibility of stable, high-capacity wireless links for next-generation backhaul, industrial, defense and future 6G networks.
Using Anritsu’s precision test equipment and VTT’s steerable transmitarray antenna, the teams achieved high-speed wireless links across the 110–170 GHz D-band. Link performance and beam-steering behavior were assessed under realistic over-the-air (OTA) conditions using wideband modulated signals up to 8 GHz bandwidth. This system-level characterization, from signal generation to OTA performance, confirmed multi-gigabit data rates in the tens-of-Gbps range, including 20 Gbps over 1 m and reliable operation up to 7 m, setting a new benchmark for D-band connectivity.
The demonstration features a lightweight, scalable transmitarray antenna developed by VTT, incorporating advanced phase-shifting elements and vector-modulator MMICs. Its electronically steerable design provides rapid, precise beam control without mechanical movement, maintaining signal strength under changing conditions. Supported by Anritsu’s state-of-the-art test equipment, the results reflect a proven, instrumentation grade measurement approach that ensures reliability and scalability for future deployments.
“Anritsu is proud to collaborate with VTT to advance the practical use of D-band wireless technology. Together, we have validated performance levels that bring high-frequency wireless links closer to real-world deployment,” said Jonathan Borrill, CTO, Test & Measurement, Anritsu.
“This milestone shows how strategic partnerships turn deep tech into competitive advantage. By combining VTT’s steerable transmitarray expertise with Anritsu’s precise instrumentation‑grade validation, we shorten adoption cycles and scale D‑band from the lab to live networks — creating growth opportunities across critical infrastructure, manufacturing, defense, 6G and beyond,” said Tauno Vähä‑Heikkilä, Director, Strategic Partnerships, VTT.
Anritsu and VTT will now engage with industry partners to evaluate use cases and prepare the technology for upcoming field trials and deployments, marking a landmark step toward realizing the potential of D-band wireless for next-generation networks.