Transmitter Technologies/Architectures for mm-wave Communications
Abstract
The objective of this project is to investigate a transmitter architecture suitable for transmitting ultra-wideband digitally modulated signals (such as quadrature amplitude modulation or QAM), with adequate power, within the sub-terahertz (sub-THz) frequency range (i.e. 0.03 to 0.3 THz). It aims to undertake comprehensive research into the theoretical and practical challenges of generating and amplifying digitally modulated signals at sub-THz carrier frequencies. It will explore various solutions to overcome their deficiencies through a synthesis of different theories, architectures, and calibration schemes. In particular, it will seek to improve on the strengths of a mixer-less, "direct quadrature" transmitter (DQ-TX) recently introduced by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) that is highly relevant to the proposed objective. System level simulations will be used to study architectural weaknesses and identify performance bottlenecks in the DQ-TX. Bidirectional relationships between system level performance and circuit-level characteristics, both ideal and non-ideal, will be established to make for a more thorough investigation of the DQ-TX architecture and its performance trade-offs. This investigation will inform the development of advanced techniques to enhancing the achievable output power, bandwidth, and average power efficiency of the solution. The theoretical knowledge and practical findings resulting from this project will be critical to improving the readiness of sub-THz transmitter technology. Under-utilized and uncontested channels at sub-THz frequencies are being seriously considered for tactical radio communication, and the ability to transmit communication signals with sophisticated modulation schemes at these frequencies would be a significant step in enabling high bit rate tactical communication links (that can be used, for example, to support real-time video surveillance and reconnaissance).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 10, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1620235
Entities
People
- Slim Boumaiza
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Waterloo