Overview
IEC TR 63100:2017 is an IEC Technical Report that documents methods for 100‑GHz spectrum measurement using Radio‑over‑Fibre (RoF) technologies. Rather than a prescriptive standard, it collects state‑of‑the‑art practices: background on mm‑wave measurement needs, a recommended 100‑GHz spectrum analyser system configuration, key enabling technologies (for example, mm‑wave tunable filters and RoF‑based local oscillators), and measured examples such as a 120‑GHz mm‑wave link and FM CW radar signals. The report is a practical reference for extending spectrum analysis and test capability above 100 GHz.
Key Topics and Technical Focus
- Radio‑over‑Fibre (RoF) for spectrum measurement: use of optical transport and photodiodes to generate and distribute mm‑wave local oscillator and test signals.
- 100‑GHz spectrum analyser configuration: block diagrams and external/system layout guidance for building analysers that cover frequencies >100 GHz.
- mm‑wave tunable pre‑selector / filter: techniques to suppress unwanted internal responses and improve selectivity at mm‑wave bands.
- RoF‑technologies‑based local signal generation (RoF Sig Gen): architectures for generating high‑frequency LO tones via photonic upconversion.
- Performance assessment methods: level calibration, displayed average noise level (DANL), image response, residual spurious response, and third‑order intercept (TOI) measurement approaches.
- Measurement examples: practical test cases (e.g., 120‑GHz link measurements and wideband FM CW radar chirps) that illustrate system setup, SPA settings and result interpretation.
Practical Applications
IEC TR 63100:2017 is directly applicable where accurate spectrum measurement above 100 GHz is required:
- Automotive radar and ADAS testing (77–81 GHz trends and higher‑band research).
- Wireless device verification, including high‑bandwidth systems that require out‑of‑band emissions checks up to ~130 GHz (e.g., IEEE 802.11ad‑related devices).
- Airport ground FOD detection system development and verification.
- Millimetre‑wave link and backhaul R&D and production test.
- Test laboratories and instrument manufacturers designing or validating spectrum analysers and pre‑selectors for mm‑wave ranges.
Who should use this Technical Report
- RF and photonics test engineers
- Spectrum‑measurement instrument designers
- Automotive radar and ADAS system developers
- Wireless device and mm‑wave component manufacturers
- Accredited test laboratories building capability above 100 GHz
Related Standards (high level)
While IEC TR 63100:2017 is a Technical Report (state‑of‑the‑art guidance), it complements other IEC/ISO/IEEE standards and specifications on radio equipment, mm‑wave technologies and measurement procedures. Users should consult relevant normative standards for regulatory or compliance requirements when performing conformance testing.
Keywords: IEC TR 63100:2017, 100‑GHz spectrum measurement, radio‑over‑fibre, RoF technologies, mm‑wave tunable filter, spectrum analyser, calibration, DANL, TOI, automotive radar, IEEE 802.11ad.