White Paper

Why an optical solution using RF over Fiber

is the preferred solution for 5G applications

By
Dr. Avner Sharon & Dr. David Gabbay
RFOptic Ltd.

August 2020

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Table of Contents
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4
II. The Challenge ................................................................................................................................ 4
III. The solution ................................................................................................................................... 5
IV. Wideband RF vs Optical Distribution Networks for 5G applications....................................................... 5
A. CURRENT APPROACH ....................................................................................................................... 5
B. THE RFOPTIC APPROACH .................................................................................................................. 6
C. ADVANTAGES OF USING OPTIC VERSUS COAX .......................................................................................... 7
V. Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 8
VI. About RFOptic ................................................................................................................................ 8

FIGURES
Figure 1 - Current RF Approach............................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2 - RF Optical Approach................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 3 - Comparison between RF Distribution Matrix and RFoF Distribution Matrix .......................................... 8

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Glossary
5G Fifth generation (5G) technology standard for cellular networks,
which cellular phone companies began deploying worldwide in
2019
6G Sixth generation (6G) technology is currently in the research phase
and will replace 5G in the future. 6G is expected to enable speeds
of 1TB or 8,000 gigabits per second with lower latency for instant
device-to-device communication.
mm-Wave Millimeter Wave - An electromagnetic (radio) wave typically within
the 30–300 GHz frequency range
PIM Passive Intermodulation
RF Radio Frequency
RFoF RF over Fiber
VSWR Voltage standing wave ratio

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I. INTRODUCTION
Many RF applications require signal distribution / collection that interconnects over substantial
distances using wide bandwidth. Examples of such systems include antenna arrays and signal
distribution networks. The main applications are the emerging 5G where bandwidths above 6GHz are
required.

Where bandwidths are low, digital distribution is king, as the signal information content can be
maintained over long distances without degradation other than from the original sampling
quantization errors. However, when the bandwidth requirement is increased, sampling ADC
converters may become impractical for a number of reasons including: limitations of the sample rate,
power consumption, and dynamic range.

RF distribution can fill the requirement for such distribution networks with high bandwidths. When
signal bandwidths are in the range of 6Ghz (which is used for 5G networks) applications. Sophisticated
and complex up-and-down frequency conversion solutions are possible with low loss coaxial lines
serving to transport the signals. However, frequency conversion becomes less practical and even
impossible for some applications which require massive MIMO antenna arrays, long-distance signal
transport, and even wider bandwidths. RF solutions becomes very difficult to design and implement
when there are many distribution points. In some cases, it is simply the sheer weight and girth of all
those coax cables that becomes unmanageable. In other cases, frequency conversion adds too many
side effects as to preclude the approach altogether. To illustrate: many scientific observatories, 5G and
6G tower infrastructure cannot use straight-forward frequency conversion solutions.

II. THE CHALLENGE

A practical solution is needed for low power delivery of ultra-wide bandwidth signals to a massive
number of distant ports over manageable and low-cost media without sacrificing signal quality. Such
a solution should support low-loss transmission media which is immune to radiated electromagnetic
noise (after all, the transmission media is intended for delivery of signals to antennas which in turn
create lots of electromagnetic radiation on purpose). Ideally, the transmission media is indifferent to
the signal bandwidth, since installations could then be upgraded easily as bandwidth demands
increase. Flexibility and scalability are desirable too, especially when it is certain that future upgrades
will include even more signals, channels, antennas, and bandwidth to be distributed differently.

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III. THE SOLUTION
RFoF solutions are the answer by addressing all of the key criteria outlined above. Such RFoF links
provide extreme bandwidths exceeding 40GHz for high end solutions, RF bandwidth agnostic low-loss
transmission media in the form of lightweight optical fibers that can be bundled to deliver massive
parallel transmission channels over long distances with immunity to electromagnetic noise.

These converters consume miniscule amount of power as compared to their high speed ADCs or RF
frequency conversion schemes. As a result, RFoF-based optical analog distribution will be the logical
choice for distribution networks that need to handle instantaneous bandwidths exceeding a few GHz.
These signal distribution systems perform exceptionally well over substantial distances. They can also
maintain unmatched SFDR and dynamic range allowing signals with different levels to coexist with
minimal interference. With optical WDM, the throughput and flexibility can be increased dramatically
in such a way that such signal delivery systems stand out unchallenged and alone in their performance.

In this white paper, applications for 5G base stations that require frequencies up to 6GHz as well as
mm-Wave frequencies are discussed.

IV. WIDEBAND RF VS OPTICAL DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS FOR 5G APPLICATIONS

A. CURRENT APPROACH

In the 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks generations, when vendors of base stations were testing their
equipment, they created a mock deployment environment test range using hundreds of mobile devices
connected with RF networks, RF switches, power dividers, attenuators and amplifiers to a base station
array. This setup is then used to check for interoperation, interference, crosstalk, handover issues and
more. Although there are many known issues (some quite esoteric e.g., PIM or passive
intermodulation) along with strict shielding requirements, tuning and high maintenance costs of such
setups, this approach was considered to be adequate.

