Enabling technologies for millimetre wave communications

Status: Active

A convex surface covered with an array of square-shaped elements of varying sizes
A printed reconfigurable surface designed for use as an antenna for millimetre wave communications

Millimetre wave (mmWave) 5G/6G technology is a promising solution for providing broadband access to remote and rural areas that are beyond the reach of traditional fibre telecommunications networks. The goal of this project within the High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge program is to develop conformal reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) and antenna designs for the mmWave frequency range (7 GHz to 43 GHz). These technologies have the potential to greatly expand coverage areas, extend ranges and facilitate non-line-of-sight communications in fixed wireless access networks and infrastructure.

This project is funded in part by the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation program, which aims to deliver game-changing scientific discoveries and breakthrough technologies across the innovation continuum that are of importance to Canadians.

Project title

Enabling technologies for high-performance printed conformal reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) and antennas for emerging mmWave wireless communication

Objectives

  • To investigate, develop and demonstrate conformal reconfigurable intelligent surfaces operating at mmWave frequencies
  • To develop an architecture and fabrication process based on low-loss flexible materials developed by the NRC

Activities

  • Investigating and designing an RIS architecture and radiation layers
  • Developing a custom beam-forming integrated circuit for phase and amplitude
  • Developing key test structures for characterization and evaluation
  • Printing reconfigurable intelligent surfaces

Impact for Canada

This project aims to develop technologies to allow Canadians who live in areas where there is no fibre internet to obtain broadband access so they can stay in touch with family and friends, work remotely, use business or health care services and more.

Project team

Dr. George Xiao
Research Officer
Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre, NRC
Dr. Xiao in the NRC Directory of Science Professionals

Dr. Sharmistha Bhadra
Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, McGill University
Dr. Bhadra's McGill page

Dr. Mohammad-Reza Nezhad-Ahmadi
Founder and CEO, mmSense Technologies Inc.
Dr. Nezhad-Ahmadi on LinkedIn

Collaborators

Contact us

Lynne Genik
Program Director
High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge program
Telephone: 343-550-4174
Email: NRC.HTSN-RHDS.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

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