Communication networks provide the bedrock for digital transition of our society and economy. In 4G and 5G mobile networks, the Netherlands is strong in RF semiconductor technologies and applications of mobile technology. 6G, the new generation for the 2030s, offers large economic opportunities for the Netherlands to extend this position to areas in the global 6G value chain that have earlier moved to Asian and US companies. Securing such a position is crucial for the Netherlands to stay in control of its mobile networks. In the Future Network Services (FNS) program, leading ICT- and semiconductor companies and research institutions will jointly research specific parts of 6G: software antennas, AI-driven network software and leading 6G applications. By integrating these parts at the 6G software layer, FNS creates a powerful approach to make 6G a truly intelligent network. This innovation gives an important impulse to the Dutch economy and sustainable earning power, through advanced industrial activity and significant export opportunities. It will make 6G networks more energy efficient and drive digital autonomy.
Outline of the FNS-6G program:The FNS innovations are developed in four program lines: (1) intelligent components, developing software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G; (2) intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks; (3) leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health and other sectors that create value through new set-ups of the sector value chains; (4) ecosystem strengthening, integrating the FNS innovations in the national 6G testbed, stimulating start-ups and SMEs, developing and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring policy alignment. The consortium currently consists of a mix of 60 large and small telecom, semiconductor and ICT companies, universities and public bodies:
- PL1: TU/e (lead), Aircision, Altum-RF, Ampleon, AntenneX, Astron, Bosch (ItoM), Chalmers, CITC, Ericsson, IMEC, KPN, NXP, PITC, Prodrive, RobinRadar, Sabic, Signify, TheAntennaCompany, TNO, TUDelft, Twente University (UT), Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, VTEC;
- PL2: TUDelft (lead), Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, TNO, TU/e, Universiteit van Amsterdam, UT, Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam);
- PL3: TNO (lead), Alliander, ASML, Comforest, Cordis, Drone Delivery Service, Ericsson, Future Mobility Network, gemeente Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gomibo, KPN, Philips, Port Of Rotterdam, PWXR, Robin Radar, TenneT TSO, T-Mobile, Vialis;
- PL4: TUDelft (lead), BTG, Ericsson, ECP, EZK, Hanze Hogeschool, KOREWireless, KPN, Liberty Global, Nokia, OostNL, RDI, SURF, TU/e, T-Mobile , UT, Vodafoneziggo.
The PhD position 'E-band circularly polarised AESA antenna':The integration of SATCOM with terrestrial communication networks to improve coverage and availability is currently foreseen as a key element of future 6G services. Lately main satellite communication (SATCOM) players started working and launching their first Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. Main trend for SATCOM user terminals in the professional market is towards flexible, low-profile solutions. From one side, the need of reliable and fast connections from multiple orbits, with quick beam pointing and switching between constellations, is pushing forward solutions based on active electronically steered array (AESA) antennas. From the other side, the need of more capacity, which cannot be addressed at microwave frequencies because of the already congested electromagnetic spectrum, results in moving toward higher frequencies. AESA-based SATCOM terminal solutions are thus being investigated at mm-wave frequencies to enable high data rate links.
The objective of the PhD project is the development of innovative AESA antenna elements and architectures at E-band (71-86GHz) supporting wide scanning capability. The project will focus on the study of different array elements with respect to performances, manufacturability and the feasibility of accommodating active components in a tight lattice. Moreover, research on wideband, low loss polarizers capable of converting single linear to dual circular (depending on the band) polarization, also for large angles of the impinging waves, is envisaged to relax the antenna design constraints and reduce the overall system complexity.
This project is part of a collaborative framework within FNS growth fund, involving an industrial partner (Viasat), a research laboratory (TNO Radar Technology) and a university (TUe). The candidate will conduct part of her/his research at TNO and Viasat premises.
The main responsibilities of the PhD student will be:
- Conduct in-depth research on antenna elements, active phased arrays, and Satcom systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
- Design and simulate different antenna elements in array configurations.
- Design and simulate polarizers in conjunction with antenna elements.
- Conduct theoretical studies and simulations, verify by testing.
- Contribute to the scientific community knowledge through high-quality publications.
- Prepare and defend the PhD thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.