Tx Front-end building practices for 5G Massive MIMO systems
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Lunds universitet - Institutionen för Elektro- och informationsteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 660 622 |
| Project duration | August 2015 - July 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme Electronic Components and Systems: |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project was to explore novel possibilities for future radio solutions through the use of CMOS technology enabling a high level of integration, and to design critical blocks for energy efficiency. The goal was to identify circuit solutions and architectures that combine practical solutions with high efficiency. Based on the results and experience gained within this project, it can be determined that the fulfillment of purpose and goals meets expectations.
Expected results and effects
Based on the outcome of the project, we conclude that CMOS is a suitable technology for these rather complex mm-Wave systems. Further development of this design method is necessary, but the project has demonstrated the potential of this technique for this specific purpose. In addition, from the project results we were able to confirm that in CMOS technology, the power amplifier together with the data converter are the decisive blocks for the overall energy efficiency of the transmitter.
Planned approach and implementation
The setup and implementation of the project were found to be satisfactory, and time plan realistic. In addition to the planned fabrication of two chips in the project, we had the opportunity to design and tape-out another two chips for probe measurement directly on-chip (100um pitch). Unfortunately, these two later chips have not been fully characterized by measurements as the manufacturing process was delayed by the foundry and we got the chips back in August 2017.