Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Demands, such as extremely high data rates, are driving new technology development toward the higher end of microwave spectrum and the millimeter-wave spectrum, resulting in new challenges. At the same time, design and optimization at such high frequency rely on efficient computer aided design (CAD) techniques, which is especially true for medium and large scale design problems. ******The objectives of the proposed research program are to develop intelligent modeling techniques and optimization methods for medium to large scale microwave and millimeter-wave circuits and systems, and to apply these CAD techniques to the development of innovative and high performance circuits for next generation satellite and wireless communication systems. The research program will focus on the following areas. (1) Effective synthesis method and efficient and accurate wideband models will be developed for new multiplexing network configurations for applications in satellite communications. The developed CAD methods will be applied to medium to large-scale designs, including the development of new tunable multiplexers. (2) Intelligent modeling techniques will be developed for antenna arrays, allowing iterative design optimizations. The models will be applied to the development of highly efficient medium to large-scale millimeter-wave antenna arrays, and to the investigations of reconfigurability of the arrays, exploring microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology and advanced material, such as carbon-nanotube (CNT). In this research program, the modeling techniques build on efficient integrations of full wave simulations, distributed circuit models and/or neural networks, to accurately and quickly model the circuit behavior over a wide frequency range, and to further enable optimization with high efficiency. Each circuit/system has its own characteristics and design challenge. Different methods, such as artificial neural network, machine learning, and surrogate-based optimization techniques, will be effectively combined taking into account the specific characteristics of the circuits and design goals. ******The microwave and mm-wave circuits and systems focused on in this research program find important applications in space and ground based communications systems, as well as in imaging systems, sensors and automotive radar. The proposed research program is expected to make significant contributions in the field of CAD, and to the development of advanced and innovative circuits and systems, in both theoretical research and practical applications. The outcomes of the research can enhance competitiveness of the Canada's high-tech industry in the global market through development of new technologies and improvement of design capabilities. Furthermore, the expertise gained by HQP is valuable to Canadian industries, especially the information and communication technology sector. **