EE - 3D-printed Millimeter-wave antennas for Next Generation Wireless
Overview: We are developing the methods for the design and manufacture of state-of-the-art beam-scanning antennas for 5G/6G wireless networks, low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications (Satcom), and critical defense applications. Using the latest advances in 3D-printing, and our newest low-loss Dielectric 3D-printer, we are able to realize artificial materials which allow us to reduce power consumption in advanced wireless antennas by 10x to 100x versus the conventional phased-array antenna.
Goal: Through partnerships with various startups in the wireless and 3D-printing space, as well as the defense sector, we are developing the fundamental theory to push the frequency limits of 3D-printed antennas and transition 3D-printed antennas from a novelty to a true innovation. The specific goals of this work are:
- Develop print processes for cutting edge Gradient Refractive INdex (GRIN) lens antennas
- Derive the fundamental theoretical limits of performance for 3D-printed artificial dielectric materials used in GRIN lenses
- Demonstrate (through measurement) the performance advantages of such antennas in commercial wireless, LEO satcom, radar and other defense applications.
Tasks & Techniques: Depending upon student experience, undergraduates working on this project will work alongside graduate students and PIs in Professor Chisum's lab to:
- Operate a state-of-the-art industrial 3D-printer for low-loss artificial dielectric and metamaterial lenses
- Work alongside graduate students to conduct full-wave electromagnetic simulations of structures
- Perform PCB layout (using KiCad), oversee fabrication of PCBs, and conduct testing and measurement of components and integrated lens antenna systems. PCBs operate up to 40 GHz so advanced methods such as microwave transmission lines (controlled impedances) and careful board stackup design are essential.
The Chisum lab has been developing the fundamental theory of design of world-class antennas for advanced applications in terrestrial wireless, satcom, and defense for the past 8 years. At present, the innovate GRIN lens antennas achieve the performance of the conventional solution (a phased array) but consume 1-10% the power of a conventional solution. This unheard-of power savings is only possible because of recent advanced in numerical design and optimization and 3D-printing, which allow us to finely craft lenses to operate as exquisite passive beamformers. Using these low-power (and wideband) antennas, future wireless networks and applications will benefit from substantial power savings, and since electricity bills account for ~50% of the operating cost (OPEX) of a mobile wireless network, this technology has the potential transform an industry. At present, this technology is being pursued by our lab as well as a startup company based on research out of our lab.
The lab includes between 7 and 9 graduate students and a number of undergraduate researchers at any time. We have active collaborations with industry, defense primes, and government labs. Students working in this lab will gain experience in theory, modeling, prototyping, and measurement of high-frequency (RF, microwave, millimeter-wave) components and systems.