Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SWAWCom (Slotted-Waveguide Antenna for 5G and 6G Wideband Communications)
Reporting period: 2023-07-01 to 2025-06-30
The demand for massively increased wireless data capacity and ultra reliable low latency connectivity is driving the evolution toward sixth generation (6G) mobile communications. Millimeter wave (mm wave) frequencies—particularly the 151.5–164 GHz band—offer vast amounts of under utilized spectrum capable of multi Gb/s data rates. However, at these high frequencies, antenna systems must overcome severe path loss, limited antenna gain, tight integration constraints, and the need for full space coverage in mobile scenarios. Compact, low cost, highly steerable and wide band antenna arrays are therefore critical enablers for 6G handsets, access points, and eventual network densification.
The project set out to develop a novel radiating element and array topology tailored to the 151.5–164 GHz band, integrated in a chip scale or package scale form factor. Its objectives were to (1) design and validate a single, wide band radiating element with omnidirectional like coverage; (2) assemble a beam steering subarray capable of electronic scanning over ±70°; (3) fabricate and characterize a proof of concept prototype demonstrating both gain and coverage targets; and (4) extend the design to dual polarized operation while maintaining compactness and performance. Through these steps, the project aimed to bridge the gap between mm wave physics, practical antenna on chip manufacturing, and the needs of real world mobile applications.
By achieving these objectives, the project contributes to Europe’s strategic digital goals—supporting “Europe for the digital age” and the rollout of next generation networks—while advancing the scientific state of the art in ultra high frequency antenna integration. The innovations promise to unlock new use cases in immersive multimedia, ultra secure critical links, and distributed sensing, with significant implications for both consumer devices and industrial Internet of Things platforms.
The project set out to develop a novel radiating element and array topology tailored to the 151.5–164 GHz band, integrated in a chip scale or package scale form factor. Its objectives were to (1) design and validate a single, wide band radiating element with omnidirectional like coverage; (2) assemble a beam steering subarray capable of electronic scanning over ±70°; (3) fabricate and characterize a proof of concept prototype demonstrating both gain and coverage targets; and (4) extend the design to dual polarized operation while maintaining compactness and performance. Through these steps, the project aimed to bridge the gap between mm wave physics, practical antenna on chip manufacturing, and the needs of real world mobile applications.
By achieving these objectives, the project contributes to Europe’s strategic digital goals—supporting “Europe for the digital age” and the rollout of next generation networks—while advancing the scientific state of the art in ultra high frequency antenna integration. The innovations promise to unlock new use cases in immersive multimedia, ultra secure critical links, and distributed sensing, with significant implications for both consumer devices and industrial Internet of Things platforms.
WP0 – Bibliographic study
Completed a thorough literature and standards review (3GPP reports, top-tier journals) to benchmark the state of the art at 150 GHz. This ensured the novelty and practical relevance of the planned designs.
WP1 – Development of the radiating element
Designed and optimized a novel inverted-L monopole operating in the 151.5–164 GHz band. The element achieves better than –10 dB return loss and half-isotropic radiation, making it suitable for handheld devices and antenna-in-package integration. This element underpins all subsequent array work.
WP2 – Feeding network and subarray topology
Studied alternative placements and reconfigurable layouts of the new element within a mobile device. Designed a compatible feed network and linear subarray configuration enabling wide-angle electronic steering using phase-shifter technology.
WP3 – First array design, fabrication and measurement
Built a proof-of-concept array module for 6G antenna-in-package applications. Fabricated and measured the prototype, achieving ≥10 dBi peak gain over ≈40 % of spatial directions in the band. Results were published in an international journal, validating both design and simulation.
WP4 – Dual-polarization array development
Extended the concept by combining slot and monopole elements to achieve orthogonal polarizations. Designed and simulated a dual-polarized array and adapted the feed network accordingly. The prototype is currently under fabrication; simulations predict comparable bandwidth and steering to the single-polarization version while doubling potential channel capacity.
WP5 – Training activities
Gained hands-on expertise in 150 GHz antenna design, advanced EM simulation and measurement, and integration with chip-scale modules. Strengthened knowledge of Japanese industrial practices and supervision skills, ensuring know-how transfer back to Europe.
