Projects

This project targets the synthesis of a design and optimization framework for semiconductor devices and circuits, to enable and streamline the development 5G-ready, millimetre-wave (mm-wave) communication hardware.

Targeted objectives:

• develop physics-based transistor models, and behavioural circuit models to bridge the device, circuit, and system level design
• devise methods and procedures to accurately characterize nonlinear devices and circuits
• validate the design and optimization framework with prototypes, under test conditions representative of 5G scenarios

Project personnel are expected to develop theoretical knowledge of semiconductor device physics (electro-thermal behavior), mm-wave circuit and signal characteristics, and nonlinear modelling and optimization.

They are also expected to develop practical competencies in:

• testing and measurement involving the network analyzer, semiconductor parameter analyzer, and thermal analyzer
• simulation and modelling using electronic design automation and mathematical computation tools

This project investigates circuit design strategies, signal processing techniques, and innovative system architectures to feasibly realize high-performance 5G transceivers while considering power consumption, complexity, and cost.

Targeted objectives:

• design radio-frequency integrated circuits using deep-submicron semiconductor processes
• devise signal processing schemes and analytical models to counteract hardware limitations and improve the performance of massive, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) transceivers
• implement transceiver functions such as beamforming, self-calibration, and linearization using mixed-signal circuitry

Project personnel are expected to develop theoretical knowledge of transmitter architectures, sub-systems and operations, integrated circuit characteristics (including electromagnetic behavior), and digital signal processing for communication.

They are also expected to develop practical competencies in:

• simulation, design, and layout of integrated circuits using electronic design automation tools and mathematical computation tools
• testing and measurement of discrete or integrated circuit prototypes using arbitrary waveform generators, digitizers, and the probe station

This project seeks to equip test and measurement systems with the capability to accurately characterize communication circuits and systems under frequencies, signals and other operating conditions envisioned for 5G.

Targeted objectives:

• develop signal pre- and post-processing routines to improve the capabilities of signal generation and analysis equipment
• devise approximations of true modulated signals which can sufficiently emulate realistic operating conditions while reducing simulation complexity

Project personnel are expected to develop theoretical knowledge of communication signals and signal statistics, nonlinear circuit theory, and digital signal processing.

They are also expected to develop practical competencies in:

• radio-frequency test and measurement best practices, and equipment configuration, calibration and automation
• testing and measurement using vector signal generators and analyzers, network analyzers, and high-speed oscilloscopes, etc.

This project targets the development of power amplifiers (PAs) that are capable of amplifying ultra-wideband communication signals and operating with enhanced back-off efficiency and improved linearizability at mm-wave frequencies.

Targeted objectives:

• use stacking and power combining strategies to overcome parasitic losses in radiofrequency integrated PAs at high frequencies 
• develop design strategies to optimize both efficiency and linearity in highly integrated PAs.

Project personnel are expected to develop theoretical knowledge of principles of PA operation and design, and integrated circuit characteristics (including electromagnetic behavior).

They are also expected to develop practical competencies in:

• simulation, design, and layout of power amplifiers using electronic design automation tools
• characterization and linearization of discrete or integrated power amplifier prototypes using arbitrary waveform generators, digitizers, and probe station