A New Paradigm for Broadband Radio-Frequency Signal Processing

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One of the most promising recent developments in the wireless world is the move towards broadband radio-frequency (RF) technologies, including ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave methods and 60-GHz millimeter-wave techniques. The instantaneous spectrum of broadband RF systems characteristically spans several GHz, quickly over-running the capabilities of presently available RF signal-processing technologies. The proposed three-year project oversees the development of a comprehensive toolset for a wide range of fundamental broadband RF signal generation, detection and processing operations. This theoretical and experimental research will allow the three university teams from INRS-EMT, McGill University, and University of Ottawa, working closely with their industrial partners Apollo Microwaves and O/E Land, to lead Canada and worldwide efforts in developing cost-effective, high-performance solutions for the emerging broadband RF market. Our proposed approach for broadband RF signal processing is based on an original, efficient and practical incoherent-light approach, which will be implemented using widely available photonic (fiber-optics and/or integrated-waveguide) technologies. As opposed to previous impractical coherent photonic solutions, our newly proposed incoherent-light approach can potentially yield cost-efficient, mass-producible fiber-optics or on-chip structures amenable to commercialization. The planned work will set the basis for the use of our new technology in many critical broadband RF sub-systems, including high-data-rate analog-to-digital converters, high-frequency arbitrary waveform generators, high-resolution radar and imaging systems, real-time spectral analysis, correlation/convolution and decision-making circuits. This will have a dramatic impact in such diverse applications as next-generation wireless telecom, radar, sensing networks and biomedical imaging. Overall, the new knowledge generated from this project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to the different stages of this work will contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness, especially in information and communication technology sectors.