Columbia Technology Ventures

Compact high-power transmitter for long-range high-speed millimeter-wave wireless communication

This technology is a digital polar phased array transmitter architecture for wireless communication in the millimeter-wave spectrum (30-300 GHz).

Unmet Need: Compact and high-power millimeter-wave transmitter for stable long-range wireless communication

The growing use of low-frequency radio frequency (RF) bands due to adoption of commercial wireless standards poses increasing challenges in providing high-speed peripheral and backhaul wireless communication. Although still largely available, the millimeter-wave spectrum has seen little use because the high attenuation experienced by signals in these bands limits their use in applications requiring stable long-range wireless connections. Although attenuation can be reduced by increasing signal intensity, existing high-power transmitters generally make use of bulky high-gain components that are not amenable to compact integrated fabrication.

The Technology: Compact radio frequency integrated circuit transmitter for long-range millimeter-wave communication

This technology employs multiple stacked digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that can produce high-power output suitable for stable long-range communication using a fully-integrated silicon platform. Multiple chips can be tiled in a single package to increase transmission range. The transmission beam can also be electronically steered to improve stability in adverse weather conditions. The design, therefore, obviates the need for mechanical antenna steering to maintain stable communication links.

The advantages of the technology have been confirmed using simulations.

Applications:

  • Wireless links for mobile backhaul communication
  • 5G Wi-Fi networks
  • Rapid deployment of high-speed wireless links in regions lacking fiber optic connectivity
  • High-speed near field communication for mobile devices or industrial machinery
  • Millimeter-wave scanners for security and military applications

Advantages:

  • Enables use of millimeter wave spectrum for long range wireless communication
  • Reduces cost and energy requirements of millimeter-wave electronic platforms
  • Obviates the need for bulky high-gain transmission electronics
  • Supports electronic beam steering to boost signal stability

Lead Inventor:

Harish Krishnaswamy, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: