About our National 6G Radio Systems Facility
About our National 6G Radio Systems Facility
Embedded Files
The National 6G Radio Systems Facility (N6GRSF) provides a unique experimental platform for empirically researching and testing both current and future radio systems. Specifically, the N6GRSF realises test and measurement scales commensurate with the envisaged use of radio systems in 6G networks and beyond. The facility is based on a high-specification instrumented software-defined-radio architecture that enables both hardware and software in the loop development, testing and proof-of-concept.
The facility uses multiple, individually controlled over-the-air radio transmission paths spanning the frequency spectrum from sub-6 GHz to 220 GHz. A combination of deep waveform generation, wide signal bandwidths and the largest available digitisation bandwidths create an advanced experimental platform that, together with its comprehensive signal generation and analysis software, supports research, development and innovation across the entire radio system.
Our Facility
Our Facility
The N6GRSF includes arbitrary waveform generation, upconversion, amplification, transmit band filtering, transmit and receive horn antennas, receive band filtering, downconversion, intermediate frequency amplification and digitisation using the Keysight UXR 110 GHz digital oscilloscope. A total of 7 bands are available covering FR1, FR2, FR3, WR19, WR12, WR8 and WR5.1. At least two realisations of each band are available for digital MIMO operation and any four bands may be used simultaneously.
Signal generation and analysis software cater for standard and proprietary signal formats as well as candidate 6G signals. The UXR enables direct digitisation into the WR12 band. The suite of facilities is ideal for researching and developing 6G radio systems solutions.
Academic Users
Academic Users
The facility is available for research activities, both within the University of Sheffield and in collaboration with other academic institutions. We offer bespoke experimental services to support the development of new solutions for wireless communications.
The N6GRSF aims to enhance publication impact in the field of waveforms, baseband system design, energy-efficient communications, and advanced signal processing for wide bandwidths. 6G represents an opportunity to develop new concepts for ubiquitous connectivity, resulting in a REF output of highly-scored conference proceedings and journal articles.
Additionally, the N6GRSF provides a platform to engage with industry for the dissemination and transfer of knowledge into enterprise sectors.
Industry Users
Industry Users
We work with a network of over 20 companies, representing strategic UK sectors including telecommunications, healthcare, defence and aerospace, to support the rapid commercialisation of innovative wireless communication technologies.
Through the use of our testbed for 6G trials, partners can reduce their time-to-market and accelerate technology readiness. Our in-house test capabilities align with standards such as 3GPP so that our offering supports real-world use cases. The facility is a key enabler of new product development. Using our facilities, partners can showcase the throughput, latency, and reliability of their candidate 6G technologies, for example. This will produce a competitive edge in a rapidly-changing wireless landscape.
Facilitating the development of enabling technologies for 6G radio communications
Facilitating the development of enabling technologies for 6G radio communications
"Keysight is excited to collaborate with the University of Sheffield and build upon our leadership and expertise to make the vision of 6G a reality."
"Keysight is excited to collaborate with the University of Sheffield and build upon our leadership and expertise to make the vision of 6G a reality."
Dr Mark Pierpoint, Vice President of Strategic Innovations and Partnerships at Keysight
Dr Mark Pierpoint, Vice President of Strategic Innovations and Partnerships at Keysight
Latest News
Latest News
UK's first national 6G research facility to be opened by University of Sheffield
A major new research facility that will help the UK be a world leader in 6G technology is set to be established at the University of Sheffield.
Sheffield launches the UK’s first National 6G Research Facility
Last week saw the launch of a major new research facility at Sheffield - the National 6G Radio Systems Facility - which will support the UK in becoming a world leader in 6G technology.
Connect with Us
Connect with Us
Subscribe to our 6G facility for updates. We are keen to hear from new and established partners.
Subscribe to our 6G facility for updates. We are keen to hear from new and established partners.
Page updated
Report abuse