The project named FIVE-G (Functional Improvement & Validation of next Generation Equipment) will deliver manufacturing solutions for enhanced thin film materials enabling 5G data communication. To enable the manufacturing of these advanced materials Solmates has been awarded the SME Instrument phase 2 grant.
The next generation of mobile technology, known as 5G, offers enormous potential for businesses and the wider public as it will facilitate faster downloads, reduce latency and improve energy efficiency. These are crucial attributes to achieving the Internet of Things (IoT) and the use of mobile networks to connect and operate autonomous cars, remotely controlled industrial robots, telehealth systems and smart city infrastructure. However, the technology and ability to manufacture the RF (Radio Frequency) components that are crucial to 5Gs success are currently not at a level that would make its widespread roll out viable. To improve the functionality of RF components it is a necessity to improve the properties or to introduce more advanced thin film materials.
Within the FIVE-G project Solmates will perform process development to deliver the advanced thin film piezo materials. In addition, Solmates will perform hardware development to further mature its PLD platform to allow production of these piezo thin films.