WP6 – Results dissemination
Published two journal papers and presented partial results in six conferences (four international, two national).
WP7 – Project management
Coordinated fabrication schedules, measurements, and publication planning, ensuring smooth progress and timely achievement of scientific milestones.
Main achievements to date:
• First demonstration of a compact 150 GHz inverted-L monopole with half-isotropic coverage.
• Beam-steerable phased array, scanning from –70° to +70°.
• Fabricated prototype validating ≥10 dBi gain over a large angular sector.
• Dual-polarization version designed and under fabrication.
• Two journal papers and six conference contributions disseminating results to the community.
Completed a thorough literature and standards review (3GPP reports, top-tier journals) to benchmark the state of the art at 150 GHz. This ensured the novelty and practical relevance of the planned designs.
WP1 – Development of the radiating element
Designed and optimized a novel inverted-L monopole operating in the 151.5–164 GHz band. The element achieves better than –10 dB return loss and half-isotropic radiation, making it suitable for handheld devices and antenna-in-package integration. This element underpins all subsequent array work.
WP2 – Feeding network and subarray topology
Studied alternative placements and reconfigurable layouts of the new element within a mobile device. Designed a compatible feed network and linear subarray configuration enabling wide-angle electronic steering using phase-shifter technology.
WP3 – First array design, fabrication and measurement
Built a proof-of-concept array module for 6G antenna-in-package applications. Fabricated and measured the prototype, achieving ≥10 dBi peak gain over ≈40 % of spatial directions in the band. Results were published in an international journal, validating both design and simulation.
WP4 – Dual-polarization array development
Extended the concept by combining slot and monopole elements to achieve orthogonal polarizations. Designed and simulated a dual-polarized array and adapted the feed network accordingly. The prototype is currently under fabrication; simulations predict comparable bandwidth and steering to the single-polarization version while doubling potential channel capacity.
WP5 – Training activities
Gained hands-on expertise in 150 GHz antenna design, advanced EM simulation and measurement, and integration with chip-scale modules. Strengthened knowledge of Japanese industrial practices and supervision skills, ensuring know-how transfer back to Europe.
WP6 – Results dissemination
Published two journal papers and presented partial results in six conferences (four international, two national).
WP7 – Project management
Coordinated fabrication schedules, measurements, and publication planning, ensuring smooth progress and timely achievement of scientific milestones.
Main achievements to date:
• First demonstration of a compact 150 GHz inverted-L monopole with half-isotropic coverage.
• Beam-steerable phased array, scanning from –70° to +70°.
• Fabricated prototype validating ≥10 dBi gain over a large angular sector.
• Dual-polarization version designed and under fabrication.
• Two journal papers and six conference contributions disseminating results to the community.
The project’s outcomes push mm wave antenna integration into new performance realms:
• Scanning range: Steering up to ±70° in a compact subarray allows to cover around 40% of the possible directions with a single antenna module, so by using just two of them it is possible to cover around 80%. Conventional solutions propose the use of 4 modules to cover the whole space, but this prototype demonstrates it is possible to reduce this number.
• Integration readiness: The design rules adhere to existing semiconductor and packaging workflows, lowering barriers to commercial adoption.
Overall, the project delivers a clear pathway from fundamental antenna innovation to industrial exploitation, laying the groundwork for next generation wireless systems that meet Europe’s strategic digital and sustainability ambitions.
• Scanning range: Steering up to ±70° in a compact subarray allows to cover around 40% of the possible directions with a single antenna module, so by using just two of them it is possible to cover around 80%. Conventional solutions propose the use of 4 modules to cover the whole space, but this prototype demonstrates it is possible to reduce this number.
• Integration readiness: The design rules adhere to existing semiconductor and packaging workflows, lowering barriers to commercial adoption.
Overall, the project delivers a clear pathway from fundamental antenna innovation to industrial exploitation, laying the groundwork for next generation wireless systems that meet Europe’s strategic digital and sustainability ambitions.