Such RF-based distribution systems can become exceedingly more complex, consuming lots of power,
and even becoming unmanageable due to factors causing performance degradation stemming from
the effects of leakage and crosstalk, reflected signals and insertion losses. These test setups require
constant vigilance to maintain the operating conditions aided by monitoring subsystems that detect
signal leaks from bad or loose connectors and such. Such effects are well-known to RF system designers
who deploy various additional circuit or system blocks for mitigation. However, that increases the
power consumption of the system and its complexity even more. Relying on such complex hardware
infrastructure makes test configuration changes very time consuming and tedious.

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The mechanical and maintenance aspects of such RF signal distribution systems complicate the bulk of
hundreds of coaxial lines which should be as thin as possible to make assembly and routing practical,
but also as thick as possible to reduce PIM and insertion losses. To overcome this paradox, thousands
of RF connectors are required to provide a maintainable segmentation of these RF cabling
interconnects, each a potential weak point in the shield that results in unwanted crosstalk. While not
completely impossible, the implementation of such RF signal distribution systems has to overcome
major obstacles.

A more common instance where RF interconnect technology is deployed is in tower-mounted antenna

arrays. Also is this case, there are the same issues such as cabling weight, insertion losses, VSWR, and
reflections complicated by the need to weather the elements of the environment. In other cases, such
as in tunnels, limitations can include the size of available conduits and corrosive environments.

Figure 1 - Current RF Approach

B. THE RFOPTIC APPROACH

An alternative and highly effective approach consists of a solution comprised of RFOptic’s RFoF links
and a managed optical switch. The solutions are comprised of:

a. 6GHz RFoF links with built in LNA including an internal digital attenuator, an optical power
meter, and other features that makes it especially suitable for 5G applications.
b. 20GHz and 40GHz RFoF links with pre and post amplifier and gain control
c. An optical managed switch
d. SNMP/HTML remote management system

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An Example of such signal distribution system is shown below in Figure 2.

The RFoF sub-system includes several unidirectional and Bidirectional RFoF links. Owing to the optical
transmission media it is possible to service distant and shielded locations with EMI immunity for all
interconnects.

Figure 2 - RF Optical Approach

C. ADVANTAGES OF USING OPTIC VERSUS COAX

Feature RFoF Distribution Matrix
RF Distribution Matrix
Distance between RF ports There is no practical limitation due
Limited with frequency
to the low loss of fibers
RF Bandwidth Practically unlimited RF bandwidth
Limited due to the coax and
distance
Weight and Size Compact and light fibers is
Bulky and heavy RF Cables
frequency and bandwidth agnostic
Environment Less sensitive to corrosion
Sensitive to corrosion and
chemicals
Operating Expenses (OPEX) Simpler system, with minimal
Complex system, requires
maintenance
frequent maintenance
Isolation Insensitive to RF EM radiation
Limited by coaxial shields and
connectors
System Cost Cost benefit increases as RF
Increases with the frequency
bandwidth increases
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 Figure 3 - Comparison between RF Distribution Matrix and RFoF Distribution Matrix

V. SUMMARY
The RF high frequency market is highly dynamic, evolving rapidly. Especially with 5G deployment
accelerating and 6G testing intensifying, customers are looking for end-to-end systems combining best-
of-breed technologies.

As discussed above, the deployment of optic is highly efficient for distribution networks that need to
handle instantaneous bandwidths exceeding a few GHz and up to 40GHz.

Only optical analog distribution performs exceptionally well over substantial distances while
maintaining unmatched SFDR and dynamic range allowing signals with disparate levels with minimal
interference.

VI. ABOUT RFOPTIC

RFOptic is a leading provider of RF over Fiber (RFoF) and Optical Delay Line (ODL) solutions. For the last
20 years, its team of industry veterans has been developing, designing, and integrating superior quality
technology for a wide range of RFoF and ODL solutions. The solutions are deployed in various
industries, including broadcasting, aviation, automotive, and defense. RFOptic offers its customers and
OEMs various off-the-shelf products, as well as custom-made solutions optimized for a wide range of
RFoF products at affordable prices and with a quick turnaround. RFOptic makes it its mission to help
its customers to turn innovation into real business by providing them with the highest quality, cutting
edge RFoF solutions as well as customized solutions based on individual requests and objectives.
For more information, please visit www.rfoptic.com

Phone: 972-76-5401771 • Fax: 972-76-5400180 • Kibbutz Einat, 4880500, P.O.B 312, Israel •
www.rfoptic.com