Advanced Multi-band Interferometric Front-ends and Transceivers for Next Generations Ubiquitous Millimeter-wave Applications

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Millimeter wave (mm-wave) bands are especially of interest because a massive amount of RF spectrum has been allocated worldwide for wireless communications, radar and imaging sensors over 60-90 GHz band. Intensive research efforts have been started to design compact and low-cost mm-wave transceivers including emerging applications over 90-140 GHz. The future 5G/ 6G wireless systems have captured the attention and imagination of researchers and engineers around the world. Wireless data traffic is projected to increase exponentially. Fundamental limits on hardware implementation and channel conditions limit the viability of the conventional microwave options. In order to achieve multi Gb/s data-rates, the mm-wave spectrum enables the use of large bandwidths with simpler and low-cost modulations. Interferometric transceivers are also excellent candidates for mm-wave automotive radar and imaging sensors. Hot topics are also combined transceivers for autonomous cruise control and vehicle to vehicle high-speed communications, IoT sensors, security and surveillance. Improvement of actual mm-wave component and system measurement equipment is also mandatory. Efforts in this direction already started this year in our NSERC Alliance Grant with Focus Microwaves. Technical challenges to be addressed today in the mm-wave research are unprecedented. The proposed program will take advantage of our research team's strong expertise in mm-wave circuits, systems, and interferometric techniques. The general objectives of this research program are: (i) to propose and to validate innovative and performant mm-wave architectures for emerging applications and measurement systems; (ii) to find new solutions for high energy efficiency and miniaturized front-end multi-chip integrated modules using low-cost fabrication technologies; (iii) to establish a permanent pool of HQP at the INRS-EMT, for the development of advanced RF technologies. The mm-wave transceivers for wireless communications in V/E-band will be primarily considered due to the actual limitation of low-cost integrated technologies. In order to validate novel architectures, for initial fast prototyping, in-house low-cost Miniaturized Hybrid Microwave Integrated Circuits (MHMIC) technology on very thin ceramic substrate is taken into account. After student training with more complex design rules, CMOS Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) can be fabricated at CMC Microsystems. Measurements and characterization of the circuits, modules, and transceiver prototypes will be performed in the INRS-EMT mm-wave laboratory using state-of-the-art equipment. Integrated circuits will be embedded in front-ends using metallic fixtures with appropriate connectors. The new knowledge that will emerge from this program and the training of highly qualified personnel associated to the different stages of this work will certainly contribute to enhance Canada's global competitiveness in this high-technology sector.