Highly integrated Radio-Frequency Front-End for next generation wireless systems

移动流量每年都在翻一番，这种指数级的增长将在未来五年继续下去。到本世纪末，移动用户平均每年可以下载1TB的数据。为了满足这一需求，需要开发第五代(5G)蜂窝技术。然而，射频(RF)前端的集成提出了几个仍然需要解决的挑战，以迎接下一代无线通信系统的到来。目前的解决方案对于便携式系统来说过于昂贵和耗电。此外，由于互连损耗和串扰，无源毫米波组件与有源集成电路的集成是一个复杂的过程。本研究计划的总体目标是探索低成本制造高性能、全集成毫米波无源射频前端的技术。长期目标是：a)毫米波系统领域的先进知识，b)应用这些知识为超高数据速率系统提出创新和高效的技术，以及c)在射频系统设计领域培训HQP。更具体地说，在未来5年，该计划将专注于探索5G及无线网络集成前端以外的新解决方案。为了实现这一目标，我将遵循四个核心研究思路：1)探索新型扫描天线，以有效地最大化信道容量；2)研究多功能集成技术，以在保持性能的同时减小无源前端子系统的尺寸；3)研究封装系统(SOP)技术，以实现所有组件的完全集成；4)研究高集成毫米波收发机的功耗技术。无线通信无处不在，移动用户不断要求更高的数据速率。这一激动人心的项目将探索针对下一代无线网络的几个创新想法，例如高度集成的频率扫描波束形成网络和多功能组件，这些组件将集成到单一平台上。拟议计划的潜在影响是巨大的：对毫米波无线系统新技术的研究可能从根本上改变用户与他们的通信设备交互的方式。这项研究计划将有助于发展这一新兴领域的专业知识，带来广泛的经济效益。它还将为研究生和本科生提供独特的培训，让他们接触毫米波系统的设计、制造和集成。这种技能目前受到在射频设备领域工作的大量加拿大公司的高度追捧。

Mobile traffic has been doubling annually, and this exponential growth is set to continue over the next five years. By the end of the decade, the average mobile user could be downloading one terabyte of data each year. To meet this demand, a fifth-generation (5G) cellular technology will need to be developed. The integration of the radio-frequency (RF) front-end, however, presents several challenges that still need to be addressed for the advent of the next generation of wireless communication systems. Current solutions are too expensive and power hungry for portable systems. Also, due to interconnect losses and crosstalk, the integration of passive millimeter-wave components with active integrated circuits is a complex process.The global objective of this research program is to explore enabling technologies for the low-cost fabrication of high performance, fully integrated millimeter-wave passive RF front-end. The long-term objectives are: a) advance knowledge in the field of millimeter-wave systems, b) apply this knowledge to propose innovative and efficient technologies for ultra-high data-rate systems and c) train HQP in the field of RF system design. More specifically, in the next 5 years, this program will focus on exploring novel solutions for 5G and beyond integrated front-ends for wireless networks. To achieve this goal I will pursue four core research threads: 1) explore novel scanning antennas to efficiently maximize channel capacity; 2) study multi-functionality integration techniques in order to reduce the size of the passive front-end sub-systems while preserving their performances; 3) research system on a package (SoP) technologies for the complete integration of all components and 4) investigate power dissipation techniques for highly integrated millimeter-wave transceivers.Wireless communications are omnipresent and mobile users are continually asking for larger data-rate. This exciting undertaking will explore several innovative ideas targeting the next generation of wireless networks, such as highly integrated frequency scanning beamforming network and multifunction components, which will be integrated on into single platform. The potential impact of the proposed program is vast: the investigation of novel technologies for millimeter-wave wireless systems could fundamentally change the way users interact with their communication devices. This research program will help develop an expertise in this emerging field with promising economic benefits that are widespread in scope. It will also provide unique training for graduate and undergraduate students by exposing them to design, fabrication and integration of millimetre-wave systems. Such skills are currently highly sought after by the large pools of Canadian companies working in the field of RF devices.