Millimeter-wave Backhaul Links at above 100 Gbits/s - Taking smart antennas to the limits

Important results from the project

The goal of the project is summarized: “We will demonstrate more than 100 Gbit/s bit rate with a spectral efficiency above 100 bits/s/Hz, in environments realistic for future wireless backhaul links” This goal is acheived, in an Ericsson testbed. But more important is the sub-goals: * New antennas was devekoped, with high antenna gain and low dimensions. * New mm-wave circuits were developed: I/Q modulators, frequency generation circuits. * Many algorithms: synchronization, modelling, kompensation, simulators etc. * A testbed was designed, with remote control capability.

Expected long term effects

The project had several parts: Hardvare construction, Synchronization, MIMO-algorithms, Antenna development, och Design of 140 GHz circuits. All of these work packages has delivered results of different kinds (circuits, algorithms, antennas, simulators) which has been presented at conferences, workshops and in journal papers, and also in a submitted patent application. The goal has been to demonstrate communication at 100 Gbit/s. Even more important has been the establish collaboration and the improved competences for the researcher; a result with long lifespan.

Approach and implementation

The setup of the project, with a steering group responsible for the research drections, and with work packages with leaders that report the results, has worked extremely well. Less good has it been with several delays, due to recruitment problems, and hardware design issues. A lesson is that the work packages should be as independent as possible to avoid delays in the entire project. The collaboration between the partners has worked reasonably well, even though more interaction would be an advantage. But as a whole the partners are up to speed now, and wish to collaborate also in the future.