Development of beamforming networks with transdirectional couplers for operation at sub-THz frequencies

• Grant number: 23/12921-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal Investigator: Rafael Abrantes Penchel
• Grantee: Elígia Simionato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus São João da Boa Vista. São João da Boa Vista , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/04045-3 - Design of RF switches in BiCMOS technology and characterisation of novel devices at sub-THz frequencies, BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The frequencies in the sub-THz range (from 100 to 300 GHz) enable the utilization of vast amounts of new spectrum, which will be essential to realize the envisioned use cases for 6G and future generations of mobile networks. One of the primary solutions being considered for operation at these extremely high frequencies involves the use of highly directional antennas combined with beamforming networks (adaptive and electronically steerable beams). This project aims to develop Butler matrices, one of the main beamforming networks, operating in the 60 GHz range and in the D band (110 to 175 GHz). The development of these matrices will employ transdirectional couplers designed using slow-wave techniques. Initially, the matrix will be designed for the 60 GHz range, which is used by the new IEEE 802.11ad Wi-Fi standard. Since this frequency range has already been extensively studied, developing transdirectional couplers at these lower frequencies allows addressing the design challenges of this device separately. Knowing the design process at 60 GHz, the next step is to design the coupler for the D band, focusing on adapting the applied techniques for sub-THz frequencies. The elementary components of the Butler matrix - couplers, phase shifters, and crossovers - will be individually designed, analyzed, and optimized. All components will be integrated into a single device and, for the 60 GHz range, fabricated and characterized. The fabrication and characterization will make use of the metallic-nanowire-membrane (MnM) technology available at the Millimeter Wave Center of the Polytechnic School at São Paulo University (USP).

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SIMIONATO, ELIGIA; ALDAYA, IVAN; ROSA, GUILHERME S.; LE, JOAO E. G.; SERRANO, ARIANA L. C.; REHDER, GUSTAVO P.; PENCHEL, RAFAEL A.. Two-axis beamsteering using a wideband Butler matrix and series-fed arrays for millimeter wave frequencies fabricated on metallic-nanowire-membrane platform. AEU-INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATIONS, v. 184, p. 9-pg., 2024-06-28. (20/09889-4, 23/12921-5, 24/01712-9, 22/03519-6)