EE - Antenna Testing in 5G Physical Layer Networks

We have recently developed an open source standard-compliant 5G network test capability which premits the testing of new and novel antennas with 5G-compliant waveforms. The 5G prototocol stack is based on the Open Air Interface (OAI) open source project. The purpose of this project to help develop new test capabilities using the Matlab 5G toolbox, the OAI protocol stack, National Instruments USRP software defined radios, and various Keysight RF test equipment. The project requires extensive use of of Matlab and C programming languages. Specifically, most of the RF test equipment should be controlled via Matlab and the primary programming language used in the OAI codebase, particularly for the Radio Access Network (RAN) components like the eNB/gNB and UE, is C. 

Name of research group, project, or lab
Chisum Lab, and the Microelectronics Commons Wideband Test Lab (SR 120)
Why join this research group or lab?

Our group has strong expertise is novel antenna and wireless circuit design. We are currently developing many exciting demonstrations of our reserach systems for realistic applications in wireless communications. This is a unique opportunity to get experience with RF resesarch and learn more about the wireless space from a hardware and protocol perspective (working with a real 5G deployment). 

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Electrical Engineering
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Student qualifications

Required courses: must have taken (or be enrolled in) at least one of Electromagnetics, Wireless Communications, or Microwave Circuits.

Required skills

  • Matlab
  • Strong background in C-programming

Must be self-directed and willing to read through documenation of complex systems. This student will work alongside graduate students and Prof. Chisum but is expected to be self-motivated to find information.

Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours
2 credits / 6-12 hours
3 credits / 12+ hours
Compensation
Research for Credit
Paid - General
Number of openings
1
Project start
Fall 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
jchisum@nd.edu
Associate Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Jonathan Chisum
Email address of project director or principal investigator
jchisum@nd.edu
1 sp. | 3 appl.
Hours per week
1 credit / 3-6 hours (+2)
1 credit / 3-6 hours2 credits / 6-12 hours3 credits / 12+ hours
Project categories
Electrical Engineering