Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

This 3-year research strategic proposal is concerned with the research and development of millimetre-wave (mmW) highly integrated transceivers at 60 GHz using the applicant's pioneered concept of substrate integrated circuit (SIC) for a wide range of broadband wireless applications. Research activities consist of the investigation and design of innovative components and antennas using two basic SIC structures, namely, substrate integrated waveguide and substrate integrated dielectric image guide. A low-cost micro-fabrication technique called photoimageable process is deployed for the first time in Canada, and it is used to develop dual-antenna conventional and six-port substrate integrated transceivers with multi-chip module techniques. This research allows the applicant to lead international efforts in searching for future highly integrated mmW transceiver architectures for broadband communication systems and sensing applications. The research is conducted for discovering new electrical features, new design rules, and new application areas of the SICs concept, which involves theoretical and experimental aspects in connection with structure modeling, circuit design, experimental prototyping and system characterization. This project will provide a worldwide leadership in the development of future high-density and mass-producible mmW and terahertz circuits and systems with advanced processing techniques and innovative design platforms. This unique Canadian mmW engineering research is made possible with highly original approaches developed at the Poly-Grames Research Center. The project focuses on the emerging industrial needs of mmW-based information and communication technologies and timely addresses worldwide challenges in competitive mmW and terahertz research. The strategic research attracts, involves and trains numerous highly qualified personnel to answer the pressing manpower needs of ICT industries for broadband system development. It also creates unprecedented research and development opportunities for wireless sensor networks. Research expertise and knowledge generated by this program not only stimulates corporate growth of the project partners but also spins out new business identities in Canada.