Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Millimeter-wave (MMW) and sub-terahertz (sub-THz) beamforming systems are critical for next-generation 5G, 6G, and satellite communication networks that underpin emerging innovations like autonomous vehicles, telehealth, smart cities, and global broadband connectivity. However, new MMW and sub-THz communications technologies must accommodate unprecedented demands for power efficiency, exponentially increasing data rates, and coverage in the physical layer - all bottlenecks to realizing the imminently expected digital connected society. The requested high-precision signal generator will enable cutting-edge MMW and sub-THz technologies research, producing breakthroughs in the development of i) Integrated Transceivers: Developing high-performance wideband transceivers with low-noise and high power efficiency, focusing on key components for beamforming systems; ii) Large-Scale Antenna Arrays: Designing compact and large scale antenna arrays with optimal radiation characteristics, leveraging emerging technologies such as 3D printing and system-in-packaging, with an emphasis on reconfigurability; iii) Optimized digital signal processing (DSP) Methods: Advancing DSP techniques to address non-idealities in transceivers and antenna arrays, including calibration, predistortion, beamforming, and channel modeling. These advances will position Canada at the forefront of global MMW and sub-THz communication research, driving innovation and fostering collaboration with Canadian industry leaders. The signal generator will be integrated into the University of Waterloo's world-class Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems facility, creating a unique testbed for developing MMW and sub-THz building blocks using a holistic beamforming system design approach. This system will be essential for generating traceable, repeatable signals, enabling: i) precise on-wafer characterization of key components such as power amplifiers, low-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, and frequency multipliers; ii) over-the-air validation of beamforming architectures and DSP techniques under realistic conditions; and iii) collection of measurement data for iterative system optimization. Currently, some experiments are conducted using existing generators that fail to meet the necessary requirements, resulting in inaccurate or incomplete data. This limits the research process by providing insufficient insights into research prototypes, hindering both holistic evaluation and iterative refinement. Overall, the proposed equipment will drive breakthrough research in MMW and sub-THz technologies while serving as a critical training tool for the next generation of engineers and researchers. It will enhance Canada's competitiveness in global communications research and produce highly qualified personnel with sought-after skills in high-frequency communication systems.