EUREKA CELTIC ENTRY100GHz

Purpose and goal

The trend towards more and more advanced wireless applications will require a paradigm shift in the mobile network of the future. In the future, new higher frequency bands, over 100 GHz, to be made available and thus data speeds of up to 100 Gbit / sec. The current project thus aims to develop an antenna module and hardware integration platform for 100 GHz. An important focus is the problem of high energy efficiency, which is handled by integrating and co-designing antennas, filters, RF electronics in various semiconductor technologies and associated algorithms.

Important results from the project

The project’s initial goal was to demonstrate a high-data-rate 100 GHz wireless link, with Ericsson providing the system specifications. The Swedish partners developed the transmitter (TX) components, which included a high efficiency filtering antenna based on gap waveguide technology, efficient front-end circuits with high output power, and a novel waveform. ERICSSON is a key contributor to 3GPP standardization. The project’s results will enhance its role in future standardization efforts.

Expected long term effects

In 2018, European spectrum regulator CEPT/ERC’s also opened 122.0–122.25GHz band as license free band. The US regulator FCC allocated new unlicensed bands at 116–123 GHz, 174.8–182 GHz, 185–190 GHz, and 244–246 GHz. The experience and knowledge developed within ENTRY100GHz project thus will help to remove technological bottlenecks which hinders new 100GHz products reaching the market. In the long run it will help industrial partners to become world leader in the ICT sector in future.