Modular Testbed for Characterizing Channels, Circuits and Systems in the 60-90 GHz Band

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In the coming decades, we will move towards a highly connected society, in which trillions of devices connect people to people, people to things, and things to things, allowing anyone or anything to access information anywhere, at any time. Supporting this level of connectedness will require the creation of a pervasive information infrastructure, referred to as fifth-generation wireless technology (5G). The drastic increase in the operating frequency and system complexity of 5G technology compared to current communication systems will require radically different theories and techniques to define, design, and realize cost-effective and power-efficient communication devices, protocols, and infrastructure. Building on the co-applicants’ recognized track record in wireless communication technologies, a multidisciplinary research program will be undertaken to investigate high-performance circuits and systems, innovative signal processing algorithms, and networking and scheduling protocols crucial for 5G. The requested equipment, when combined with existing infrastructure, will form a leading-edge, scalable testbed capable of simultaneously offering wideband signal generation and analysis capabilities for digitally modulated signals over a massive analysis bandwidth (up to 4 GHz) and scalable frequency range (60-90 GHz). Developed in consultation with industry-leading solutions providers, the proposed test bed will allow researchers to study the realistic behavior of circuits, systems, and over-air links using 5G communication signals, reconcile observations of physical non-idealities with idealistic theories and assumptions about circuit and network behavior, and elevate prototype devices and algorithms to a greater level of readiness/maturity for publishing, and eventual transfer to industry. The equipment will be instrumental for training the next generation of highly qualified engineers and researchers to assess challenges of 5G hyper-connectivity and design feasible hardware and networking solutions to address them. The proposed testbed will enable an internationally-competitive research program in the emerging field of 5G technologies. Outcomes of this program (new analyses, models, algorithms and prototypes) are of pertinence to the applicants’ multinational industry sponsors, and will accelerate the transition of the information and communication technology sector towards 5G, ultimately leading to the development of a hyper-connected information infrastructure capable of supporting smart cities, farms, and transportation systems for the social, economic and environmental benefit of Canada.