Next generation antennas for «Beyond 5G» applications at sub-millimetre wave frequencies – NEXT5G

Due to the scarcity of electromagnetic spectrum resources and the need of broad bandwidth for high data-rate communications, the millimetre wave (mm-wave) and sub-THz bands from 30 to 350 GHz are very attractive for 5G and beyond 5G applications. In this context, NEXT5G is a fundamental research project that aims to develop “Beyond 5G” system concept for the future data rate needs up to 1 Tbps and disruptive antenna technologies at sub-THz bands. It perfectly fits with the ANR 2018 Call: Challenge 7 “Société de l’information et de la communication”: (1) “Axis no. 6: Infrastructures de communication hautes performances” with the need to develop technology breakthrough to pave the way for large bandwidth and ultra-high data rate communication systems. (2) “Axis no. 7: Micro et nanotechnologies pour le traitement de l’information et la communication”, sub-axis “Composants et dispositifs élémentaires” (“fonctions élémentaires dans les domaines millimétriques et THz”) and sub-axis “Ondes – Architectures – Intégration – Circuits – Systèmes”.

The major scientific & technical innovations beyond the state-of-the-art are the following: first experimental demonstrations – at world level – (1) of highly efficient (70%) and highly directive (gain > 43 dBi) flat antennas at 300 GHz, (2) of ultra-flat transmitarray antennas, and (3) of self-alignment techniques for highly-directive flat antennas beyond 80 GHz. To the partners’ best knowledge, such advanced and disruptive antenna technologies have never been studied so far, including in other collaborative projects (H2020: m3tera, iBROW, 5G-Crosshaul, xHAUL; ANR COM’TONIQ; ERA-NET TERALINKS). Furthermore, a new complete geometric stochastic channel model for sub-THz bands will be developed in the NEXT5G project. Three use cases will be analysed (outdoor and indoor backhauling, and indoor short-haul). NEXT5G model will be the first one providing the angular information at these frequencies, which is essential for higher communication layer investigations. The beam steering capabilities will be proven against a new comprehensive channel model in a wide range of 5G scenarios.

The consortium gathers two partners with complementary expertise and know-how and with a long tradition of joint collaboration: CEA LETI (coordinator) and IETR.