Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

Advances in communication technologies are placing demands on the computer aided design tools to handle increased circuit complexity. Conventional approaches for RF and microwave circuit modeling are either very accurate but extremely time consuming, or fast but lack of accuracy. Without effective modeling techniques, design success often relies on either breadboard manufacture or prolonged in-lab tuning. Both are costly and have high possibility of failures. Therefore, efficient design tools are of vital importance to the high-tech industry. The proposed research project focuses on the design of multiplexing networks, presumably the most complicated microwave passive circuit. The objective is to advance the state-of-the art in computer aided design (CAD) of multiplexing networks through effective application of artificial neural network. The problems encountered in the design of such complex circuits are divided into components. Combinations of different modeling techniques are proposed to tackle each task separately, enabling the development of design tools with both superior speed and accuracy comparable to precise yet time-consuming electromagnetic simulations. First-pass success, shortened product design cycle and cost reduction rely on fast and effective RF/microwave models. The outcome from the project will contribute to advancement of space and wireless communication technology, advance the state-of-the-art in CAD technique, produce a solution that meets the industrial design and production needs, and thus enhance competitiveness and capability of Canadian high-tech telecommunications industry, including the industrial sponsor, in the global market.