Substrate integrated circuits (SICs) for radio-frequency (RF), millimetre-wave and microwave photonic system applications

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The applicant pioneered and has successfully demonstrated the "substrate integrated circuits (SICs)" concept for application in future radio-frequency (RF), millimetre-wave and microwave photonic integrated circuits and systems. This 5-year project is concerned with further research and development for demonstrating the uniqueness and usefulness of this possibly revolutionary integrated circuit technique.This research allows the applicant to lead international efforts in searching for future generations of low cost, high performance and fully integrated circuits and systems. Theoretical and experimental activities will be conducted for discovering new circuit features, new design rules, new innovative devices, and new application areas of the SICs, which will involve unconventional and multilayered substrates. Fundamental guided-wave properties will be investigated for new classes of SICs-based waveguide structures, new modeling and design techniques will be studied and developed with hybrid field/circuit models, and selected experimental prototypes will be made and demonstrated for passive/active circuit and antenna applications. This project will foster substantial interests of this new concept for future high-frequency, in particular millimetre-wave system design towards complete hybrid and monolithic system-on-substrate integration and miniaturization.The proposed SICs design platform allows bridging the technological gap between high-frequency electronic and photonic circuits and systems. A successful commercialization of such circuits and systems depends on cost/performance and mass-reproducible characteristics. This project promises to provide a valuable edge in meeting this goal. The new knowledge generated from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel will be critical in stimulating the development of Canadian high-technology sectors, thereby enhancing Canada's global competitiveness.