Energy efficient millimeter wave transmitters

Research Project, 2013 – 2017

Objective and Goal In this project we aim to test and understand the limits of circuit design and integration in GaN-technology at millimetre wave frequencies. The goal is to develop cost- and energy efficient transmitters for future backhaul products. The project will, in addition to circuit design and manufacturing, also include the development of a test-bed for evaluation of the circuits in relation to specifications at system- and product level. The circuits developed will also be verified in commercial Ericsson products, thereby leading to a direct exploitation of the project results by industry. Result and Expected Effects This joint industrial/university research project aims for innovative solutions that address the requirements of future radio link systems and ensure long term competitiveness in this increasingly competitive field. The active participation and contribution of Ericsson ensures the relevance and exploitation possibilities for the obtained results in microwave links for future backhaul applications. Approach and Implementation A variety of highly efficient integrated transmitter circuits will be analysed and designed based on the quantifiable goals defined. The circuits will be manufactured in commercial semiconductor processes, as well as in Chalmers state-of-the art GaN MMIC process. This gives a unique opportunity to investigate the ultimate limits of the GaN technology, before competitors. An advanced testbed will also be developed to predict the system level performance of the circuits developed. These will finally be verified by application in existing Ericsson MiniLink systems.