Design of advanced beam-forming techniques for simultaneous scanning & communication operating modes antennas for 5G/6G OpenRAN

9 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

IMT Atlantique

Research Field

Engineering » Communication engineering
Engineering » Electronic engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Leading Researcher (R4)
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

France

Application Deadline

27 Jun 2024 – 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Offer Starting Date

1 Oct 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

This project is part of the PIEEC European initiative “Microelectronics and Communications” (Important Project of Common European Interest – PIEEC) carried by the Telco operator Orange. It aims to develop concrete solutions for the next digital decade of Europe by creating and deploying secure and sustainable digital infrastructures through “5G everywhere”. The solutions will contribute to the digital transformation of businesses through vehicular infrastructure and services (vehicle-to-X) as well as private 5G networks. Collaboration with the microelectronics sector will enable alignment of research throughout the digital value chain.

The main challenge of the project as a whole is to allow the entire territory to benefit from new 5G services. This necessarily requires effective and economical solutions for radio access to ensure total coverage of France

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The improvement of 5G communication networks performances brings strong constraints on the implementation of MIMO systems in the RU, with enhanced capabilities in terms of multi-beam operating modes that can be dynamically changed depending on expected data rates and environmental impact. The ability to scan and to optimize communication links, with the ambition of reducing power consumption and ensuring interoperability and multimodal connections are addressed by this thesis.

As part of this proposal, we are working on the development of “Plug-in” solutions for radio access interface components at the OpenRAN (Open Radio Access Network) layer, focusing on antenna systems to provide new features.

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Task 1: New beam-forming concepts – State of the art: Analysis and Specifications

 

Based on the analysis of the limitations of “off-the-shelf” solutions, the first part of the thesis aims to identify concepts of antenna networks currently used for 5G/6G Radio Units, including in particular reconfigurability radiation properties. This involves firstly analyzing the capabilities and performances of currently available solutions, by identifying the limitations (level of reconfigurability (spacial diversity, frequency, polarization, simultaneous multi-channels), control constraints (interfaces and dual TX/Rx modes possibilities), dimensions, radiation performances (isolation, gain, …), etc…).

 

This state-of-the-art analysis will permit to identify expected developments and performances in terms of sensing and reconfiguration operations for Base station Units.

The study of technical needs for Radio Units will also address the analysis of baseband and fronthaul functions, and especially control interfaces structures supported for the monitoring of multi-sectorial radiations. Algorithm and Analog to Digital/Digital to Analog interfaces /processors commonly used for these functionalities are necessary integrated with other subsets within a Radio Unit.  Capabilities and constraints related to such interfaces are to be identified to evaluate limitations and operational configurations of Open RAN compatible with 5G/6G supported standards.

Task 2: A new paradigm for reconfigurable network antenna – Concepts & Advanced designs

 

We will investigate new approaches, with proofs of concept allowing us to offer new radio sensing and multiple beamforming functionalities. We will contribute to the design and optimization of multi-beam antennas for spatial diversity and multi-band capabilities

Two research strategies can be studied

• On the one hand, we will focus our efforts on the design of array antenna systems enabling subbeam control for multi-beam spatial diversity.
• Secondly, it could be considered to manage frequency sub-bands distinctly in terms of beamforming to provide various coverage scenarios. One issue could be the mitigation of FR1 (Sub-6Ghz) and FR2 (millimeter waves) bands thanks to co-integrated structures

Task 3: Reconfigurable network antenna solutions offering new hybrid functionalities

The optimization of the radio link toward users must increasingly make it possible to consider simultaneously new performances in terms of electromagnetic footprint of the radio coverage and energy consumption of the network through better exploitation of spectral resources. We propose to investigate radio sensing techniques to better manage this radio link according to user needs and quality of service, with a better consideration of the use of radio, electromagnetic and energy resources.

Funding category: Financement public/privé
Projet partenarial financé par la BPI
PHD title: Doctorat en électronique
PHD Country: France

Requirements
Specific Requirements

 

Skills: Electromagnetism, Filters & Antennas – RF Design, High Frequency CAD, 3D Additive Printing Technologies

Theoretical skills: Solid background in one or more of the following domains:

– Theoretical and computational electromagnetics

– Microwave and mm-wave antennas & components

– Technologies for antennas

Technical skills: Experience in one more or more of the following technologies/tools:

CAD Tools (HFSS™, CST™, etc..), Matlab™, Python™

 

Profile required: Holder of a postgraduate diploma, Master of research or engineer diploma in the domains of physic, Electromagnetisms, Antennas, high frequency components design.

 

Fluency in English is required, a spirit of collaboration and of initiative in the face of technological challenges.

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

IMT Atlantique

Country

France

City

Brest

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.abg.asso.fr/fr/candidatOffres/show/id_offre/120995

STATUS: EXPIRED