Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Millimeter-wave wireless communication and imaging systems are emerging for diverse applications and services, such as mobile broadband communications, higher capacity and data transfer, highway safety, intelligent transport systems, health services and civilian ultra-wide band radar. For these applications, mm-wave planar antenna solutions are required due to their low profile, light-weight, and reproducibility. In this perspective, the applicants seek the support from NSERC to acquire expansion of the millimeter wave measurement facilities at the antenna laboratory up to 170 GHz. The required expansion from the current 67 GHz PNA to 170 GHz will be dedicated to supporting ongoing research and future direction of the front end of the 5G application as well as the newly proposed application of virtual reality, which is planned for this year Discovery application. The equipment will be used to pursue studies of new, innovative antennas of large aperture and large planar phased array antennas for research projects, including studies of radar/sensor antennas. This instrumentation is needed because our measurement facility does not currently have the capability for these frequency ranges. Generally, Concordia lacks the sufficient microwave equipment that is crucial for the success of its research program and for training their graduate students in the field of millimeter wave applications. Currently, design and construction of new and innovative large aperture antennas are in the plan, and full-scale testing is needed for design validation. To cover up to 170 GHz, three expansion heads require (50-75 GHz, 75-110 GHz, and 110-170 GHz). However, the cost is beyond the limits of RTI upper range. We, therefore, limit our request to the current urgent need to cover 75-110 GHz. This equipment will have a significant impact on our research and the development of highly efficient antenna arrays based on newly developed highly efficient Gap Waveguide. Also, this equipment will help the engagement of the University with the industry in the area and help in the economic development of the area. As widely noted by the industry, a shortage of RF, wireless, and microwave engineers has been evident in the past few years, and this growing problem must be addressed in order to maintain the leadership of Canada in the rapidly growing and demanding information and communication vast areas in the 21st century. The instrumentation supported by this program will provide the latest technology for instruction in antenna design and testing to facilitate technology research and education. The graduates of our program will be able to use new methods for antenna design and be able to build and test large array, state-of-the-art antenna components needed for millimeter-wave systems of the future based on experiences with this new instrumentation as well as existing facilities.