Upper Mid-Band (FR3) TRX Demonstration Projects with Pi-Radio (2024-Present)

Our project repository on GitHub

Using the Pi-Radio FR3 2-channel transceiver platform in combination with Xilinx RFSoC systems, we have developed and demonstrated several advanced research prototypes that explore the potential of FR3 (6-24 GHz) spectrum for future 6G wireless systems. These projects span channel sounding, near-field propagation analysis, autonomous RF sensing, and open 6G prototyping.

Near-Field MIMO Channel Measurement in FR3

We developed a near-field MIMO channel measurement platform for upper mid-band frequencies to support next-generation mobile networks. The system combines Vivaldi antenna arrays, the Pi-Radio FR3 transceiver, and an RFSoC 4x2 baseband subsystem to capture high-resolution channel data across multiple spatial displacements. Unlike traditional far-field channel models based on plane-wave assumptions, this platform enables recovery of spherical wave characteristics and precise multipath structure, providing accurate power-delay profiles and path parameters for near-field propagation studies in FR3.

Autonomous Robotic RF Sensing and Localization

In this project, we integrated FR3 wireless sensing with autonomous robotic navigation. A mobile robot estimates the Angle of Arrival (AoA) of a FR3 transmitter, navigates toward the signal source, and localizes it through triangulation. All sensing and navigation results are visualized in real time on a LiDAR-generated map. This work demonstrates how 6G technologies can extend beyond communication into environmental perception, enabling robots to reason about invisible RF signals as part of their sensory framework. The project was presented at the Nokia / NYU Brooklyn 6G Summit and highlights a multidisciplinary collaboration between wireless communications, hardware acceleration, and robotics.

Open 6G FR3 Prototyping Platform

We also developed a comprehensive FR3 prototyping platform for 6G research spanning 7-24 GHz. The system integrates OpenAirInterface, software-defined radios, Pi-Radio front-ends, and Xilinx RFSoC hardware to enable end-to-end wireless experimentation. The platform demonstrates a fully operational communication link, an O-RAN-compliant open radio unit (O-RU), and a high-resolution FR3 channel sounder. Together, these capabilities form a flexible, open, and scalable testbed that supports rapid prototyping, validation, and exploration of next-generation 6G wireless technologies.