The HEFPA PENTA Project developed scalable front-end components (and intellectual property) to enable flexible and efficient phased array antenna systems in the millimetre wave (mmWave) frequency bands. Their use will enable greater bandwidths and thus higher data rates, crucial to 5G networks and Satellite Communications applications.
Technological achievements
IP blocks and proof-points in multiple technologies have been designed, manufactured and measured. HEFPA developed the beam steering, the digital control overlay to permit multi-module phased array calibration and the beam steering. It includes hybrid MIMO topologies to improve the flexibility and advanced high reliability module. These blocks supported the mmWave transceiver blocks. Breakthroughs of the IP were reduced area consumption and power consumption. A demonstration was made using a drone acting as mmWave hub, to achieve a mmWave link bypass during a line-of-sight blockage. See figure 2. For Satcom a section of a 39 GHz active phased array antenna was build.
HEFPA generates new technologies:
— System-in-Package for 28/39GHz 5G
— Analog beamformer for 24.25-29.5 GHz – phase shifter section covering two bands (n257, n258) with one integrated circuit
— Beam optimization schemes for reduced power consumption
— Power amplifier efficiency improved to ~14% in highest power modes
— A synthesizer has been designed, manufactured and measured
— IP Generation and Board Level Array Demonstrators: UAV based mm-wave communication link
Additionally, HEFPA delivers a system/Board level integration of antenna array and beamforming integrated circuit with a compact footprint at mm-wave frequency:
— Develop active array calibration and DPD training methods that use near-field probes as feedback
— An active array calibration that allows for phasedependent phase and magnitude error correction
— A DPD training method that relaxes the constraints on the near-field feedback frequency response
A Q-band 4X4 phased array antenna (a building block for the receive band) in a package for the next-generation SATCOM applications has been developed during the course of the project. In term of impacts, HEFPA generated 38 patents, 13 journal articles, 16 conference papers, 4 workshops and invited talks, 2 Website articles, 7 MSc thesis (graduated) and 3 MSc thesis (ongoing), 2 PhD graduated and 5 PhD ongoing.
Markets envisaged
Leveraging the mmWave frequency spectrum for communications under the 5G or 6G standards or under SatCom standards is the vertical market that HEFPA was targeting. The rapid revolution of SatCom Low-Earth-Orbit communications deployment has to some extent counter-balanced the slow roll out under 5G NR FR2. 5G NR indeed operates in two main frequency ranges, known as FR1 and FR2. FR1 consists of sub-6 GHz frequencies, while FR2 comprises millimetre wave (mmWave) frequencies ranging from 24 GHz to 100 GHz.
Societal & Economic Impact
Societal impact of the 5G deployment of HEFPA results are applicable in some key areas:
Enhanced Mobile Broadband:
— Faster downloads and uploads of large files.
— Smoother streaming of high-definition and even virtual reality content.
— Improved online gaming experiences with lower latency (response time).
Increased Network Capacity:
With mmWave’s wider spectrum availability, it can accommodate a much larger number of connected devices compared to existing networks. This is crucial for supporting the growing trend of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, especially in private / industrial networks.
Emerging Technologies:
mmWave’s capabilities pave the way for innovative applications like:
— Smart cities with better traffic management, connected infrastructure, and remote monitoring.
— Augmented reality experiences with real-time data overlays.
— Telemedicine advancements with high-resolution remote consultations and surgeries.
Economic Growth:
The deployment of mmWave infrastructure can stimulate economic activity through
— Creation of new jobs in network development, maintenance, and application creation:
- 7 MSc thesis (graduated) + 3 MSc thesis (ongoing)
- 2 PhD graduated + 5 PhD ongoing
- Continued capability growth at Skyworks Solutions Canada Inc. with over 30 new hires into the Ottawa offices.
- In NXP Semiconductors, mmWave design group hired engineers & staff is now working on mmWave application maintaining IP developed in HEFPA.
— Increased productivity and efficiency in various industries that rely on high-speed data transfer.
— Boosting innovation and development of new technologies and services.
Discover more in the HEFPA Project Impact Summary here.
PENTA is an EUREKA Cluster operated by AENEAS.