State-of-the-art multi-functional RF signal analyzer for research on next-generation software-defined communication technologies and systems

拟议研究计划的中心目标是开发和评估创新技术和设计，以便在光纤无线网络平台中实际实现软件定义设计范式，特别是在5G通信框架内，这是一项必须迫切解决的壮举，以满足未来电信系统和网络的性能要求。我们的短期重点是开发实现弹性无线电接入网络所需的设备和子系统，即所谓的云RAN（或C-RAN）。我们将致力于展示创新的信号生成、处理和分析技术，这些技术能够提供下一代5G通信应用所需的严格性能规范，包括带宽配置可扩展性、灵活性、能源和成本效率，超越现有数字信号处理（DSP）或模拟射频（RF，从微波到毫米波）技术的潜力。我们的愿景涉及使用微波光子学（MWP）方法，该方法将利用先进的毫米波电路设计增强的光学技术，以完全可重新配置和有效的方式对RF信号进行合成，实时分析和处理。我们将以紧凑、完全集成的格式（即，芯片上），这是在现实世界环境中成功部署所提出的设计的关键实现。** 申请的资金用于购买宽带射频（RF）信号分析仪，特别是德科技的UXA信号分析仪（型号：N9040 B），该分析仪覆盖从2 Hz到50 GHz的非常大的频带，并且可轻松扩展到110 GHz。该仪器包括三个高精度和高动态范围的测量功能，对于实现计划的工作至关重要，即（1）频谱分析，（2）实时信号调制分析，以及（3）相位噪声/抖动测量单元。该设备提供了最先进的多功能能力，可对微波光子和RF技术的主要和关键规格进行全面，高精度的测量，分析和测试，从组件到系统级，用于通信，雷达，成像和传感平台中的下一代软件定义收发器，具有与5G要求相称的功能。** 拟议的活动将为射频和光子学研究开辟新的途径，并带来坚实的商业化机会。该项目产生的新知识以及对与该工作不同阶段有关的高素质人员的培训将提高加拿大的全球竞争力，特别是在微波和毫米波工程、光学和光子学以及相关的高技术部门。*****

The central goal of the proposed research program is to develop and evaluate innovative technologies and designs for the practical realization of the software-defined design paradigm in fiber-wireless network platforms, particularly within the 5G communication framework, a feat that must be urgently addressed to meet the performance requirements of future telecommunication systems and networks. Our short-term focus is on the development of the needed devices and sub-systems for implementation of elastic radio-access networks, so-called cloud RANs (or C-RANs). We will pursue the demonstration of innovative signal generation, processing and analysis technologies capable of delivering the stringent performance specifications that are required for next-generation 5G communication applications, in terms of bandwidth provisioning scalability, agility, energy and cost efficiency, beyond the potential of present digital signal processing (DSP) or analog radio-frequency (RF, from microwave to mm-wave) technologies. Our vision involves the use of a microwave-photonics (MWP) approach, which will exploit the use of optical technologies, enhanced by advanced mm-wave circuit designs, for the synthesis, real-time analysis and processing of RF signals in a fully reconfigurable and efficient fashion. We will target implementation of all needed RF and MWP signal processing units in compact, fully integrated formats (i.e., on a chip), a crucial realization for a successful deployment of the proposed designs in real-world settings. ******Funding is requested towards the purchase of a broadband Radio-Frequency (RF) Signal Analyzer, in particular the UXA Signal Analyzer (Model: N9040B) from Keysight Technologies, covering a remarkably large frequency band, from 2 Hz to 50 GHz, and easily upgradable up to 110 GHz. The instrument includes three high precision and high dynamic-range measurement capabilities, of critical importance for realization of the planned work, namely (1) the spectrum analysis, (2) the real-time signal modulation analysis, and (3) the phase noise/jitter measurement units. This equipment provides state-of-the-art multi-functional capabilities for comprehensive, highly-accurate measurement, analysis and testing of the main and key specifications of microwave-photonic and RF technologies, from the component to the system level, for their application in next-generation software-defined transceivers in communication, radar, imaging and sensing platforms, with capabilities commensurate with the 5G requirements. ******The proposed activities will open new avenues in RF and photonics research, with solid commercialization opportunities. The new knowledge generated from the project and the training of highly qualified personnel associated with the different stages of this work will enhance Canada's global competitiveness, especially in microwave and mm-wave engineering, optics and photonics, and the related high-technology sectors. *****