Notre Dame Researchers Develop Ultra-Efficient 5G Antenna

Updated May 23, 2024

University of Notre Dame researchers are pioneering a⁣ new, highly energy-efficient 5G antenna, possibly revolutionizing wireless technology. The project, backed by funding from the U.S. Army,seeks to drastically reduce the energy consumption associated with 5G networks.

The global adoption of fifth-generation (5G)⁢ wireless networks has ⁣brought faster speeds and⁢ greater⁤ reliability ⁣to billions. However, this enhanced performance comes at ⁣a important energy cost, with individual 5G base stations consuming significant⁤ power.

Jonathan⁣ Chisum, associate professor of electrical engineering at Notre Dame, leads the team developing the low-power antenna. Their ‍approach leverages artificial dielectric material designed in Chisum’s lab. ⁤The goal⁤ is to achieve 5G-level performance while using less than 10% of⁤ the energy of current systems.

The new antenna is a millimeter-wave gradient index⁣ (GRIN) lens antenna. Chisum’s⁤ prior discoveries in wideband beam⁣ steering have enabled the creation of a single antenna that operates across all 5G frequency bands.

The U.S. Army is interested in the antenna’s wideband, low-power capabilities ⁣for secure communications, equipment tracking, and soldier health monitoring. Current 5G ⁣technologies can be challenging and ⁤expensive to deploy in ⁣the field.

According to Chisum, a wideband solution is essential for the army,⁤ as 5G networks operate at different frequencies globally. The antenna’s low power consumption and compact size make it ideal ⁤for integration into mobile platforms.

The technology promises⁤ a “5G-on-the-move” solution, enhancing efficiency, safety, and versatility.

Chisum also noted the potential⁢ for civilian applications, stating that the high ⁢cost of current multi-antenna solutions has stalled the deployment of 5G millimeter-wave base stations. Wideband 5G antennas based on GRIN lenses ‍could lower costs and improve efficiency in commercial wireless networks.

Currently, ⁤the team has a working‍ prototype produced through a detailed, layer-by-layer⁤ process. they are now focused on⁣ developing a cost-effective manufacturing method ⁢using 3D printing technology.

To facilitate the transition from lab to field, Chisum’s lab has partnered with industry leaders in wireless networks, antennas, and additive manufacturing.

“Right now, a large portion of the cost to operate a cellular network is for electricity. If you look at a cell tower, you⁣ can see why: It⁢ uses a different antenna for each band, and these rely on active, powered⁣ chips,” Chisum said.

Nicolas Garcia, CEO of Cheshir Industries, said,⁢ “This project represents not only an important step in advancing our nation’s wireless capabilities but also a major milestone in the commercialization and progress of wideband ⁢GRIN ‍antenna systems.”

Karlo Delos Reyes,chief customer officer and cofounder at Fortify,said,“This partnership allows⁣ us to leverage‍ our advanced capabilities to⁢ push the ⁤boundaries of what is possible in GRIN lens antenna⁢ design. Together, we’re working across ⁤the value chain to⁢ deliver a transformative solution that will pave the way for⁤ future civilian applications.”

What’s next

The team will ⁤continue refining ⁤the manufacturing process and conducting field tests, paving the way for the integration of this ⁤new ⁣5G antenna technology into both military and commercial mobile networks.