60 GHz Frequency Band : Applications, Benefits and Challenges
Introduction : The 60 GHz frequency band is gaining attention for its unique characteristics that enable high speed wireless communication and low latency performance. With applications ranging from WiGig and 5G to advanced radar systems, this unlicensed spectrum has revolutionized industries including millimeter wave applications. However, along with its advantages, the 60 GHz band also poses challenges such as limited range and susceptibility to environmental factors. This guide delves into the applications, benefits and challenges of the 60 GHz frequency band and wavelength to help you understand its role in modern technology.
What is 60 GHz?
Introduction:
Following are the features of 60 GHz frequency.
• This particular frequency falls in millimeter wave range (i.e. 30 GHz to 300 GHz) in the electromagnetic frequency spectrum.
• It falls in globally used unlicensed band viz. 57 to 66 GHz recently adopted across the world for
commercial use for wireless communication.
• 60 GHz wavelength is about 0.5 centimeters. It is calculated using λ = c/f, where c is speed of light (i.e. 3 x 1010 cm/s)
and f is operating frequency.
• It is also known as V-band frequency.
• It is used for low power and short distance communication.

• As shown it occupies 9GHz of bandwidth in the frequency spectrum with four popular channels viz.
channel-1 (center frequency: 58.320 GHz), channel-2 (Fc: 60.48 GHz), channel-3 (Fc: 62.64 GHz) and
channel-4 (64.80 GHz).
• All the channels use about 2 GHz of bandwidth.
• Though it was initially used in military applications due to high security concern, now it
is employed in WiGig ( WiFi 802.11-ad ), WirelessHD, wireless PAN etc.
• Physical layers for this frequency has been defined in IEEE 802.15.3c-2009 standards.
There are three physical layers for different applications/modes.
Advantages of 60 GHz frequency
Following are the benefits of 60 GHz frequency. Due to this, it has become very popular in wireless communication.
Initially it was used in military communication due to its high security feature.
➨Sufficient bandwidth of about 9 GHz is used by 60 GHz band (i.e. V band).
➨High EIRP can be used at this frequency.
➨Less likelihood of interference due to low power operation at this frequency.
Moreover as low power transmissions can not propagate for longer distances, frequency reuse density can be increased by proper
radio frequency planning.
➨Small size of antenna can be realized at this frequency and hence antenna
arrays can be developed with smaller sizes with high gains. Massive MIMO systems have been developed due to
this feature.
➨Less power and less distance avoids chances of theft and hence it delivers highly
secured information transfer over wireless connection.
60 GHz applications
Following are applications of 60 GHz wavelength where it is used.
• It is used for development of high rate (> 20 Mbps) WPANs as specified in IEEE 802.15.3-2003 standard.
• The PHY layer specifications have been developed from previous standard (IEEE 802.15.3-2003).
The result is IEEE 802.15.3c-2009 standard. This standard specifies three PHY variants viz. SC, HSI, A/V mode.
• WirelessHD 1.0 and 1.1 technology versions
• ECMA-387 and ISO/IEC 13156 (2008 - present)
• NGmS (Next Generation millimeter-wave Specification), (2007 - 2009)
• Wireless Gigabit Alliance/ WiGig (2009 - 2013) technology
• Chips which uses CMOS, InP, SiGe ICs will be used extensively in 60 GHz WLAN devices.
This is as per IEEE 802.11.ad (2009 - 2012) standard.
Challenges in using 60 GHz frequency
Following are the issues which is of concern while using 60 GHz frequency.
➨Path loss is more at this frequency. This limits distance coverage at 60 GHz frequency.
The high path loss can be mitigated by using higher antenna gains.
➨60 GHz frequency incurs more attenuations through walls, doors etc. which prevents its
transmission through such structures.
➨RF absorption peak is substantial at 60 GHz due to resonance of oxygen. This is observed
at distances more than 100 meters. For low distance communication this does not have any effect in using 60 GHz frequency.
Conclusion
The 60 GHz frequency band offers unparalleled potential for high speed data transfer, low latency, and innovative applications across various sectors. While its limitations, such as short range and environmental sensitivity, present challenges, advancements in technology are gradually addressing these issues. As industries continue to adopt the 60 GHz band, it is poised to drive the future of wireless communication and beyond.
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